Books › The Jesus I never knew
The Jesus I never knew
First published 1995 · 386 pages
A thoughtful, journalistic stripping away of cultural varnish to reveal a startlingly radical historical figure.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like sitting down for coffee with a deeply thoughtful, slightly disillusioned, but ultimately faithful friend who is eager to share a profound discovery. The pace is steady and contemplative, inviting you to pause and wrestle with ideas rather than rushing to the next chapter. Yancey's prose is accessible and journalistic, stripping away centuries of cultural varnish and Sunday school cliches to reveal a figure who is far more radical, unpredictable, and challenging than the sanitized version often presented in modern religion. The mood is both reverent and disruptive, creating a space where it is safe to ask hard questions. It will deeply resonate with thoughtful believers feeling stagnant in their faith, as well as seekers wanting to look past church culture to encounter the raw, historical reality of grace.
- Mood
- contemplative
- reverent
- intellectually stimulating
- disruptive
- Tone
- earnest
- inquisitive
- reflective
- journalistic
- challenging
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- deconstructing cultural religion · rediscovery of faith · the radical nature of grace · historical context of the Gospels · personal transformation
- The writing
- Accessible and conversational, blending journalistic inquiry with deeply personal reflection and historical context.
- The arc
- Moves from comfortable preconceptions through challenging disorientation to a renewed, deeper, and more authentic awe.
- Who it's for
- Thoughtful believers feeling stagnant in their faith and seekers wanting to look past church culture to find the historical figure at its center.
Content notes
- discussions of crucifixion
- religious disillusionment
About the book
'There is no writer in the evangelical world that I admire and appreciate more.' Billy Graham
Philip Yancey helps reveal what two thousand years of history covered up
What happens when a respected Christian journalist decides to put his preconceptions aside and take a long look at the Jesus described in the Gospels? How does the Jesus of the New Testament compare to the 'new, rediscovered' Jesus---or even the Jesus we think we know so well?
Philip Yancey offers a new and different perspective on the life of Christ and his work---his teachings, his miracles, his death and resurrection---and ultimately, who he was and why he came. From the manger in Bethlehem to the cross in Jerusalem, Yancey presents a complex character who generates questions as well as answers; a disturbing and exhilarating Jesus who wants to radically transform your life and stretch your faith.
The Jesus I Never Knew uncovers a Jesus who is brilliant, creative, challenging, fearless, compassionate, unpredictable, and ultimately satisfying. 'No one who meets Jesus ever stays the same,' says Yancey. 'Jesus has rocked my own preconceptions and has made me ask hard questions about why those of us who bear his name don't do a better job of following him.'
Description from Open Library.
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