What is this sub's opinion of "From Jesus to Christ: The Origins of the New Testament Images of Christ" by Paula Fredriksen? Is it a good book for learning about the rise of early Christianity?

by [deleted]

Not sure if this is appropriate for the sub. If it isn't please delete it mods.

talondearg

Have you read it?

It's not quite about the rise of early Christianity, unless you mean the rise of earliest Christianity, i.e. 30-90AD. It covers the a re-construction of the historical Jesus and the development of the 'image' of who Jesus is over the course of the New Testament writings. The author begins by working backwards before working forwards, actually attempting to give a 3-fold reading of the NT documents: descriptive, historical, and explanatory.

Overall it was received favourably in reviews, but with some criticism as being occasionally oversimplistic and light on in its referencing. The book is aimed for an early-stage undergraduate audience.