More than twenty centuries ago, a man named Jesus was born in Bethlehem. His words and deeds first sparked interest, then resentment, and finally rebellion, leading to His condemnation to death.
But it did not end there. Some of His disciples declared they had encountered Him alive after His death. This is how Christianity was born. Over the centuries, the news of Jesus spread throughout the world until it reached our time.
What do we really know about Jesus of Nazareth? And why is His teaching still alive after so many years? How do we explain His story and the fact that His disciples recognized in Him the living and true God? How do we understand the love of neighbor that He proclaimed? What is the foundation of faith in His resurrection? And where do we find ourselves in all of this?
History, message, identity, legacy: these are the steps through which we come to know Jesus. Joseph Doré, a Catholic, theologian, and Bishop, skillfully presents in his book the latest research of historians and theologians, providing answers to many questions about this central figure of Christianity. He also does not hesitate to address questions that have sparked criticism and misunderstandings.
He takes up the challenge: to present Jesus to believers and non-believers. He allows each individual to answer the question Jesus once asked His disciples: And you? Who do you say that I am? At what stage of your life are you, and who am I for you?
We invite you to read the book by Bishop Joseph Doré. The author is one of the greatest French specialists who has dedicated his scholarly activity to the pursuit of knowledge about Jesus. This exceptional theologian taught for years at the seminary of Nantes, the Seminary of the Carmelites in Paris, and the Catholic Institute of Paris.
Throughout his academic and pastoral work, he has been confronted with the challenge of speaking about Christ to non-believers, who are increasingly numerous in a heavily secularized France. The fruit of his reflections is the publication Jesus for Believers and Non-Believers, which is a kind of synthesis of the author's scientific output and an attempt to make the truth about Jesus known to all.
Bishop Doré skillfully presents the findings of historians and theologians and provides answers to the many questions about Jesus that concern everyone. At times, he resembles more a dispassionate scholar than a passionate preacher, but such a narrative is necessary to capture the attention of non-believers, who are also the target audience of his book.
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This is why he is not afraid of questions that provoke criticism and misunderstanding—he illuminates them. His goal is to provide "as much real knowledge as possible about this figure, whom everyone has heard of and in whom everyone has probably perceived something special."
He reveals the reasons why Christians "recognized in Him [Jesus] the true revelation of the 'one, living, and true God.'"
This article was originally published by Niedziela (Article Link).