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I just finished reading "Behold The Man". First off, let me say I'd recommend this book to most anyone, no matter their religious persuasion. Those who choose to wear blinders to protect their viewpoint of Christian reality from any outside influence will not appreciate this book. But for most others, Christian and non-Christian alike, this book offers the opportunity to evaluate history and their beliefs from an alternative perspective, albeit a fictional one. Thoughtful questioning of generally accepted dogma is never a bad thing.
No doubt there are many folks who take offense at the content of "Behold The Man". I understand this, however I see no genuine cause for it. My personal beliefs are very much rooted in Christianity but I did not take offense at the subject matter. Well ok... to be honest, I admit the bit about Jesus being a drooling imbecile and Mary being the town whore was mildly disturbing to me at first take. But this is satirical fiction, right? With a punch. Rather than be offended, I took this part as humorous, almost to the point of absurdity. Absurdity in literature is often a very good way to make a point.
"Behold The Man" explores the idea that our human longings are so strong that we sometimes make myths out of men. And men out of myths. But beyond that, the book also seems to me to be an affirmation of the importance of the events that took place 2,000 years ago. The impact of those events on both individuals and nations, at least in the Western world, has been enormous. Something spectacular must have been going on. I have occasionally wished I could travel back in time myself to witness what took place during those years. The concept of God becoming man through the person of Jesus, with faith as the only requirement to enter heaven, was born at that time. And this was a truly radical change from the idea that man must work his way to heaven or be part of some chosen few to pass through the pearly gates. No wonder Karl wanted this to be true.
Speaking of Karl, he is an interesting character. Not a very likeable man really, but fascinating none the less. At times I wanted to slap him for his cynical, disillusioned, and self-destructive take on life. But then... there is this constant thread of hope in him. His hopes and dreams, such as they were, translated into the ultimate imitation of Christ, did they not? I think there is a little bit of Karl in all of us.
In the end, no matter what we believe about the fact or the fiction of Jesus, "Behold The Man" makes us pause and take a look at our beliefs in a new light. Who was Jesus? Demon, demagogue, myth, imbecile, or God Himself? Each one of us must answer that question for ourselves with a personal leap of faith in one direction or another.
Mike, I am new to your books & to these forums and may have misconstrued your intent for "Behold The Man", but I've shared how it spoke to me. It's a book that cannot be easily categorized and one that will stick with me for many years. Very enjoyable and thought-provoking read. Thank you.
No doubt there are many folks who take offense at the content of "Behold The Man". I understand this, however I see no genuine cause for it. My personal beliefs are very much rooted in Christianity but I did not take offense at the subject matter. Well ok... to be honest, I admit the bit about Jesus being a drooling imbecile and Mary being the town whore was mildly disturbing to me at first take. But this is satirical fiction, right? With a punch. Rather than be offended, I took this part as humorous, almost to the point of absurdity. Absurdity in literature is often a very good way to make a point.
"Behold The Man" explores the idea that our human longings are so strong that we sometimes make myths out of men. And men out of myths. But beyond that, the book also seems to me to be an affirmation of the importance of the events that took place 2,000 years ago. The impact of those events on both individuals and nations, at least in the Western world, has been enormous. Something spectacular must have been going on. I have occasionally wished I could travel back in time myself to witness what took place during those years. The concept of God becoming man through the person of Jesus, with faith as the only requirement to enter heaven, was born at that time. And this was a truly radical change from the idea that man must work his way to heaven or be part of some chosen few to pass through the pearly gates. No wonder Karl wanted this to be true.
Speaking of Karl, he is an interesting character. Not a very likeable man really, but fascinating none the less. At times I wanted to slap him for his cynical, disillusioned, and self-destructive take on life. But then... there is this constant thread of hope in him. His hopes and dreams, such as they were, translated into the ultimate imitation of Christ, did they not? I think there is a little bit of Karl in all of us.
In the end, no matter what we believe about the fact or the fiction of Jesus, "Behold The Man" makes us pause and take a look at our beliefs in a new light. Who was Jesus? Demon, demagogue, myth, imbecile, or God Himself? Each one of us must answer that question for ourselves with a personal leap of faith in one direction or another.
Mike, I am new to your books & to these forums and may have misconstrued your intent for "Behold The Man", but I've shared how it spoke to me. It's a book that cannot be easily categorized and one that will stick with me for many years. Very enjoyable and thought-provoking read. Thank you.
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