Spectator's_Guide

Book Review A Spectator’s Guide to Jesus: an Introduction to the Man from Nazareth — John Dickson Summary John Dickson is an Australian writer, historian and minister with a PhD in ancient history. His book, A Spectator’s Guide to Jesus, gives readers an introduction to a number of portraits of Jesus, for the average spectator. Dickson sets about this by taking us through historical sources, giving an explanation for each of the portraits, to reveal this figure of Jesus and what we know about him. In A Spectator’s Guide, Dickson’s portraits deal with the humanity and life of Jesus, as well as his divinity, his death and resurrection. Dickson also addresses the theme of Jesus’ legacy and the importance of it. Dickson begins by explaining the Greco-Roman, Jewish and Christian sources about Jesus. He goes though the information these sources give and discusses why Christian sources can be reliable and useful, even when accounting for any biases, because of the ‘criterion for multiple attestations’. Religious texts such as the Bible are considered no differently to any other texts. All through A Spectator’s Guide these sources are used by Dickson to show how we have found out what we now know about Jesus. A large part of A Spectator’s guide, deals with the life of Jesus and his reputation as a teacher, healer and friend. Dickson mentions Jesus as a teacher; but he believes this role is over-stated by the general public, as they ignore his many other miraculous deeds. However he also states that equally flawed, is the church’s overreaction to this teacher-Jesus figure. He argues that this diminishes other important aspects of him, such as his role as a worker of miracles and a healer. He makes no attempt to prove these miracles, but rather explains the meaning of these and gives some observations about them. Dickson asserts that miracle-workers were not common at the time, the miracles were recorded in many independent Christian & non-Christian sources, and that modern experts all arrived at the conclusion that Jesus did things interpreted by those around him as miracles. This, Dickson explains is significant in Jesus’ character and who he was. Dickson further explains other portraits relating to the humanity of Jesus. He describes the meaning of ‘Christ’ and Jesus’ friendships, including his relationships with the sinners. John Dickson tries to express a number of other portraits of Jesus. Many of these relate to the divinity of Jesus and his godly nature. He identifies Jesus as through the portraits of a God, Saviour and Judge. Being the Christ, he is the ‘anointed one’ to save the people from their sins. This relates to Jesus as the Saviour. The title ‘Saviour’ represents Jesus’ undertaking to save people from judgement by dying for them. A Spectator’s Guide to Jesus also deals with Jesus as a judge, who will bring justice upon the people. Finally, Dickson also explains the portrait of ‘God’ — his oneness with the Almighty. Here he claims that Jesus is the manifestation of the invisible Lord, and that Jesus and God are one. He discusses this idea, and the way it is mentioned in a number of sources, both pagan and Christian, such as the New Testament. He further describes other relevant portraits such as Jesus’ claim to replace the Temple and be the true Israel. In these ways, Dickson shapes this image of Christ as being divine and sharing the nature of God. Throughout the book, Dickson refers to the legacy Jesus left behind. He contends that Jesus inspired a movement from the earliest times, which is still being continued now two-thousand years after his death. He ties together the various portraits of Jesus and proclaims his belief as being revolutionary and if it is truly believed, then “nothing will ever be the same.” Strengths and Weaknesses John Dickson’ A Spectator’s Guide to Jesus is a well-written account of Jesus, and his various representations. It appeals to a wider audience on a popular level, for the average ‘spectator’ and not necessarily an academic or religious person. Dickson supports his explanations well with evidence from a number of sources. Furthermore, he considers each issue objectively and with detachment, as is appropriate. Although he has a PhD in ancient history, Dickson’s work is very insightful but also easily understandable. However, Dickson has a multiple flaws in the way the book has been written. The portraits often appear to be disjointed, leaving us unsure of how the relate to other concepts or to each other. There is a lack of coherent structure. He has given a somewhat ambiguous aim and no central argument throughout the book. This causes the reader to question the relevance of all the information he has provided, especially since he has chosen not to deal with a number of issues that are seemingly necessary to resolve. Dickson also adds in a number of stories which hinder the flow of his writing. Rather that stating things in a more straightforward way, he is constantly introducing ideas in a round-a-bout way leaving us searching for the main point he is making. Personal Reflection Dickson’s A Spectator’s Guide to Jesus was somewhat interesting a few ways. The book has helped me better understand the character and identity Jesus, and who he is. It has been very useful in showing me a number of perspectives from which Jesus can be seen. It has posed a number of questions relating to Jesus’ identity. There is a very strong motion as a result of what Jesus claims to be and what he has done. As well as this, I have developed a better understanding of where this information about him comes from: both the Christian sources and other sources, and how these are to be treated as historical sources. When reading it, at times, I was left wondering about the relevance of some of the ideas to my own beliefs and it became a tedious task. However, it has made me think of the implications of what the book has stated, if they are true. There were several sections that I could identify with which have helped me in grasping Jesus’ nature as being divine and his humanity. A Spectator’s Guide has made me reflect on these and various other issues surrounding Jesus.