Title: The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ
Author: Philip Pullman
First published December 4, 2009
265 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781786891952
Rating: 3.41
Overview
This is a book that challenges everything you thought you knew about Jesus. In The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ, Philip Pullman takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through the life of one of history’s most famous figures.
With his signature blend of mystery, compassion and storytelling prowess, Pullman offers a fresh take on Jesus’ story that will leave readers questioning their own beliefs. But this book is more than just a retelling of the past.
It’s a meditation on the power of storytelling itself, and how the stories we tell can shape our understanding of the world around us. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.
About the Author
I strongly believe in the democracy of reading, and I don’t think authors should be responsible for telling readers what their books mean. The true meaning of a story is found in the interaction between the words on the page and the thoughts in the reader’s mind.
So when people ask me to explain the message behind my stories, I simply can’t. I’m not in the business of delivering messages; I’m in the business of storytelling.
Philip Pullman is most famous for his His Dark Materials trilogy, which includes The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. These books have been praised as some of the greatest novels of all time by both Newsweek and Entertainment Weekly.
In recognition of his contributions to literature, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2004. He currently resides in Oxford, England.
Editoral Review
In his 2009 novel, The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ, Philip Pullman tackles one of the most controversial figures in history: Jesus Christ. Pullman, known for his bestselling fantasy series His Dark Materials, takes a different turn in this work of historical fiction.
The novel explores not just the life of Jesus but also the role of religion in shaping human society.
The book is set in first-century Palestine and follows the lives of Mary and Josephs twin boys, Jesus and Christ.
The former is a charismatic preacher who travels the land and performs miracles, while the latter is a quiet, introspective figure who records his brothers teachings in secret. As the brothers grow older, their differences become more pronounced.
Jesus becomes a symbol of revolution and a threat to the powerful Jewish and Roman authorities, while Christ begins to manipulate Jesuss message to suit his own agenda – to create a powerful new religion that will control the masses. Pullmans prose is concise and unpretentious, allowing the reader to focus on the themes of the novel.
He uses a simple vocabulary and avoids religious jargon, which makes the book accessible to a wide audience. The novel is full of vivid descriptions, and the physical descriptions of the ancient world are spot on.
Pullman does an excellent job of creating a sense of place, from the dusty streets of Bethlehem to the grand halls of the Temple in Jerusalem.
One of the strengths of the book is its exploration of the relationship between Jesus and Christ.
The dichotomy between the good man, Jesus, and the scoundrel, Christ, is at the heart of the novel. This duality is a recurring theme throughout the novel and underscores the tension between spirituality and institutionalized religion.
The novel critiques the role of religion in manipulating people for power, and explores the problem of religious fanaticism.
Another strength of the book is its relevance to contemporary issues, including the separation of church and state, the secularization of society, and the rise of populist leaders who exploit peoples fears and prejudices.
The novel also raises questions about the nature of truth, the role of myth in shaping history, and the conflict between reason and faith.
There are some weaknesses in the book, however.
The plot seems a little too contrived in places, especially towards the end, and the pacing could have been tighter. Some of the characters, especially the minor ones, feel undeveloped, and the dialogue is a little wooden at times.
Overall, The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ is a thought-provoking and well-written novel that explores some of the most fundamental questions about human nature, religion, and power. Pullmans writing style is clear and uncluttered, and his characters are well-drawn and believable.
Although the plot has some weaknesses, these are outweighed by the novel’s strengths, which include its exploration of the relationship between faith and reason, the tension between church and state, and the problem of religious extremism.
I would recommend this book to readers who are interested in historical fiction, religious studies, and philosophy.
The novel has a broad appeal and will engage readers who are looking for an intelligent and accessible exploration of some of the most complex issues facing our society today. I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
