Killing Jesus, A History by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard (review)

For more than thirty years, I have reviewed books for scholarly journals. Very few of them are outstanding, capable of becomming classics in a highly competitive field.

O’Reilly and Dugard’ study, Killing Jesus, in my opinion, is destined to become a classic study of the last days of Jesus Christ, and definitely will stand the test of time.

There are numerous, excellent, studies of the life of Jesus of Nazareth and His message for all mankind. Some of them are more factual than others while others are more philosophical - preaching His universalist creed. Two of the best works are Jim Bishop’s The Day Christ Died, a “dramatic” recreation of the last days of Jesus which is well researched and “Practical” in its outlook. And, Fulton J. Sheen’s study, Life of Christ, interprets the Gospel’s accounts “vividly” and in a “dramatic” manner.

But this study by O’Reilly and Dugard is much more: it is original and goes far beyond the classic narratives. You can be sure that it is well researched and documented, extremely vivid, and highly dramatic. Also, it has a very unique quality - it transports the reader back in time so that you feel as if you are there, in first century Palestine. The events are described so realistically that you feel as though you are not only a reader but an active participant in those events - indeed, you are with Jesus and His apostles and disciples; you are involved in the political intrigues between Rome and Palestine with Pilot, the Roman governor, caught in the middle. You are involved in the religious conspiracies in the Jewish administration; you will stand with or against Caiphas, the high priest. And, lastly, you feel horrible pain and impact of the crucifixion of the Christ.

In addition to its fluid writing style, its ease in understanding complex events, this book’s presentation is unique. Each brief chapter is illuminating and ends with a powerful punch to leave the reader thinking about its content and to have an impact upon thr reader. Futhermore, you feel as if you are not only there, but that you are an eye witness to all the proceedings. And, that is amazing; no other study that I am aware of about the Christ has achieved that level of intensity and intimacy!

This book will touch your heart and remain within it. It should be read by everyone, Christian and non Christian.