Judas and Jesus by Jean-Yves Leloup © 2007 Inner Traditions ISBN
1-59477-166-9 174 pages Includes Appendices Paperback $14.95 (U.S.)
Monsieur Leloup is a French theologian and founder of the Institute of
Other
Civilization Studies and the International College of Therapists. In this
book he departs from his usual do***entary-style to a more narrative-based
approached. He uses many of his own translations from the Greek to
sup****t
his interpretations.
The author posits a difference between the "Divine" and "God" that was a
revelation to me. I'm still not sure how I feel about this distinction -
the Divine is all that exists and "God" is a being who chooses. Think
about
that for a few minutes and see how you react to it.
The author explores, as well as any man can, the thought processes of
Yeshua
(known as the Messiah). He lays out thought trains and patterns which
ring
true not only because they accord with orthodox interpretations of the
Gospels, but because they accord with the thoughts of honest and sincere
men.
Although this is a book which is aimed, obviously, at a Christian
audience,
those of us with exposure to non-mainstream religions will find echoes of
Pagan thought in some parts of this book (e.g., "Do you know now that the
love you were seeking in outer experiences is within you, and that if you
do
not find it within you, you will never find it outside you? [page 64]).
There are thought-provoking ideas scattered throughout this book.
For those people interested in exploring the "behind-the-scenes" of
religious thought, this book will be invaluable, for others - no so much.
It is well-written and interesting. If the topic interests you, this book
is well worth the price.
|
