I was a little hesitant about approaching this book as I had the idea that Pope Benedict was a 'difficult' writer, and that it would be inaccessible to anyone who wasn't a full-time theologian. I wasn't prepared for how lucid Benedict's prose is, and how quickly the reader becomes immersed. This is not just a wonderfully clear theological work, it is also a gripping and highly enjoyable book. Credit is also probably due to translator Philip J. Whitmore. Highly recommended. ( )

Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week is the second volume in Pope Benedict XVI's three-volume meditation on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Offers a detailed analysis of Jesus Christ's final week in Jerusalem, examining the political, religious and scholarly aspects of Jesus' life, teaching, death and resurrection.

Rich and accessible reflections on Jesus' final week by the Pope. This book is conversant with historical critical scholarship, the theological tradition and patristic exegesis (the pope is a good scholar). At certain points I wish that he updated his exposure to protestant commentators. I mean, I'm glad he's read Barret, Dodd and Bultmann but I would have liked to seen some reflections on N.T. Wright's work, Jesus seminar scholars (as a foil) or Richard Bauckham or someone doing great work today. I'm glad he's read protestants, I just wish they weren't all dead. The way he blends historical-critical insights with theological interpretation is great though and there are some real insights here. ( )

A little less concise and clear than the first volume, but still filled with a lot of insight. ( )

The Pope traces the time from entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection to establish Jesus as an historical person. He also suggests that the next step was for the Jews to move to Christianity as well as Gentiles thus creating a peaceful world. Contains resources used, glossary and biblical reference (although He does not indicate the version of the Bible used.) ( )

In this second book of Pope Benedict XVI's "personal search for the face of Jesus", he presents a fundamental and essential description of Jesus both as a historical person marking an event in the history of mankind and a faith-deducing person in Christ. His interpretation of the coming events in scripture from the entrance into Jerusalem, to the passover meal, his crucifixion and finally the resurrection and ascension is beautifully crafted, rich in theology and critical rationality. Since this is a book done in his personal curiosity, it should not be understood as the final teachings of the Church. Nevertheless, Benedict XVI provides an insightful reflection and in some points, new ways of looking at the scriptural events. His manner of explaining events through the lens of Jewish tradition makes the reader understand more the context of what is happening. It is a decisive work where he draws back meaning on original texts, in Hebrew, Greek and Latin and presents how these are understood today. Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week is not only a work of purely academic and theological depth but also a spiritual work of art that induces meditation and hunger for knowledge who Christ is. ( )