Killing Jesus by Stephen Mansfield

It is the most famous execution in history. Its symbol is worn by hundreds of millions worldwide. Its spiritual meaning is recalled daily in time-honored rituals. It is the most passionately debated murder of all time. In Killing Jesus: The Hidden Drama Behind the World’s Most Famous Execution, New York Times best-selling author Stephen Mansfield tells the gripping story of the conspiracy to assassinate Jesus Christ and the graphic details of his torturous death. Approaching the tale at its most human level—an approach often neglected by worshipers of Christ and the non-believing alike—Mansfield uses both secular sources and the biblical accounts to bring fresh perspective and fire to the familiar saga. Rooted in scholarship but told simply – and with vivid detail-, this thrilling, page-turning account of the death of Jesus will fascinate and stir readers whatever their beliefs about that death might be.
  
My review:
   I wasn't planning on requesting any more books for April until I got this one offered by email. It intrigued me enough, especially at this time of year, that I decided to request it.

  Although the author takes some liberties with people's thoughts and intent, he does a great job of showing the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, and of how the religious leaders conspired to have Jesus killed.

  I found the book very interesting and moving. I have read descriptions of the trial and flogging of Jesus, but the author really brought that out in words that have really stuck with me.

  I do feel there could have been some more detail and depth to the book, but I still enjoyed reading the book and thought the author did a pretty good job of portraying the events of Holy week in a way that has helped make Easter more fresh and new to me this week, so I would recommend the book.

About the author:

Stephen Mansfield is a writer and speaker best known for his groundbreaking books on the role of religion in history, leadership, and modern culture. He first came to international attention with The Faith of George W. Bush, the New York Times bestseller that influenced Oliver Stone’s film, W. . He has written celebrated biographies of Booker T. Washington, George Whitefield, Winston Churchill, and Abraham Lincoln, among others. Stephen speaks around the world on topics of faith, leadership, and culture. He is also the founder of two firms: The Mansfield Group (MansfieldGroup.com) and Chartwell Literary Group (ChartwellLiterary.com). He lives in Nashville and in Washington, DC, with his wife, Beverly, who is an award-winning songwriter and producer.

Killing Jesus is available from Worthy Publishing.

Thanks to Worthy for the review copy.