Jesus the Great Philosopher: Rediscovering the Wisdom Needed for the Good Life

Jonathan Pennington argues that we need to recover the lost biblical image of Jesus as the one true philosopher who teaches us how to experience the fullness of our humanity in the kingdom of God. He helps us rediscover biblical Christianity as a whole-life philosophy that addresses our greatest human questions and helps us live meaningful and flourishing lives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2020
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Many of us tend to live as though Jesus represents the spiritual part of our lives. We don't clearly see how he relates to the rest of our experiences, desires, and habits. How can Jesus, the Bible, and Christianity become more than a compartmentalized part of our lives?

Highly regarded New Testament scholar and popular teacher Jonathan Pennington argues that we need to recover the lost biblical image of Jesus as the one true philosopher who teaches us how to experience the fullness of our humanity in the kingdom of God. Jesus teaches us what is good, right, and beautiful and offers answers to life's big questions: what it means to be human, how to be happy, how to order our emotions, and how we should conduct our relationships. This book brings Jesus and Christianity into dialogue with the ancient philosophers who asked the same big questions about finding meaningful happiness. It helps us rediscover biblical Christianity as a whole-life philosophy, one that addresses our greatest human questions and helps us live meaningful and flourishing lives.

In his book "Philosophy and the Gospel of Jesus," Pennington explores the relationship between philosophy and Christianity, arguing that the two can be reconciled and that philosophy can provide a valuable framework for understanding the Christian faith. He begins by examining the historical context of the development of philosophy and the role that Jesus played in shaping it. He then discusses the key philosophical concepts that are relevant to the Christian faith, such as the nature of God, the problem of evil, and the significance of human freedom.

One of the key themes of Pennington's book is that Jesus is not just a religious figure but also a philosopher. He argues that Jesus taught us a way of life that is grounded in reason and that can be applied to all aspects of our lives. He emphasizes the importance of living a moral life and of seeking to understand the deeper meaning of life.

Pennington also discusses the role of the Bible in shaping our understanding of Jesus and Christianity. He argues that the Bible is not just a collection of religious texts but also a source of philosophical wisdom. He shows how the Bible can be used to address contemporary philosophical questions and to provide insights into the nature of God and the human condition.

In addition to his academic work, Pennington is also a popular teacher who has spoken at conferences and universities around the world. He has a gift for making complex philosophical ideas accessible to a wide audience and for inspiring people to think critically about their beliefs and values.

One of the strengths of Pennington's book is that it is grounded in a deep understanding of the Bible and of the philosophical tradition. He draws on a wide range of sources to support his arguments and provides a comprehensive and nuanced account of the relationship between philosophy and Christianity.

However, some readers may find Pennington's book challenging, particularly if they are not familiar with the philosophical tradition or with the Bible. He makes some bold claims and assumes a certain level of knowledge on the part of his readers, which may be off-putting for some.

Overall, "Philosophy and the Gospel of Jesus" is a valuable contribution to the field of Christian philosophy. It provides a fresh and insightful perspective on the relationship between philosophy and Christianity and offers a compelling argument for the importance of integrating these two disciplines into our lives. Whether you are a philosopher, a Christian, or someone who is simply interested in exploring the deeper meaning of life, this book is worth reading.

Weight: 344g
Dimension: 140 x 215 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781587434655