The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others

From Publishers Weekly Amid a sea of books on Christian spiritual formation, McKnight, professor of religious studies at North Park University in Chicago, brings us a simple, highly readable one focused on the weightiest teaching of Jesus: love God and love others as yourself. The "Jesus Creed" of the title is a trimmed down version of the Shema of Judaism (Deut. 6:4–9), which declares we are to love God with all our being, amended to include caring for one's neighbor as oneself (Lev. 19:18). Packed with vivid and touching stories—from the Bible, history and the author's life—this book covers important aspects of what it means to love God and others. McKnight shows great respect for the Jewish heritage of Jesus and offers readers scholarly, yet highly accessible, illustrations of the sociocultural landscape of first-century Palestine. The book is slim on doctrine, making no comment on the thorny theological squabbles that divide many Christians. That's refreshing for the reader tired of the squabbling, but may leave others wondering what love does require in certain difficult situations. Still, this book is an excellent introduction to Christian spirituality. Its pages glow with compassion, generosity and the invitation to understand what was important to Jesus and what is crucial for Christianity. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. This fascinating book explains that the gospel is about the restoration of "cracked Eikons" (fallen humans) so that humans can be in union with God and in communion with the saints. In the candid and lucid style that has made McKnight's THE JESUS CREED so appealing to thousands of pastors, lay leaders, and everyday people who are searching for a more authentic faith, he encourages all Christians to recognize the simple, yet potentially transforming truth of the gospel message: God seeks to restore us to wholeness not only to make us better individuals, but to form a community of Jesus, a society in which humans strive to be in union with God and in communion with others. Prisim ePistle July 26, 2006With a degree of theological insight that is refreshingly "meaty," The Jesus Creed is an excellent resource for anyone desiring life-changing, Christ-centered, spiritual growth. CBA Marketplace September 24, 2004Amid a sea of books on Christian spiritual formation, McKnight brings us a simple, highly readable one focused on the weightiest teaching of Jesus: love God and love others as yourself. . . . McKnight shows great respect for the Jewish heritage of Jesus and offers readers scholarly, yet highly accessible, illustrations of the sociocultural landscape of first century Palestine. Publishers Weekly August 24, 2004<hr>There are few people in the world who both speak well and know what they are talking about. Scot McKnight is one of those people. He blends a great scholarly mind, with a wonderful communicative spirit. In The Jesus Creed this all comes together. Read it, and read it again. Samuel Lamerson, Ph.D., Asst. Professor of New Testament, Knox Theological Semin July 24, 2004This book is a rare treat. A biblical scholar of the first rank offers the fruit of his own personal study, life experience, and prayerful reflections. It is clearly written, eminently practical, and based on a wide range of sage traditions (Protestant, Catholic and Jewish). One does not have to agree with Scot McKnight in all the particulars to see that he has produced a work of real value. No doubt this book will draw many readers closer to Christ, and more deeply into the wisdom of God's Word. Scott Hahn, Ph.D., Professor of Scripture and Theology, Franciscan University of July 24, 2004<hr> Scot McKnight has been married for 47 years, a professor for nearly 40 years, and an author of more than 80 books. His books from Paraclete include the bestseller, The Jesus Creed; Praying with the Church ; and To You All Hearts are Open . Read more