Jesus, In Context
World building the most famous man ever born
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It's difficult to enjoy Star Wars if you don't know who the Jedi are, what the Force is, who the Empire is, how they got there, or why there was a Rebellion to start with. As another example, it's difficult to follow Star Trek without understanding what the warp drive is, who all these aliens are, and why we're out there. By understanding the world in which the stories are set, we can better understand the characters and their motivations. Worldbuilding refers to the creation of a detailed environment or setting in storytelling, including aspects like history, geography, and culture. Its purpose is to establish the backdrop for a narrative. This book focuses on worldbuilding to frame the stories from the life of Jesus. Specifically, my thesis is this: By exploring the political, socio-economic, historical, and cultural environments of the Jesus story, we can gain a better understanding of his character, motivations, and teachings. There is no doubt that Jesus of Nazareth is one of the most important historical and religious figures of all time. One could argue as well that Jesus is the most important person in the history of the West, looked at from a historical, social, or cultural perspective. However, Jesus was a historical figure, living in a particular time and place. Therefore, any attempt to understand his words and deeds must reckon with the fact that Jesus lived in an ancient Jewish context, underneath the Roman boot of occupation. One cannot truly understand Jesus without understanding the climate in which the stories about him are set.
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About the Book
Jesus of Nazareth is widely recognized as a significant historical and religious figure. It may also be argued that Jesus holds particular prominence in the history of Western civilization from historical, social, and cultural standpoints. As a historical individual, Jesus lived during a specific era within an ancient Jewish context under Roman occupation. Consequently, any thorough analysis of his actions and teachings necessitates consideration of the environment in which the accounts of his life were recorded. Worldbuilding is the creation of a detailed environment or setting in storytelling, including aspects like history, geography, and culture. Its purpose is to establish the backdrop for a narrative. This book focuses on worldbuilding to frame the stories from the life of Jesus. Specifically, exploring the political, socio-economic, historical, and cultural environments of the Jesus story to gain a better understanding of his character, motivations, and teachings.
About the Author
Brian Schumann was raised on a small farm in Maryland. After completing high school, he served in the United States Navy. Following his military service, he pursued his interest in religious studies, ultimately earning a PhD in Ministry from a Christian seminary. Brian approaches his faith from both Jewish and Christian viewpoints. He finds both perspectives valuable, acknowledging Christianity’s roots in Judaism and recognizing that faith must adapt to remain relevant in today’s society. Previously active as a preacher and Youth leader, Brian currently shares his spiritual journey through various online platforms and print publications. Brian is involved in his community, notably as “Coach Doc” for the local high school football team, where he aims to mentor and set a positive example for young men. He resides in Virginia with his dog Simcha, whom he affectionately calls his “son.”