Misquoting Jesus by Bart D. Ehrman
This book was an interesting read detailing much of the history behind the origins and transmission of Christian scripture. Taking a journey from the actual origins of the books of the "New Testament", through methods and mistakes during copying and transmission, and spending a great deal of time on theologically-motivated changes, the book attempts to discern what the original scriptures said concerning the most controversial figure in history - the man called Jesus.

Unfortunately the book was ultimately a let-down. The final chapter of the book, consisting of a paltry 11 pages, basically wraps up by Ehrman nearly exhonerating those who deliberately altered Christian scripture. He states "As the years went by ... I gradually became less judgemental toward the scribes who changed the scriptures they copied".

Really, Mr. Ehrman? Then why did I listen to such rhetorical speech on the prior 215 pages?

The bottom line is that the book was an interesting read, but certainly should serve neither to discourage Christian believers nor encourage those who engage in polemical argument against the Christian faith. It is interesting simply from an intellectual standpoint, akin to watching how someone makes a cake from scratch.

Rating - 3 stars (out of 5)



The Jesus Papers by Michael Baigent
Here we have yet another book along the lines of Knight and Lomas' Hiram Key series. This represents, for me, yet another desperate attempt to link the origins of Christianity with Egyptian Mystery Religion. Call this one "Holy Blood, Holy Grail Part Deux", only without the "shocking revelations" of the original.

If you're looking for a new set of archaelogical finds and details of these "Jesus Papers", you'll start reading about them on page one and have finished the discussion by page ten. What follows is a 234-page rambling rabbit-trail through Canon Alfred Lilly, the Church at Saint Sulpice, Josephus, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Zealot movement and other mind-numbing "connect-the-dots" speculation. Only on page 245, the next-to-last chapter in the book, do you get back to the subject at hand.

On a positive note, I thoroughly enjoyed the last chapter of the book concerning the antiquities black market. I also enjoyed the "Plus" section of the book, an exclusive of HarperSanFrancisco (their spelling). In it, Mr. Baigent details info about the court case between himself (and others) and Mr. Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code.

One wonders why, in light of the fascination some seem to have with the Egyptian religion, someone doesn't just revive this "original" religion. Maybe it will save us the time and expense of reading these speculative ramblings and allow us to observe the supposed connections ourselves.

Interested in reading this book? Read The Da Vinci Code instead. Its a lot more fun.

Rating - 2 stars (out of 5)



Boudica by Vanessa Collingridge
Ah Boudica - the mere mention of the name often conjours images of heroism in the face of overwhelming odds. Although most Americans will raise a quizzical eyebrow at the mention of this unfamiliar name, many from the British Isles begin to recount a story that they remember through the fog of time - a story learned in grammar school or told with the embellishment that only centuries can bring.

If you're looking for more information however than can be found in the History Channel documentary specifically about this legendary Queen of the Iceni, you will be left wanting. What Collingridge does excel at is setting this lengend into the historical milieu of the Roman Empire at the time. In fact, the vast majority of the pages in this book cover the Roman history surrounding the time of Boudica.

It is an enjoyable, if not somewhat frustrating read. It gives a tremendous flavor of the times, but does little to add more information concerning this great warrior queen than the old boob-tube.

Rating - 3.5 stars (out of 5)



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