Jesus's Ethical Revolution: Inner Love and Universal Fellowship

Key Quotes

"jesus was in terms of his influence the most important human being in history he is also the most written about and discussed the earliest surviving document dealing with him was circulated in the 50s of the first century ad within a half a century of his death four biographies written in greek had been published and all have come down to us meaning they survived since then entire books about him have been published in growing quantity and in all languages today there are over 100 000 printed biographies of jesus in english alone"

Paul Johnson highlights Jesus's profound historical influence and the extensive documentation of his life. This demonstrates the enduring and widespread interest in Jesus, evidenced by the sheer volume of biographies written across centuries and languages. The author emphasizes that this extensive record underscores Jesus's significance as a central figure in human history.

"the problem with writing about the life of jesus the man is not so much the paucity of sources as their abundance and the difficulty in reaching behind the written text to the full meanings of sayings and episodes"

Paul Johnson identifies a unique challenge in biographical writing about Jesus. The author explains that the abundance of sources, rather than a lack of them, complicates the task of understanding Jesus's life. This abundance requires careful interpretation to discern the true meaning behind the historical texts.

"he says it was harsh cruel violent and unstable it was also materialistic and increasingly wealthy rome was in the process of transforming itself from a republic into an empire rome now occupied all of italy and spain as well as greece and egypt and what we now call turkey between 50 to 60 million people came under its laws"

Paul Johnson provides context for the world into which Jesus was born. The author describes this era as characterized by harshness, violence, and materialism, with Rome's expanding empire encompassing a vast population. This setting illustrates the challenging societal conditions that shaped Jesus's life and ministry.

"he was also a monster he had numerous wives and concubines and sired many children he was suspicious and cruel and he slaughtered over 40 of his wives he killed over 40 of his wives children and close relatives"

Paul Johnson contrasts the ruling powers of Jesus's time with the teachings Jesus would later embody. The author details Herod the Great's immense wealth and building achievements alongside his extreme cruelty and violence. This juxtaposition highlights the moral depravity present in leadership during that period.

"it is a somber and unwelcome fact that for more than half of jesus's life we know absolutely nothing about what he did or where he went or how he lived all we know is that his story picks up around he's around 30 years of age and it's very clear that he's a man of wide knowledge we must assume that jesus was self taught in many respects his words and concepts betray absolutely no sign of academic deformation or the impress of a system"

Paul Johnson addresses the significant gaps in the historical record regarding Jesus's early life. The author notes the absence of information for approximately 18 years, from age 12 to 30, but points to Jesus's evident broad knowledge. Johnson suggests this implies Jesus was largely self-taught, as his teachings show no formal academic influence.

"the alternative was a spiritual revolution one based on love and neighborliness which could be embraced by all classes and all people"

Paul Johnson describes the core of Jesus's teachings as a radical departure from the prevailing norms. The author explains that Jesus offered a spiritual revolution centered on love and neighborliness, accessible to everyone regardless of social standing. This concept represents a fundamental shift in societal and personal values.

"he wanted to avoid at all costs being known as a miracle worker he detested being thought of as a kind of holy magician but sometimes publicity was unavoidable and it could be dangerous as well as irksome to a profoundly thoughtful man and speaker who was eager to convey his message by reason and not by signs"

Paul Johnson clarifies Jesus's approach to his ministry and public perception. The author states that Jesus actively sought to avoid being labeled a miracle worker or magician. Johnson explains that Jesus preferred to communicate his message through reason and thoughtful discourse, finding publicity often burdensome.

"jesus taught that life was to be devoted to self transformation he produced a series of precepts known as the beatitudes which taught which he taught as a guide through life and its material problems there's eight of them i'm just going to give you like a summary of what some of those lessons were and some of the things they emphasize they emphasize the importance of humility gentleness and non aggression the importance of the pursuit of justice and righteousness he encourages acts of compassion and forgiveness towards others he focuses on inner purity sincerity and genuine heart he commends those who work towards reconciliation harmony and peace and he acknowledges the challenges faced by those who stand for what is right and just"

Paul Johnson outlines the essence of Jesus's teachings, particularly the Beatitudes. The author explains that these precepts guide individuals toward self-transformation, emphasizing virtues like humility, justice, compassion, and inner purity. Johnson notes that these teachings offer a perspective on blessedness that often contrasts with worldly success.

"the intellectual social and racial climate of jesus's day was hostile to this message this message of loving mankind as a whole jesus was a universalist he said i will draw all men to me he had no home no country no race no characteristics tying him to a tribe or a nation or a locality he was united to all men by love he was philanthropy incarnate"

Paul Johnson characterizes Jesus as a universalist whose message transcended the limitations of his time. The author explains that Jesus's teaching of loving all mankind was radical in an era with a hostile climate towards such inclusivity. Johnson asserts that Jesus embodied philanthropy, uniting all people through love.

"what jesus provided by his life was in effect a new ten commandments the revolution was entirely inward a revolution against selfishness and greed cruelty and prejudice anger and lust a revolution from self love into love for all and fellowship with everyone the reborn person would be totally different and all would be changed but outwardly the world would carry on at the heart of this is the imitation of jesus the example of how a person behaves and thinks and speaks"

Paul Johnson presents Jesus's life as a model for a new set of guiding principles. The author describes this as an inward revolution against negative traits like selfishness and anger, promoting love and fellowship. Johnson emphasizes that imitating Jesus's behavior, thoughts, and speech is central to this transformation.