Jesus Before Christianity ('76, '01) by Albert Nolan, O.P. is a book which removes the lens of Christianity from looking at the historical Jesus & provides the context for the times in which Jesus lived & taught his people. Interestingly, Nolan minimizes Jesus’ supernatural acts & even his divinity, but in a way that more greatly emphasizes the radicalness of the Way he taught. Thus our faith in Jesus as son of God is increased by knowing him as a human being. Nolan points how that Jesus never proclaimed his authority nor stated that he was divine & did not even defend himself in his trial, all of which teach us something important about his nature.
Nolan pictures Jesus as a prophet for a coming of calamity (Roman conquest that would come around 70 CE), who wanted not to lead a military revolt but to protect Israel by having people change themselves. He showed care for the poor & oppressed at a time when they were thought to be beyond saving, & taught healing & forgiveness. The “Kingdom” (a word that in the original Greek refers to both a domain & to the quality of royal power & isn't gender specific) of God is discussed thoroughly over several chapters, outlining a very real vision Jesus had for his people. Nolan also dissects the confrontation that he had with the Jewish & Roman leaders that led to his execution.--Liam (edited)