In "Jesus for Everyone," esteemed biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine offers a compelling exploration of Jesus of Nazareth's enduring influence on Western ethics and civilization. Levine, a professor at Vanderbilt University Divinity School, presents Jesus as a figure of immense interest not just for Christians, but for nonbelievers as well. Through meticulous examination of scripture and historical analysis, she reveals unexpected insights into Jesus's teachings, including his views on women. By situating Jesus within his historical context, Levine invites readers of all beliefs to appreciate his profound impact on today's world. This book is a thought-provoking study highlighting the relevance of Jesus's life and philosophy for everyone.

"Jesus for Everyone: Not Just Christians" was written by Amy-Jill Levine, a Jewish Professor of Religion who was raised to ask questions about what she had been taught. She brings this same mind frame to the Scriptures, and encourages her readers to understand the context in which Jesus was teaching, as a "Galilean Jew living under the Roman domination in the early first century CE." When we read the Bible, we must keep in mind how our interpretation needs to include the original audience to whom it was written. Levine does not discourage questioning Scriptures, rather she says we must ask questions because if we don't "we abdicate our responsibility for engaging with the text . . . and we make the subject under discussion boring." Levine brings this trademark honesty to some difficult topics, such as economics, slavery, ethnicity, and others.

If you're looking for a book that includes in-depth conversation on some of the more difficult Scripture topics, this is the book for you. I found it to be more academic than an easier, more personalized book. However, it did answer several questions for me. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.