3.5 stars

I was excited to read this book and dove right in once I received it. Within, we read about how throughout history, there has been more than one Messiah - and that we have written history of these multiple Saviors performing the same sort of miracles OR have behaved in extremely divergent manners (one Jesus is benevolent and kind, the other killed other children). There are also many tales about Mary and the virgin birth. It's all fascinating.

It's very high on the academic content scale so it was a slow read for me. However, there is enough in here to interest the casual reader.

Wow! This book was extremely fascinating! I was never bored and could not put the book down. I'd recommend this book to Christians and non-Christians alike.

Most of us, I think, wander through life taking it for granted that the status quo was more or less inevitable. We spend little time wondering what would have happened had our parents not met, had we not gone on that blind date where we met our spouse or whether we literally had taken a road less traveled. So too with Christianity. It was not inevitable, at least from a historian's point of view, that mainstream Christians would believe in a triune God or that the image we have of Jesus is one of peacemaker. Nixey peels back the layers of history that have accumulated over time and shows us, thorough and scholarly narrative, the multiple faces of Jesus and the multiple gospels which did not make it into the accepted canon. We see, for instance, stories about Jesus as a somewhat homicidal kindergartener with super powers and others about Jesus' birth. She also shows us other sons of gods who were also miracle workers, creating stories parallel to those in the New Testament.

Nixey writes well and presents her material in an interesting but non-sensational fashion. She is a writer but also a scholar, familiar with her topic and the languages of her source material. The bibliography absolutely bulges so there is plenty of backing for her assertions. It should be noted that this is not intended to be a religious tract. It is, rather, a well written history that opens us to the possibilities of what might have been.

This was a tough one for me. The premise is fascinating. The cover is great. I was really excited to read this title and interested in what Nixey was going to bring to the table. Unfortunately, this book isn't for everyone. It's highly academic and dry, so I can't imagine it'll grab the attention of casual readers. While there are moments that are funny or interesting, they are interspersed between walls of quotes with little additional interpretation. This was especially true in the very beginning where I felt like I was reading back-to-back quotes with not much else to add body.

So why 3 stars? I think this book still has a place. It's just not with me. I think that this book will find a home with academics and scholars who are looking for strings of information and aren't concerned with the flow of the text. I really had to force myself to pick this book up, but I did find small moments that were fascinating to me. I just wish they were more fleshed out and more friendly to someone who is reading for pleasure and not for research. It felt a little clunky. And I felt like Nixey was more focused on throwing as many cited sources and quotes at the reader as possible than on teasing it apart, analyzing it, and drawing the reader along on a journey. I get that this could be a controversial topic and that it behooves Nixey to back up the claims made as thoroughly as possible, but I just wish there was.... more.

"Heretic" by Catherine Nixey is a thought-provoking and meticulously researched exploration of the clash between paganism and Christianity in the ancient world. With scholarly precision and a compelling narrative voice, Nixey delves into the tumultuous period of religious upheaval that shaped the course of Western history.

Nixey's prose is both engaging and accessible, making complex historical concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Through vivid storytelling and vivid descriptions, she brings to life the world of late antiquity, immersing readers in a time of political intrigue, religious fervor, and cultural transformation.

One of the strengths of "Heretic" lies in Nixey's ability to challenge conventional narratives and shed light on lesser-known aspects of history. By highlighting the often violent and oppressive tactics employed by early Christians to suppress pagan practices, she prompts readers to reconsider their preconceived notions about the spread of Christianity and its impact on the ancient world.

Moreover, "Heretic" is a timely reminder of the dangers of religious intolerance and the importance of safeguarding freedom of belief. In an age marked by religious extremism and sectarian violence, Nixey's exploration of the consequences of religious zealotry serves as a cautionary tale for modern readers.

While "Heretic" is undeniably a scholarly work, it is also a compelling piece of storytelling that will appeal to a wide audience. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student of religion, or simply someone interested in exploring the complexities of human belief and behavior, "Heretic" is sure to leave a lasting impression. Nixey's meticulous research, combined with her engaging prose style, makes this book a valuable addition to any library.