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18 of 18 found the following review helpful:
 Fantastic Read... Jan 07, 2010
By Thomas Buchanan
"Chaos Theory"
Easily one of the best books I've read.
Snuffer does a great job of discussing the intricacies surrounding Christ's life, especially in a context which relates to today. I've read a couple of Snuffer's other books (Second Comforter, Eighteen Verses, Nephi's Isaiah, etc), but this one is probably my favorite. For those looking for a deeper look into the life of our Lord and Savior, this is a great place to start, but it's only a start. The real journey required to get to know Him is an individual one, a point Snuffer makes throughout his works.
"There has never been a safe, broad mainstream," he says, "which reliably prepared or can prepare anyone to receive Him. It has never happened this way. We delude ourselves into thinking it will be otherwise for us. It was always designed that the Gospel of Christ requires you to find Him in His solitary way. His way is that of a "thief" who comes without credentials, without trappings and without public acclaim. His only sign of authority may be that your heart will burn within you as He speaks to you while in the way. Often times He will require you to first accept the unlikely truths which save, originating from unlikely sources, before He will permit you to come to the Throne of Grace." (p. 68-69).
This applies to those who think belonging to one, special religion makes them "chosen", to those who think membership in said religion(s) will prepare them to meet their Lord and Savior.
A good portion of his book is spent on the topic of authority. Not in the context of an entire chapter devoted to the topic, but rather comments peppered throughout the book discussing Christ's role within the hierarchical "authority" of his time contrasted with the "authority" of his message, his teachings, his saving words. A context which is all but lost today. We tend to assume that the "authority" of a church or religion is all that matters, believing everything that comes from that church or religion at the expense of all others.
To this point, Snuffer responds, "Christ's message is his authority. His words are what distinguish His true ministers from false ones He never sent. Anyone teaching His truth should be recognized as His messenger. He taught this to Moroni. Those who will receive Christ in any generation do so because they hear and recognize His words (see Ether 4:12). Anyone who will not believe in His words, no matter who He sends to speak them, will not believe in Christ or His Father. Those who trust only institutional sources of truth, whether they are Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, or Latter-day Saint, believe in an institution, and do not believe in Christ. The ability to individually recognize His words distinguishes those who are saved from those who are lost." - p. 70-71
One of my favorite chapters in the book was on Christ's dealings with the scribes and Pharisees. A chapter of ultimate importance today, just as it would have been then. I'll end this review with this quote:
"...darkness can take hold of any people. When it does they are inevitably led to take offense when the Lord (or any messenger sent by Him) walks in the light. Darkness and light are always two different paths. They are incompatible. The people hearing Christ's sermon at this time were required to choose between everything they had been taught all their lives and what Christ was teaching. They were God's chosen people, led by leaders chosen by God. They were taught respect for the priestly authorities of their society by reading the scriptures, which assured them they were God's "chosen people," and by observing the traditions of their fathers. They were led by recognized leaders, chosen in an established system of succession, on the one hand, and then this Man from Nazareth, lacking any sort of credentials, on the other, asking them to "come follow" Him. Even though they had shouted "Hosanna!" at His arrival the day before, this sermon (Matt. 23) demanded they reject the established authorities in order to follow Him." - p. 208-209
Again, one of the best books I've read (especially in recent memory). For those looking for a deeper, more profound experience with Christ, this book is a great way to start (or add) to your experience.
11 of 11 found the following review helpful:
A truly unique perspective on Christ Jan 09, 2010
By Thomas B. Knowlton
I've read several books about our Savior. As promised, this book by Denver offers a truly unique perspective. The book does review the Messiah's life from birth to death, but focuses on the doctrines he taught, and why they were so controversial in His day, as well as ours!
"When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:" (Matt 27:1)
Not a single word left the Savior's mouth that does not give us pause and does not cause us to look within ourselves and find ourselves wanting. Christ gave ... gives .... us that perfect mirror to look in. Until our reflection resembles His, there is work to be done, changes to be made in our nature.
This book alsos provides eye-witness accounts of how and what the Savior suffered in Gethsemane, which to my knowledge, are unique to this book.
This book should be found in the library of anyone who desires to follow Christ.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
I loved it Feb 23, 2010
By Dreamer
As with all of Denver Snuffer's books, I loved it. It helped increase my understanding of the great love of The Savior for myself and all mankind. It opened my eyes to things that I can do to better show that love in my own life. Thank you Denver for another inspiring book!
4 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Thought provoking! Dec 26, 2009
By Gordon Johnson
Denver Snuffer's intent to share his views, feelings, and testimony of Christ through this book was fulfilled admirably. Not only were valuable insights set forth in the book, but hope and desire to become more Christ-like were strengthened immeasurably. Throughout the book I constantly found myself asking myself where I stood on issues, and wherein I could improve.
No matter what you personally feel about Christ, this book challenges you to rise to greater heights and do do more than you had ever dreamed possible. You definitely will not be the same person you were before reading it.
Gordon Johnson, Ph.D.
3 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Great book Mar 06, 2010
By J. Russell Lyman
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Many aspects of the Savior's life have taken on a new meaning since I read this.
See all 9 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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