Jesus for Everyone: Not Just Christians

Why Jesus’s historic and cultural influence makes him fascinating, provocative, and relevant for everyone, not only Christians.

Two thousand years after his birth and death, Jesus of Nazareth continues to be of vital interest. Yet much of the scholarship around Jesus focuses on his religious significance. Jesus for Everyone examines his most famous teachings from a fresh perspective, exploring their roots in his Jewish context and how they have continued to shape ethics and civilization in the West for two millennia.

Even for those who reject faith, Jesus’s life and his philosophy are important to study, writes renowned biblical scholar and author Amy-Jill Levine, because of the insights they hold for us today. In this work of brilliant New Testament analysis, she pores through scripture, analyzing what historical scholarship has revealed about Jesus’s views on a number of subjects—including women—revealing surprising messages sure to be fascinating to all readers.

Placing Jesus of Nazareth within his historical context, Levine brings him vividly into focus and invites everyone from faithful Christians and curious Jews to agnostics and the most committed nonbelievers to a new kind of interreligious dialogue and a deeper appreciation of his lasting impact on the modern world.

In this deeply researched and accessible guide, Levine tackles today’s most urgent topics through a historical lens:

• Historical and Cultural Context: Discover the real first-century world of Jesus, free from the common stereotypes that have obscured his life and message for centuries.
• A Fresh Look at Jesus’s Teachings: Explore Jesus’s views on economics, politics, family values, and health care to see how his ancient wisdom speaks to today’s most complex issues.
• Renowned Biblical Scholarship: Join celebrated scholar Amy-Jill Levine as she applies her expertise in New Testament and Jewish Studies to uncover the man from Nazareth.
• For Believers and Skeptics Alike: Whether you are a committed Christian, a curious agnostic, or a confirmed nonbeliever, this book offers a compelling invitation to meet Jesus on his own terms.

“Every book from Levine startles me with its brilliance and pluck.”  - Barbara Brown Taylor

“No two people have done as much to help educate and challenge Christians as Levine and Brettler.”  - James Martin, SJ, New York Times bestselling author of Learning to Pray and Come Forth

 “Levine’s writing is full of vim, vigor, and vitality.” - Dr. Ben Witherington, III

“Levine is learned by scholarly standards, a wonderful writer by literary standards, and a sensitive, witty, and wise teacher by human standards.” - Richard Elliott Friedman

PRAISE FOR A. J. LEVINE: “Levine ultimately allows Jesus to become “a bridge,” spanning the gap between modern Jews and Christians.” - New York Times

“As a Jewish scholar and a clever raconteur, Levine’s writing is totally absorbing.” - Christian Century

“Abundant in scholarship and leavened by gentle humor.”  - Rabbi Harold Kushner