[.ca] In the Fullness of Time: A Historian Looks at Christmas, ... (ISBN 0825433290)

Interesting, non-biased work by a scholar of ancient history:
When I saw Paul Maier interviewed in a documentary on the life of Jesus, I searched for titles by this author, and when this book was listed, I immediately ordered it. I wasn't dissappointed. Maier is a professor of ancient history at Western Michigan, and brings credibility and scholarship to a subject that is frequently approached with bias, often from polar perspectives. Professor Maier is one of the leading scholars on the writings of first century Jewish historian Josephus, and this book includes appropriate and informative references to this ancient source. As a student of history and an attorney, I found the book stimulating and thought provoking. However, the book most certainly does not read like a history text, and is interesting to both the historian and the person simply looking for some information on the historical context of the birth of Christ, his crucification and the biblical account of his resurrection. The book also examines the early church and the spread of Christianity. Anyone with an interest in these topics should read this work. I very much recommend this book, and look forward to reading other works by Paul Maier.

Food for Thought:
This is a tremendous book which provides insightful analysis based upon hard facts. If nothing else, this book will get you thinking about the practical reality of the foundations of the Biblical message. The book provides a means of evaluating various Biblical stories from a unique perspective. While true belief does not require a foundation of historical fact ( from this world, anyways ! ), I found it comforting that many of the people, places, and events described in the Bible certainly could have existed as told. One of the more interesting themes is why God chose that particular time and place of human history to bring about the completion of the Old Testament Scriptures !

Faith and facts -- happily together:
Dr. Maier presents a readable & well-documented account of some of the major historical events of Christianity. Using both Scripture and other contemporary texts of that time period, Maier puts forth compelling evidence supporting the chronology of the events & the participants of the first Christmas, the first Holy Week, and other events. For those who think "you have to check your brain at the door to have Faith," Dr. Maier shows that a Chrsitan and a scholar can truly be the same person.

Easy, captivating read of three important World Events:
Maier is one of the significant historians of Christ and the apostles. He demonstrates his intense research into the topics by the simplicity with which he writes about them. He makes them so interesting. As an example to whet your appetite, I was astounded that there is actual historical evidence of "arrest notices" (what might in our time be "Post Office Wanted Posters) for Jesus' arrest. What was initially three=volumes has now been published in this one, making for great reading and giving. You'll be amazed at the historicity of these events as Maier documents them for us in thorough classical research with footnotes and bibliography provided.