It is safe to say that in modern religion, one of the most prolific and iconic figures in Christianity is Jesus Christ. Whether a person is religious or not, everyone knows about Jesus and the role this figure has played throughout the world politically and socially. The importance of Jesus’ role in the faith, and the various accounts of the person he was throughout his young life, have inspired countless books, television shows, and films as people try to understand this figure on a personal level.
Getting to know Jesus and understanding how various accounts of his life and actions have shaped the Christian faith’s approach to conflict and the search for peace drives author Eric D. Hovee’s Conflict & Peace: At Home with Jesus. The book breaks down the perspectives and roles of twelve figures in understanding Jesus: eight are said to have worked with and known Jesus personally, while four others held historical roles in the world and used them to further change the faith overall.
This is a compelling and engaging read. The author did an incredible job bringing much-needed balance to this subject, delving into both the religious side of these figures and the history and details of their lives, and how that shaped their view of the faith. The straightforward writing style and the honesty with which the author presented the history and personalities of these individuals were refreshing to read, and the way the author is able to infuse both historically documented events and history with the teachings and events found in the Christian Bible made this book a thoughtful study of the life and beliefs of both the figures and the man Jesus was.
Readers who enjoy nonfiction, especially those who enjoy books on religion and spirituality, bible study, and Christian Bible Language Studies in particular, will thoroughly enjoy this book. Readers will especially enjoy seeing how these historical and religious figures helped shape the Christian faith. Whether the reader is part of that faith or not, they will see the ways in which these figures changed people’s views of established religious moments and how this impacted every aspect of society, from the ruling class to laws and so much more. Conflict & Peace: At Home with Jesus, Eric D. Hovee explores the intersection of faith and conflict, encouraging readers to look beyond their circumstances and discover the peace that can come from a deeper relationship with Christ.
