The Life of Christ By Frederic W. Farrar Bookcraft, 1874 (reprint 1995). Hardcover. ISBN: 0-88494-939-7 Suggested retail price: $15.95 (US)
Reviewed by: Ken Burton

The Life of Christ is available from Bookcraft for a reasonable $15.95, 1995. First published in 1874, there have been more than 30 printings of this book and it has been widely acclaimed in all of the Christian believing world. (Which makes me wonder why I, without any credentials, should even bother.)

Farrar did an incredible amount of research, including visiting Palestine to examine the setting first hand. The book includes more footnotes than text (and I found them just as interesting). Unfortunately (for me at least), the footnotes were intended for "scholars" and Farrar assumed that all scholars would have a working knowledge of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew. Most are in English, but there are extensive quotes in original languages. Latin I could sort through from my knowledge of Spanish, but the others, ugh. I felt compelled to purchase dictionaries because I could not stand not knowing what was there.

When asked to write the book, Farrar at first declined. Later, he acquiesced and wrote, "I consented to make the effort, knowing that I could at least promise to do my best, and believing that he who does the best he can, and also seeks the blessing of God upon his labors, cannot finally and wholly fail."

One major consideration in the writing, and one which I feel was largely successful, was that the book was written, not as an Apology, but as the work of one Christian to other Christians.

The history is magnificent and was filled with information that I consider relevant to the understanding of the roots of our religion. Where information is suspect, Farrar very clearly states the known facts, the suppositions (which many of us believe from our pop-mormonism culture), and his personal beliefs.

An example: We often hear stories of the "massacre of the innocents" where Herod commanded his soldiers to sweep down upon the inhabitants of Bethlehem and murder all the children under 2 years of age. The implication is that hundreds died and the entire nation was shocked (although quietly because of Herod). Farrar points out that at the time of Christ, Bethlehem was a tiny village and it would be very generous to allow them 2000 inhabitants and at most 20 children under the age of 1 (the age that Farrar believes was the cutoff point). In addition, since the secular historians (many of whom hated Herod) failed to even notice the event, it is quite likely that it was done as secretly as possible, perhaps even at night.

His descriptions of the atrocities and attendant personality traits of Herod left me gasping for air. He capriciously murdered anyone who was popular, politically dangerous, or simply in the wrong spot, including wife, children, and extended family.

I don't know that the book has contributed directly to my understanding of doctrine or important aspects of my testimony. HOWEVER, I love history and feel an understanding of the environment and culture of those who have played a role in my religious convictions indirectly strengthens who I am and those convictions. I highly recommend the book as indispensable for those with similar inclinations.

[Ken Burton]