The Philosophy of Jesus

Very good, but, since it was not what I was expecting or hoping for, a bit of a disappointment.

I have become very interested lately in listening to what Jesus actually has to say, as if his words mattered. Sadly, the downside of the beautiful and wise theology which the Church has come to understand is that we sometimes overlook Jesus' actual teachings. I was hoping for an exploration of his words, considered philosophically. But Kreeft, being Kreeft, gave me something different, though certainly very good. He presents Jesus himself as the answer to four primary philosophical questions. Theologically quite profound, and I enjoyed his presentation–maybe I even learned something lasting from it, let's hope. But since it was not what I am most interested in at the moment, it was a bit of a let down.

A person expecting a “philosophical” book, will, perhaps, be disappointed. He might throw up his hands and declare, “Why, this is just theology after all!” But Kreeft makes the case well, that Jesus, considered as Christians believe him to be (fully God and fully human), is philosophically pertinent. Jesus, the author claims, makes his philosophical claims simply by being, not by teaching. I would hope that the reader would allow the argument some respect and weight.