One sentence summary
Killing Jesus is a non-fiction book by author Bill O’Reilly which outlines the historical events leading up to and surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Book genre
Non-fiction, historical narrative
Main topic of the book
Killing Jesus is the story of the events leading up to and surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Bill O’Reilly weaves a compelling narrative, explaining the political, social, and religious climate of ancient Jerusalem during this period.
Key ideas
- Jesus was a devout political and spiritual leader, who had a unique message that went against the popular beliefs of the time. Despite the opposition of many, he was embraced by countless people, leading to his eventual martyrdom.
- The political and religious setting of Jerusalem during Jesus’ life-time were fraught with tension, and had a major influence on the events leading up to his crucifixion.
- The Roman Empire was a powerful force during this period, and its politics and policies profoundly affected the region.
- The crucifixion of Jesus was a defining moment in history, as it ultimately led to the establishment of Christianity as the world’s largest religion.
Main parts of the book and a short summary
- Part 1: Overview of Jesus’s life and ministry – Killing Jesus begins with an overview of Jesus’s life and ministry, including his teachings, miracles, and the opposition he faced from religious authorities.
- Part 2: Jerusalem before Jesus – This section examines the political and religious environment in Jerusalem before Jesus’s arrival. It explores the corruption and oppression of the Roman Empire, and the tensions between different religious groups.
- Part 3: Jesus in Jerusalem – Bill O’Reilly examines Jesus’s life in Jerusalem, from his interactions with the Jewish and Roman authorities to his arrest and execution on the cross.
- Part 4: The Aftermath – This section explores the impact of Jesus’s death on the people of Jerusalem, and the rise of Christianity in the centuries that followed.
Key takeaways
- Jesus was a political and spiritual leader whose teachings went against the popular beliefs of the time, leading to his eventual martyrdom.
- The political and religious setting of Jerusalem during Jesus’s life-time had a major influence on the events leading up to his crucifixion.
- The Roman Empire was a powerful force during this period, and its politics and policies profoundly affected the region.
- The crucifixion of Jesus was a defining moment in history, as it ultimately led to the establishment of Christianity as the world’s largest religion.
Author’s background and qualifications
Bill O’Reilly is an American journalist, author, and television host. O’Reilly is best known for his work on the Fox News Channel’s The O’Reilly Factor. He has authored several books, including several best-selling works in his Killing series.
Target audience
Killing Jesus is written for a general audience interested in the historical events leading up to and surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Publisher and first publication date
Killing Jesus was first published in 2013 by Henry Holt and Company.