Paul Johnson is a engaging writer. His column in Forbes and his articles in numerous other magazines and papers are popular. His "History of Christianity" is worth a read for protestants. In HOC, Johnson shows how much political decisions and historical situations guided the history of the church, as much as--if not more than--the theological and doctrinal issues raised from time to time.
In Johnson's new bio of Jesus--another perspective in the long tradition of "lives of Christ" genre. What makes Johnsons' addition to the literature helpful is it's brevity and immediacy. It's a biography or life of Christ book that I would feel good about sharing with new believers or those intimidated by other, larger volumes. It's not only breif and accessible. Johnson's bio of Jesus is written from the perspective of a believer, a Christian who simply wants to know Jesus and live a life according to the Jesus way. While Johnson never states these objectives per se, it's written on each page of the book. For instance, Johnson highlights the incarnation as an important theme in the life of Jesus. But, you won't find a long discussion of the two natures of Christ from a historical/theological perspective. The incarnation is a part of the message of Hope for Johnson... part of the good news.
The way the book is arranged is also immediate and accessible. Rather than chronology, Paul Johnson looks the Teachings, Miracles and other important aspects of the ministry of Jesus, culminating in the cross and the resurrection.
Johnson's a super-conservative. So, watch out for a little slant toward 'free-markets' and the attitude that says 'God helps those who help themselves.' This conservative bias only comes through slightly, and in most cases it is presented with a decent biblical and rational argument--so it may be taken as the basis for more thinking and discussion.
All in all, I like it... as I do most of Johnson's writings.
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