The Big Questions of Christianity

By Rolando José Olivo

The big questions of Christianity include: What is Christianity? Are the canonical gospels valid? What are the searches of the historical Jesus? Who is Jesus? Did the historical Jesus exist? Does the religious Jesus exist? What is the Son of Man? What are the messianic prophecies? Is Jesus the Biblical Messiah? Why don ́t Judaists accept Jesus as the Messiah? Who is God? What is the relevance of the Name of God? Is Jesus the same God? What is the Christian trinity? Is Jesus religious or esoteric? What are the differences between Christianity and New Age? When was Jesus born? Where was Jesus born? Why are there two different genealogies of Jesus? Is Mary a virgin? Did Jesus have brothers? Who is Mary Magdalene? What happened during the lost years of Jesus? How long did Jesus preach? Why didn ́t Jesus leave written documents? How many trials did Jesus face? Why was Jesus condemned? What is the position of Christianity regarding human suffering? When did Jesus die? Why are there four different stories about the resurrection of Jesus, in the canonical gospels? What is the relevance of the resurrection of Jesus? What is the ascension of Jesus? What is the grace? How is salvation obtained? Why is the Christian cross so relevant? How did Christianity arise and spread? What was Paul's role? How to describe the book of Revelation? What is the meaning of the book of Revelation? What are the relevant facts of Apocalypse?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rolando José Olivo
• Release date: Feb 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005976446

Rolando José Olivo

[e-mail] Instagram: @rolandojolivo Systems Engineer with 3 postgraduate degrees: Master's Degree in Applied Economics, Diploma in General Management and Specialization in Management of Social Programs (Summa Cum Laude). Work experience in companies in the oil sector, occupying these positions: Planning and Logistics Manager, Project Coordinator, Financial Advisor and Consultant. Consultant in the economic and financial area. Writer of books on economics, management, self-help, novels and Christianity, among others.

Book preview

I. INTRODUCTION

This book is the tenth of a collection of publications about Jesus.

In the first, Who is Jesus?, these aspects are analyzed: Did Jesus exist? Why is Jesus divided into historical and religious? What are the three searches of the historical Jesus? What is the Son of Man? Why didn´t Jesus write even a letter? Furthermore, certain emphasis is placed on the legacy of Christianity.

In the second, Who is the Biblical Messiah?: Analyzing the Christian and Jewish Vision, answers are sought to these questions (standing out the infallibility of biblical prophecies): What does Messiah mean? Why do Christians accept Jesus as Messiah? Why do the Jews reject Jesus as Messiah?

In the third, Who is the Lord?: Analyzing the Divine Condition of Jesus, these mysteries are evaluated: Is Jesus God? Is the Christian doctrine of trinity true?

In the fourth, Jesus, Human Suffering and the Greater Perfection, two arduous and complex themes are examined, which were masterfully considered by the Lord (addressing his Essence as religious, in opposition with the esoteric image attributed to Him by New Age, and overcoming the human conceptions of modern superheroes): a) the human suffering, and b) the perfection.

In the fifth, Jesus, the Cross, and the Resurrection, three closely related issues arising from the life, works, teachings, miracles and legacy of the Lord are analyzed: a) the Christian cross, b) the resurrection of Jesus, and c) the afterlife.

In the sixth, The Extraordinary Unconventional Leadership of Jesus, taking into account the complex human nature, management styles and leadership theories, some strategies of Jesus and his leadership style are explained, being Him the only leader who didn´t adapt to demands and expectations of the vast majority of his supporters.

In the seventh, The Great Teachings of Jesus, three major themes are addressed (which confirm the Master's messages): a) the parables, b) the Sermon on the Mount, and c) the Christian ethics.

In the eighth, The Mystery of the Shrewd and Cunning Administrator, a great mystery is evaluated: the parable of the shrewd and cunning administrator (the most difficult passage in the canonical gospels to interpret and understand). It is relevant to note that its first impressions are contrary to Christian ethics, since it is really inconceivable that the unethical actions of a fired employee are praised. Again, Jesus demonstrated his extraordinary intelligence and communicated impressive messages in this difficult and unpublished story.

In the ninth, The Seven Trials Against Jesus, it is explained in detail what happened in each of the trials of the Master, who was a TRUE INNOCENT, and in just three days, faced seven trials: a) religious-Jewish, led by Annas (without sentence, invalid due to the lack of competence of Annas), b) religious-Jewish, Sanhedrin or Jewish court (found guilty, although it is invalid for many violations of the Jewish Law), c) religious-Jewish, Sanhedrin, repeated in the morning of the following day, before the nullity of the previous one (declared guilty and also is invalid for violations of the Jewish Law), d) civil-Roman, led by Pontius Pilate (who declared Him INNOCENT), e) civil-Roman, coordinated by Herod Antipas (who didn´t pass sentence, invalid due to the lack of competence of Herod Antipas), f) civil-Roman, led by Pontius Pilate, the next day (who declared Him INNOCENT again), and g) legal aberration, coordinated by Pontius Pilate and the court of the crowd. Without filing charges neither presenting evidences, Jesus was sentenced to death on the cross. It is undoubted that the Master was a TRUE INNOCENT (his accusers couldn´t present proofs against Him), who demonstrated his INNOCENCE, and at the same time, knowing that He was going to be unjustly condemned, agreed to sacrifice Himself for all human beings.

This book, The Big Questions of Christianity, is the last in this collection and focuses on three great topics: a) the big questions of Christianity (reaffirming answers from previous books, and introducing other questions and answers), b) the wisdom of the Master (reflected in the exceptional theological narrative of the Sermon on the Mount), and c) the Essence of the Lord (which goes beyond the modern superheroes, or the imperfect solutions imagined by human beings to face evil, injustice and suffering).

Finally, we must be aware of the relevance of Christianity, its spectacular influence in history, which endures in these contemporary times, and the immense possibilities that it provides us to lead a true, full and satisfying life. Therefore, we must recognize, value and be grateful for what Jesus has done for all of us...

II. THE BIG QUESTIONS OF CHRISTIANITY

Some of the questions of Christianity are the following:

1. What is Christianity?

2. Are the canonical gospels valid?

3. What are the searches of the historical Jesus?

4. Who is Jesus?

5. Did the historical Jesus exist?

6. Does the religious Jesus exist?

7. What is the Son of Man?

8. What are the messianic prophecies?

9. Is Jesus the Biblical Messiah?

10. Why don´t Judaists accept Jesus as the Messiah?

11. Who is God?

12. What is the relevance of the Name of God?

13. Is Jesus the same God?

14. What is the Christian trinity?

15. Is Jesus religious or esoteric?

16. What are the differences between Christianity and New Age?

17. When was Jesus born?

18.