by Jon Meacham
First published 2020
Pulitzer Prize winner Jon Meacham turns his attention to Christianity's most pivotal moment. He examines the seven final statements Jesus made while dying on the cross, as preserved in the four Gospels. Meacham brings his historian's perspective to these ancient words, tracing how each phrase shaped the emerging Christian faith. From Jesus's opening plea for forgiveness of his executioners to his final surrender of his spirit to God, Meacham shows how these utterances established Christianity's core values of mercy over revenge and love over hatred. The former Trinity Church vestryman combines historical analysis with theological reflection, exploring how these last words became the foundation for both spoken and written Christian traditions. Meacham argues that Good Friday and Easter contain the heart of Christian belief. He writes in a more personal tone than his previous books, examining how these final moments transformed Jesus from a teacher in first century Palestine into a figure worshiped across the globe.
Genres: history, christian, non-fiction, christianity
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: historical-fiction
Period: First Century Palestine
144 pages · Hardcover · Convergent Books