Matt McAvoy Book Review

As an unwavering atheist, who believes wholeheartedly in the existence of Jesus, I was very much looking forward to reading this book, and its evaluation of the authenticity of his divinity, from the point of view of an author immeasurably more knowledgeable on the subject than I.  Whilst Jonathan Dean certainly doesn’t disappoint – he is an extremely high quality author, who has undeniably studied, researched and analysed his subject comprehensively – I will admit that it was a slightly tougher read than I was expecting.

There are a couple of reasons for this.  I am actually somewhat loath to critique this book in any way which may be perceived as negative, as it is genuinely a work of pure professionalism, literary articulation and serious graft – in fact, everything books were ever intended to be.  But it is extremely academic.  I am shamefully unfamiliar with the Bible, and I have to say it’s for that reason that I may have struggled with Salt and Light a little at times.  Sure, it’s easy enough to understand and follow, but keeping engaged may be challenging for any but those with a profound interest in the subject.  The evaluation of Christ’s divinity is carried out exclusively from sources gleaned from the gospels, but because of the format Jonathan has chosen – continuous comparison and correlation within specific contexts, rather than a chronological narrative of Jesus’s life – it did feel a little scattergun in its approach, hence the reason why I think some rudimentary knowledge of the Bible is essential to make the most of it.  The second half is more resembling of this, as it starts to focus primarily on the last couple of years of Jesus’s life, through the mission and the miracles to the Passion and, ultimately, the Resurrection.  All of this is studied and appraised in an exceptionally balanced and considered manner (I have to assume), with objectivity – though I must admit, there were odd occasions when I wondered at Jonathan’s subjective conclusion, such as his decisions into what elements he is happy to adopt as markers of credibility.  That aside, for an atheist like myself, it is refreshing to see the life of Jesus explored and appraised in a down to earth rather than blindly faithful way.  Ultimately, then, whilst I won’t give it away, when Jonathan presents his final conclusion about the authenticity of the divinity, I found myself a little crestfallen.

This is a very good book, with a huge amount of work clearly having gone into it.  Its quality and credentials are unquestionable.  For a layman like me, it could have presented a more reader-friendly experience, but then most will not be reading it in the way I did; it is a reference book, to be read in context-considered moments, and that is exactly how Jonathan has presented it.  A tough book, but a triumph nonetheless, and a very interesting, informative and ultimately quite satisfying read.