Maralene Wesner Knihy

We've spent months digging through red-letter editions of the Gospels, seeking out every clue and analyzing every incident that gives us information about Jesus as a person. It was a fascinating, eye-opening experience. We found that many ideas people have about Jesus are just stereotypes and not based on the scriptures. He wasn't merely a religious icon. He certainly wasn't a pious fanatic. Instead, he was an interesting and vital individual. He expressed strong feelings of impatience, anger, and depression, as well as joy, sympathy, and love. He was a logical thinker. His teachings and stories emphasized concern for others and hatred for hypocrisy and greed. He was a man with a lot of common sense and humor. In order to really know Jesus, we must develop an understanding of his human personality. We must come to know him as a friend as well as a savior. Unfortunately, very little research of this nature is available, and very few churches deal with these issues, but that's our theme! It's different, and we promise readers will make surprising discoveries and acquire new outlooks. Understanding the meaning of his activities and achievements will help us know him better and become more like him.

This book presents a psychological explanation of the gospel. It deals with the nine basic human needs that salvation fills. Believing that we have acceptance, love, and value gives us peace and contentment: "We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom 5:1). Believing that we have security, forgiveness, and guidance gives us assurance and confidence: "All things can be done for the one who believes" (Mark 9:23). Believing that we have support, purpose, and hope gives us meaning and significance: "We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor for the soul" (Heb 6:19). People today want more than creeds and platitudes. Discovering that there are logical reasons for the positive changes that take place when we become a Christian helps us understand how and why a conversion experience makes such a real difference in our lives.

We encourage readers to analyze and actualize their faith. Some observations may be provoking and disturbing, but any criticism comes from concern rather than from cynicism.

Jesus's life in Palestine was drastically different from our life in America. However, as Christians we're expected to emulate his beliefs and actions. Trying to discover and salvage the true character and message of Jesus from the Gospels is a real challenge. Nevertheless, we can study the Gospels and extrapolate the truth from these stories.It's difficult to know the mind and follow the example of a person who lived so long ago, but the Gospels do include some frequently overlooked vignettes that teach us about Jesus's personal character, values, and methods of ministry. They can help us determine what Jesus would say and do about current issues.

Some Bible stories are historical and factual. Many others are parables about spiritual and moral issues. We don't necessarily know which are which. Whether it can be applied to our current lives is the most important question.

In addition to experiencing many tragic family experiences, we have spent almost seventy years as religious and educational counselors. We have dealt with literally hundreds of such inexplicable tragedies. We have listened to literally hundreds of confused, angry, disillusioned individuals. We have seen literally hundreds of situations when painful reality absolutely repudiated traditional dogma. Since we were not willing to "cop out" in the face of these incongruities, we began to explore new paths with startling theological implications. By sharing the insights we've gained from our professional as well as our personal life, we hope to strengthen others who hurt. Indeed, if intellectual enlightenment can be increased, it will lend some meaning to these deaths. If emotional comfort can be extended, then these will not have suffered in vain. If spiritual dimensions can be expanded, we'll see that it is possible for evil things to work together for good. Therefore, it is to these loved ones and the millions of others they represent that this book is dedicated.