Bill O'Reilly's "Killing Jesus"

"Killing Jesus" by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard is on the bestsellers list.  It is said to be a history and the authors state they are dealing only in known facts.  Though in places they do seem to speculate on things.  In the book O'Reilly does not defend the miracles or the resurrection of Jesus as true historical facts. 

They do use some good Biblical scholarship as sources.  The work of Darrell Bock and the book "Jesus Under Fire" are two examples.  Somewhat surprisingly O'Reilly and Dugard, both Catholics use the NIV an evangelical Bible translation. The book does provide some good background information especially on the Roman Empire and first century Jewish life. 

The book is generally favorable to historic Christianity.  But some of Bill O'Reilly's views on the Bible are problematic.  He believes much of it is to be interpreted as an allegory, not taken as literal.  In the book the miracles of Jesus are downplayed.  Though the resurrection is not defended as historic fact it does seem the authors believe it really happened. 

The book "Killing Jesus" is not a must read but it can be useful for the background information.  Those wanting to know the real, historic Jesus should read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).