Desire of the Everlasting Hills

The World Before and After Jesus

By: Thomas Cahill

Narrated by: Brian F. O'Byrne

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • From the bestselling author of How the Irish Saved Civilization comes a compelling historical narrative about Jesus—an obscure rabbi from a backwater of the Roman Empire who became the central figure in Western Civilization.

"Divertingly instructive...gratifying...[Cahill] makes Jesus a still-living literary presence." —The New York Times

In his subtle and engaging investigation into the life and times of Jesus, Thomas Cahill shows us Jesus from his birth to his execution through the eyes of those who knew him and in the context of his time—a time when the Jews were struggling to maintain their beliefs under overlords who imposed their worldview on their subjects. Here is Jesus the loving friend, itinerate preacher, and quiet revolutionary, whose words and actions inspired his followers to journey throughout the Roman world and speak the truth he instilled—in the face of the greatest defeat: Jesus' crucifixion as a common criminal. Daring, provocative, and stunningly original, Cahill's interpretation will both delight and surprise.©1999 Thomas Cahill; (P)1999 Random House Publishing, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Divertingly instructive...gratifying...[Cahill] makes Jesus a still-living literary presence." —The New York Times

"Engaging...Cahill strips away the pious accretions of 2000 years so that a picture of Jesus as an actual human being emerges." —BookPage

"A deft march through time and through theology in the making...[Cahill's] own gift-giving is his ability to climb inside the scholarship and enliven it." —Philadelphia Inquirer

"Cahill constructs his stories as occassions for celebration...He seeks to encourage a sense of appreciation for the gifts offered the present from the past...Each of his books offers moments of genuine insight into the workings of culture, literature, and the human heart." —Luke Timothy Johnson, Commonweal

"Compelling...powerful...Cahill is a convivial storyteller."—Portland Oregonian

A delight

I liked it very much. Being attracted by history and religion, this one satisfied my tastes entirely. I liked the temperate presentation free of ecstatic exigency. I am not a Christian myself and I am definitely not a fan of religious organizations of whatever religious denomination. This book is about the core values and that is why I am releasing five stars.

Book allowed me to re-Saul-t my Christianity

This book made me reevaluate my opinions on both Paul (Saul) and John the Evangelist. Untill hearing this book I had alway prefered my Christianity un-Saul-ted.
I enjoyed the listen although the narrator's brogue got a little much at times.

Inspirational

Cahill writes with clearing and profound understanding of the life and times of Jesus

I found it especially meaningful during this time of Lent.

Wow

One of the best books I’ve ever read concerning the life and times of Jesus.

Great reading! Highly recommended

This was my first Audible book and What a treat it was! The Irish accent of the narrator gives this book an aire of its Irish author. The book itself is invigorating for well read Christians who are familiar with history of Western Civilization and the New Testament. The book sets the time of Jesus’s life against the backdrop of Alexander The Great’s transformation of the Middle East followed by the ascension and dominant rule by the Romans.

The second half is a dabbling portrait of Paul and the stories of the early church. A fascinating human collage of the early church communities. A very good summary of each and how Paul was able to lead and inspire them all.

The last part of the book has some good recent stories and examples of mission churches and a strong general indictment of the organized church and slavery and oppression and war. A vigorous ending full with hope.

I feel hopeful and energized and comfortable that I am still on the road of discovery and searching for my mission and how I can help others and love God with all my heart and love neighbors as i love myself.