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

"Cahill's writing is straightforward and translates well to audio. O'Byrne's Irish accent gives a flavor to the reading without interfering with the material...one is glad to be listening, rather than merely reading." —AudioFile

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

"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

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.

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.

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.

Not so much history

I thought it was going to be more of history but it was more theological and exploration of the gospels. As that I thought it was fine. But I thought from the title and description that I was getting a history. This is one persons view of the gospel with his interpretations of how it should be thought and lived. As that, it is fine. I just hoped for different.

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.

A Historical Adventure about Humanity

I love how this important theological history reads like a conversation with the most interesting storyteller you've ever met.
Cahill tells history with deep knowledge, understanding and fresh perspective. Unbiased, compassionate and factually authentic.
I read this book and the Hinges of History series at least once a year to renew my faith in humanity. That no matter how hateful we humans become, we are evolving and there is hope for our spiritual selves.

for the layman...

this book was extremely informative, giving much historical background information in order to establish the context of biblical event in bibical times. it's a great read for those of us who don't have a degree in biblical scholarship or ancient history. at the same time, the facts are not dry, but the narrative is rich and interesting. altogether, a very good 'read'.

A Beautiful and Profound Book

I write this review with a curious mixture of melancholy, satisfaction and happiness as I just completed listening to Desire of the Everlasting Hills -- and I'm frankly sorry I've completed the book. No series of sleep-inducing sermons, Cahill brings the great events, cultures and people of the New Testament and early Christian eras literally to life. Even the most hardened and cynical nihilist may find this book's tenets and interpretations difficult to dismiss. Many times while listening to the extraordinary stories of these great but very real people who were largely unbeknownst to me previously, I found myself overwhelmed by the profound humanity in the writing. Moreover, Cahill's portrait of Jesus -- a man I so often wish I truly knew -- was beyond description. My personal view is that those who are on the path of exploring their spirituality and working towards that perennially elusive state called self-actualization, may greatly benefit from reading this work. Intuitively imparting compelling non-dogmatic lessons and the corresponding actions (very relevant for all of us who shake our heads, wring our hands, and fret over our inability as one person to do anything about the vast scale of tragedies all around our troubled world), the author leaves us with exemplars who demonstrate by their actions what we can possibly do to make the world a better place. These are some of the things that I have taken from Cahill's wonderful book to date, and I intend to purchase a physical copy and return to it as a reference for many years to come.

Worth rereading a dozen times

I have come back to read and listen to this book again and again, for perhaps a dozen times. Most recently, having watch the incredible series “The Chosen” I am here once again rereading this wonderful and profound gift to us. And the narration by Brian F. O’Bryan is equally meaningful in this experience. My hope is that a guide in Rome will use this wonderful book as a basis in designing an “Everlasting Hills” tour.