Killing Jesus (O'Reilly) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
The questions below barely scratch the surface for a good discussion of Killing Jesus. If you have one or two—or more—of your own questions that have helped your group discuss this book, we'd be delighted to add them to our list. Simply email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We'll give you full credit.

In the meantime, consider these talking points to help start your discussion of Killing Jesus:

1. Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard say that their book Killing Jesus book is not a religious book. Do you agree? Is this a strict historical account or is there a spiritual element to the book?

2. The authors portray Jesus as a rebel against Rome? Does that description of Jesus accord with (or differ from) your own understanding of Jesus?

3. From what you know of the Bible, how closely do O'Reilly and Dugard adhere to the gospels? The authors also write that they are aware of contradictions within the Gospels. Many would disagree that contradictions exist. Where do you stand?

4. Have you come away from this book with a different understanding of Biblical times and the figure of Jesus? Did anything surprise you? What have you learned you didn't know before reading Killing Jesus?

5. How does the book present the critical decisions leading up to the arrest and crucification of Jesus? What roles did both Herod and Pontius Pilat play? What motivated their decisions?

6. The book does not dwell on Jesus's miracle work. It covers but does not emphasize his healing powers, for instance. Nor do the authors explore what happened between Jesus and God on the cross. Why do you supposed they don't? Do you wish they had spent more time exploring the spiritual or supernatural aspects of Jesus's life?

(Questions by LitLovers. Please feel free to use them, online of off, with attribution. Thanks.)

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