Jean-Pierre Isbouts' The Fractured Kingdom: Uniting Modern Christianity Through the Historical Jesus Wins Top Prize in International Book Contest

Recognized by the Book Excellence Awards for its outstanding writing, design and overall market appeal, The Fractured Kingdom offers a profound look at the historical Jesus, showing why the universal doctrine of the Lord's Prayer could be our last hope for forging a more equal, compassionate, and loving society.
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Dr. Jean-Pierre Isbouts is a distinguished art historian, bestselling author, and award-winning filmmaker specializing in biblical archaeology, Renaissance Italy, and European history.

A Professor Emeritus at Fielding Graduate University and the Founder and Managing Editor of Fielding University Press, he has authored several acclaimed National Geographic books, including The Biblical World , In the Footsteps of Jesus , The Story of Christianity and The Archaeology of the Bible , which have sold over 2 million copies worldwide. His latest work, The Ultimate Visual History of the World , represents a culmination of his extensive research.

As a Renaissance expert, Dr. Isbouts has authored several books on Leonardo da Vinci, including Mona Lisa and the Elusive Art of Leonardo da Vinci's Paintings published by Polistampa. Featured on BBC, NBC's Today , and other major media platforms, he is celebrated for blending scholarly insights with engaging storytelling.

As an accomplished filmmaker, Dr. Isbouts has directed programs featuring Hollywood icons like Charlton Heston and Leonard Nimoy, with broadcasts on ABC, A&E, CNBC, the History Channel, the Hallmark Channel, PBS and other global networks. He has also produced recordings with renowned ensembles such as the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.

This one-on-one interview shares Jean-Pierre's background and experience in writing The Fractured Kingdom: Uniting Modern Christianity Through the Historical Jesus .

Tell us about The Fractured Kingdom: Uniting Modern Christianity Through the Historical Jesus.

In The Fractured Kingdom: Uniting Modern Christianity Through the Historical Jesus , I weave the origin stories of Christianity and the Lord's Prayer into a reinvigorating and urgent rallying cry for unity in the modern church.

Modern Christianity is undeniably in crisis, torn apart by the very culture wars that dominate our society. But here's the truth: we've been here before. Jesus's ministry emerged during a time of immense social upheaval in 1st century Galilee-a time not so different from our own. The predatory tax yoke of the Herodian regime, demanding as much as 40% of harvest yields, had led to the wholesale confiscation of farmer's plots and lands. These were now managed by "stewards" on behalf of rich landowners in Judea and elsewhere, as the Gospels attest. That explains why the Gospels are full of stories of poor and dispossessed people, even though they lived in the most fertile region in the Near East: the Galilee. These catastrophic socio-economic conditions are the backdrop for Jesus's transformative reimagining of the Torah's three guiding virtues: social justice, compassion for one another, and an unyielding love for God. He called his program for social and religious renewal among Galileans the "Kingdom of God." These principles resonated with people desperate for hope and change, and they remain as relevant today as they were then.

In the book, I trace Jesus's vision for the "Kingdom of God" from its origins to the modern day, showing how understanding the roots of our faith can guide us toward unity. At the heart of this journey lies a powerful antidote to our current divisions: the Our Father . The Lord's Prayer, the one doctrine Christians universally embrace, offers a roadmap for building a more equal, compassionate, and loving society.

In this way, The Fractured Kingdom is more than a book; it's an invitation to rediscover the unity and purpose of Christianity. It's a call to rise above partisanship and division, to embrace the transformative power of love and justice, and to build a church that truly reflects the heart of Jesus's teachings.

What inspired you to write The Fractured Kingdom: Uniting Modern Christianity Through the Historical Jesus?

I was inspired to write The Fractured Kingdom by a troubling disconnect I see in modern Christianity: politicians and leaders who identify as Christian, yet advocating to reduce or eliminate programs like Medicaid, food stamps, and USAID-lifelines for the poor both at home and abroad. This stance starkly contrasts with the core of Jesus' teachings, particularly his powerful message in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus championed compassion, justice, and care for the poor and marginalized, yet these principles seem increasingly absent in public policy.

This book is my response-a call to return to the foundational values of Christianity and to reimagine a faith that prioritizes love and social justice. By exploring the historical Jesus and the profound message of the Lord's Prayer, I hope to inspire a movement toward unity and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to follow Christ's example.

How did you feel when you found out you received a Book Excellence Award?

As a best-selling author of National Geographic books on biblical history, receiving a prestigious Book Excellence Award has been an incredible honor, amplifying the impact of my research on the historical Jesus, and offering a powerful platform to highlight how modern Christianity has diverged from the foundational goals of Jesus's ministry.

The award not only acknowledges the scholarly and spiritual value of my work but also connects me with a global audience eager for thought-provoking insights into faith and history. The Book Excellence Awards celebrate excellence in storytelling, and I'm proud that my work contributes to this legacy, fostering conversations that resonate across faith communities worldwide.

What is one message you would like readers to remember?

At its core, the book invites readers to rediscover the authentic Jesus-stripped of centuries of doctrine and division-and explore his transformative role in modern society. It's a call to reconnect with the unifying essence of his teachings, offering a renewed perspective for believers across every branch of Christianity, regardless of our political or denominational differences.

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Purchasing the Book

The Fractured Kingdom: Uniting Modern Christianity Through the Historical Jesus has received positive reviews from well-known literary organizations, authors, and reviewers around the world. Reviewer Gjeniffer Selig calls it, " a bridge connecting the struggles of the ancient [times] with ours, reminding us of the core values that we should never lose sight of-love, compassion, and justice...a game-changer ." In addition, Dean of the Washington National Cathedral, Randolph M. Hollerith writes, " This is a book for all of us who call ourselves Christians, regardless of what branch of the Church we call home ."

The book is available for sale in eBook, audiobook, and hardcover formats. The audiobook version, narrated by the author himself, provides a unique and personal touch to the listening experience-a rare opportunity for readers to hear the original author bring the words to life. It's available via Amazon and Audiobooks.com, while the eBook and hardcover editions can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple iBooks. Readers are encouraged to get their copy today: https://www.amazon.com/Fractured-Kingdom-Uniting-Christianity-Historical/dp/164065643X/

For an even deeper exploration, watch the acclaimed 15-episode series, The Search for the Historical Jesus , written and directed by Dr. Isbouts for The Great Courses, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Together, the book and series offer a transformative journey into the life and teachings of Jesus: https://thegreatcoursesplus.com

To connect with Jean-Pierre and learn more about his work, visit: https://www.jpisbouts.org/. You can also find him on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/searchforlastsupper/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jisbouts/].

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