This is definitely one of the most important books I have ever read.  Bourgeault does a wonderful job of bringing all of the modern historical research together and blending it with scripture to provide a much more complete and accurate picture of who Jesus is and what Jesus was actually saying.  She bases her findings on much better and more current translations. So much has been discovered and re-translated in the last 50 years that churches have not kept up with and of course so many do not want to rock the boat. Knowing this may cause waves, Bourgeault has documented her research in the back of the book. This book contains a new perspective on the Beatitudes that you will find both meaningful and life changing.  Bourgeault also does a great job of defining what “Kingdom of Heaven” means when Jesus uses the phrase. For those who struggle with the teachings of the church, feeling uncomfortable and that something just does not connect, this book is a comfort. It is a comfort because it offers the reader a connection to Jesus that makes sense, a connection that has nothing to do with sin, saving your soul or behavior. Instead it provides a picture of the historical Jesus that offered everyone a path to transformation  A true gem of a read for those inclined toward spiritual growth.