Killing Jesus: A History

Bill O’Reilly’s Killing Jesus: A History, co-authored with the historian and journalist Martin Dugard, is a detailed account of the life and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. Published in 2013, the book is part of a series by O’Reilly and Dugard that includes other historical works such as Killing Lincoln (2011) and Killing Kennedy (2012). This nonfiction historical work attempts to present a comprehensive, fact-based narrative of Jesus’s life and the political and historical context of his time. O’Reilly, known primarily as a television host and political commentator, sought to explore the historical Jesus from a perspective that emphasizes historical accuracy over theological interpretation.

This guide refers to the St. Martin’s Griffin edition of the book, published in paperback in 2017.

Content Warning: This book includes graphic descriptions of violence, torture, and infanticide.

Summary

Killing Jesus narrates the life, teachings, and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth within the context of the political and social turbulence of the time. The book begins with the historical and political background that set the stage for Jesus’s birth, including the reign of King Herod, the political struggles in Rome, and the Roman occupation of Judea.