The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus. It is a simple truth that Jews and Christians should be close friends, since they share common roots and a basic ethical system. But the gulf between the groups seems vast. Levine, professor of New Testament studies at Vanderbilt, presents a strong and convincing case for understanding Jesus as “a Jew speaking to Jews,” and for viewing Christianity as a Jewish movement that ultimately swept the world in its influence and authority. But with this expansion came an insidious anti-Jewish sentiment, fed by some New Testament texts (wrongly understood, the author urges) and the emerging political power of the Christian church. Levine does a masterful job of describing the subtleties of anti-Semitism, across the years and across the religious spectrum, from the conservative evangelical mission to convert the Jews to the liberation theologians who picture Jews as adherents to an older, less merciful religion. In the end, Levine offers a prescription for healing and mutual understanding; a chapter titled “Quo Vadis?” outlines steps that can be taken by Jews and Christians alike to bridge the divide that has caused so much suffering over the centuries. Written for the general public, this is an outstanding addition to the literature of interfaith dialogue. See details
Archive for the 'History of Religion' Category
Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church.
Previous histories have generally left out the Jewish factor. By beginning their research with the later second- and third-century Church, after it became predominantly a Gentile organization, they have lost the history of the first hundred years and the necessary understanding of Jewish roots. Many difficult Hebraic phrases and theological dilemmas can be understood by investigating the original Jewish roots of the early Church.
Today, scholars agree, on the most basic level, that Jesus was a Jew who was born, lived, and died, within first-century Judaism. His teaching methods, parables, proverbs, and symbolic style was characteristic of the Judaism of that day. Since both the Old and New Testaments are highly Hebraic, with the background, writers, culture, religion, traditions, and concepts being Hebrew, any analysis should be done from this perspective.
This book will propose to show that the earliest Church and its first fifteen elders were Jewish and that the original organizational structure of the early Church came from the synagogical prototype. This investigation will examine major Jewish terms such as Torah, or Law, which, when communicated in the Greek mind-set, have been completely misunderstood. This study will show that the Pharisees of the first century were the orthodox fundamentalists who had within their camp both hypocrites and heroes. Finally, our study will suggest that the early Church was one of the many sects within first-century Judaism, which neither Jesus nor Paul ever tried to leave. Because the early Church remained within Judaism for the first hundred years, the proto-rabbi and the Hebrew culture are essential to understanding its organizational structure. See details
The Thirteenth Tribe
The central argument of `The Thirteenth Tribe‘ is that the bulk of modern Jewry can be traced back to the seemingly unheard of Khazar Empire, which flourished during the 8th century, before gradually disintegrating in the 10th century. Koestler details the rise of this nomadic nation, and the eventual difficulties produced from being settled between the Christian Byzantine Empire on the West, and the Islamic powers to the East. Refusing to be dominated by either the Roman Emperor or the Caliph of Baghdad, as well as motivations by an onslaught of Jewish refugees, Koestler details the unusual decision taken by the Kazhar nobility to convert to Judaism. The eventual defeat of this power is chronicled, as is the dispersal of the Khazar Jews throughout the world.
The rise of the Khazars is certainly well documented, as is the conversion of the upper-classes to Judaism. Less documented by Koestler is the evidence for the lower classes following this example, or the substance supporting the conversion of the nobility having any real significance on the genetics of Ashkenazi Jews. Considering Jewish Koestler was an atheist, and taking note of his stated desire to seperate modern Jewry from both the ‘Chosen People’ and ‘Christ-Killer’ label, it seems apparent that he was less than objective in formulating his theory; something that is seen clearly in the chapters attempting to describe the racial attributes of Jews.
However, `The Thirteenth Tribe’ is certainly a provoking read, which should interest anyone curious in Early Middle Age political manouving. See details
Jews and Power (Jewish Encounters).
Taking in everything from the Kingdom of David to the Oslo Accords, Ruth Wisse offers a radical new way to think about the Jewish relationship to power. Traditional Jews believed that upholding the covenant with God constituted a treaty with the most powerful force in the universe; this later transformed itself into a belief that, unburdened by a military, Jews could pursue their religious mission on a purely moral plain. Wisse, an eminent professor of comparative literature at Harvard, demonstrates how Jewish political weakness both increased Jewish vulnerability to scapegoating and violence, and unwittingly goaded power-seeking nations to cast Jews as perpetual targets.
Although she sees hope in the State of Israel, Wisse questions the way the strategies of the Diaspora continue to drive the Jewish state, echoing Abba Eban’s observation that Israel was the only nation to win a war and then sue for peace. And then she draws a persuasive parallel to the United States today, as it struggles to figure out how a liberal democracy can face off against enemies who view Western morality as weakness. This deeply provocative book is sure to stir debate both inside and outside the Jewish world. Wisse’s narrative offers a compelling argument that is rich with history and bristling with contemporary urgency. See details
The Feasts Of The Lord God’s Prophetic Calendar From Calvary To The Kingdom.
Isreal’s feasts are infinitely more important than just a series of cultural observances. These feasts are appointed by the Lord, and they are owned by the Lord. He calls them “my feasts.” Together they form God’s prophetic calendar, outlining the work of history’s most important person…Jesus, the Messiah. As such, few themes are more timely or rewarding for God’s people today.
The Feasts of the Lord covers all aspects of the biblical feasts…historical background, biblical observance, and prophetic significance. Yet, this book is not just another reference book on the feasts. It is written from the Hebrew Christian viewpoint, helping you to see the feasts through Jewish eyes.
The words of the Savior, His messianic claims, and Bible prophecy will all take on a rich, new relevance for you against the exciting backdrop of The Feasts of the Lord. See details
