How was it early Christian reflection on Jesus emerged so rapidly and with such a high degree of definition? What patterns of interpretation; already in known in late second temple Palestine; crystallized around the person of Jesus Christ and his work? Margaret Barker believes that Christian theology matured quickly because it was the return to a far older faith. Those who perserved the ancient tradition rejected the second temple; and longed for the restoration of the original; true temple and the faith of Abraham and Melchizedek; the first priest-king. In this fascinating discussion; the author refutes the scholarly assumption that crucial Christian concepts; such as the Trinty; the earth as a reflection of heaven; and the cosmic nature of the atonement; are informed by Greek culture. Rather; she argues; they are drawn from the eclipsed faith of the first temple. '[Margaret Barker's] interpretation of temple theology should not be ignored by anyone in Judaism and the origins of Christian faith.' John McDade; Principal of Heythrop College; University of London.
#1289805 in Books Penn State University Press 2003-03-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .69 x 6.00l; .68 #File Name: 027102299X232 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy John O'RourkeGreat for early American history buff's.
