Considered the leading book on the subject; this book is an authoritative exploration of the complete history of ancient Israel—from Abraham; the first Hebrew; to the Roman destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D. It offers superlative authorship from acknowledged leaders in their specialties; from a wide range of nationalities; faiths; and backgrounds. The book is quite manageable in length and is packed with vivid color and black-and-white photographs; maps; charts; and timelines.
#486344 in Books Oxford University Press 2013-12-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.30 x 1.00 x 9.40l; .95 #File Name: 0199988986208 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good bookBy RomsIt did meet my expectations8 of 11 people found the following review helpful. A Worthy Topic Gone Badly Off the RailsBy GSLThere can be no doubt that Christianity in general and evangelicalism specifically has drifted from its moorings. In fact; drifted is far too passive a word. It has fired up the dilithium crystals and is traveling at warp speed into the post-modern cultural miasma. The author might be interested to know that evangelicalism did not invent narcissism. They have simply caved into the zeitgeist. It doesn't take a PHD to recognize the lunacy of Osteenian religion; the triviality of a multitude of authors made in the image of Lucado; and the consumerism of Warren and the mega-church model. The problem with this pedantic rant is that it contributes nothing to the conversation. It is clearly the product of a liberal theological education that is as far off the rails as are the subjects of the author's ire. Since when is it a failure of the intellect to view evolution as bad science? Since when is it a failure of the intellect to question the JEPD theory of Biblical authorship? Since when is it a failure of intellect to recognize that God created man with a full range of emotional capacities and relates to His creatures in highly emotional ways; e.g. Ps 23; Lk 15; Mt 5:29-30; the whole book of Revelation; just to name a few? (I am not defending the obscenely smarmy antics of contemporary Christian writers. I am suggesting that Brenneman throws the baby out with the bath water...forgive the sentimentalist expression). Mr Brenneman advocates strong intellectual doctrinal Christianity (who wouldn't?) but does not clarify one issue doctrinally. If I had only this book to try to comprehend anything about valid Biblical Christianity I could only conclude that the God of the Bible is a Vulcan who hates all human emotion; has no use for strong families; is pro-gay; pro-abortion; antisocial; and uninvolved in anyone's life. Furthermore; we must avoid reading; listening to; and watching anything claiming to be Christian because these are the insidious means by which power hungry people manipulate their followers. This begs the question why Mr. Brennerman would write a book? Is he trying to "instantiate" his beliefs and get us to cede authority to him? (I suppose that can be said of anyone who writes to make a point. Sounds like your typical leftist paradigm...oh; but wait...Mr. Brenneman is above the political fray.) His take on music sort of misses the point as well...as music is highly emotive. I agree that today's Christian music could really use a tune up but I truly fear any hymn that Mr. Brenneman might write. It would no doubt musically be in the genre of the Gregorian chant and lyrically sound something like: "We praise the God of Heilsgeschichte; but can't make head nor tail of it". (Sorry; I couldn't resist). So here is a piece of homespun wisdom that Mr. Brenneman could learn from: Any jackass can kick a barn down. It takes a craftsman to build one. If you are going to rail against things that admittedly should be railed against (in this case extreme and imbalanced Christian sentimentalism...not all emotional "tropes" are evil. Paul says we cry out Abba; Father by the Spirit of God...Christian consumerism; Christian narcissism...a true oxymoron...Christian anti-intellectualism) do so with balance and constructive Biblical insight. And find a few synonyms for "trope". Good heavens man. It became fingernails on a chalkboard.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Too scholarlyBy Daniel ThomasThis book was too scholarly for my taste. It's better suited for the seminary classroom.
