Jean Porter is John A. O’Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. Her other books include Natural and Divine Law and Nature as Reason.
#537980 in Books Dunn James D G 2015-12-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x 2.30 x 6.20l; .0 #File Name: 0802839339816 pagesNeither Jew Nor Greek A Contested Identity Christianity in the Making Volume 3
Review
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Another Masterpiece! But some critical reflections...By MichaelBelow I offer only criticisms; so please pardon the one-sided focus. My full twenty-page plus review is available elsewhere online. So readers are encouraged to read it if interested.Dunn’s greatest contributions also prove to be his most controversial. He is excellent at recognizing diversity within the New Testament; but too often he reads tension into early Christian history where some might wish for more evidence. The apostles are seen from the beginning to contradict one another; specifically on questions of Torah and Gentile inclusion. A more balanced reading of the literature is needed; one with a greater appreciation for unity. Is it right to see James and Peter competing with Paul; and their respective churches so aligning as well? Are the apostles indeed apostles in conflict? Baur himself would have been able to hold to such conclusions; he would only differ on the severity and chronology of the events. Given Dunn’s argument for competing apostolic missions in early Christianity; two questions quickly pronounce themselves: (1) In what meaningful way; given that the subgroups are moving in different; and at times contradictory; directions; are we witnessing Christianity as a unified movement? (2) And secondly; what effect would this diversity have upon Dunn’s previous work concerning tradition transmission as informal-controlled? If the controlling aspect of tradition transmission cannot produce more consistent agreement among the apostles; then in what meaningful way can we discuss Christianity as a holistic entity?Jewish Christianity need not be understood as evolving from the teachings of James and the Jerusalem Church in a linear fashion – with the result that their espoused heresies are connected with Jerusalem as well. Regarding Paul’s Judaizing opponents; it was observed that they need not be so closely connected with James; whom Paul himself recognizes as a pillar of the church; and recounts as a reliable witness of the resurrected Lord. Acts further demonstrates that James and Peter both supported the Gentile calling and mission of Paul. In his account of the parting of ways between Judaism and Christianity; and in his tracing of the hostility between the synagogue and the Church; Dunn’s diversity is on firmer ground. The expulsion of Christians from the synagogue is well attested in the sources. As the Church became more welcoming of Gentiles; Judaism increasingly distanced itself. The dilemma of Gentiles and their place within Christianity; however; is not seen as a divisive matter in the New Testament. It was a matter of concern; to be sure; but it was not one that fragmented the budding movement of Jesus’ followers.Contrastingly; the New Testament portrays the apostles working together with incredible diligence and unity in their proclamation of the Gospel. The apostles passed on the teachings of Jesus faithfully (as Dunn argues in his first volume); they established churches; struggled with synagogues; maintained Jewish moorings; Jewish Scriptures; the declaration of Jesus as the Jewish Messiah; avoided Jewish nationalism during the periods of revolt – effectively making themselves traitors to their own countrymen – and continued to patiently wait for and trust in the Messiah's promise of return; all within a hostile world full of Roman power and Greek paganism.5 of 9 people found the following review helpful. What is there not to admire in the careful scholarship ...By James GaraciaWhat is there not to admire in the careful scholarship of Professor Emeritus Dunn. He has devoted his life to untangling the threats of Christian Origins. I shall study this book -- and the other two of the trilogy -- until I die. James Garcia1 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Lengthy; but outstanding in scholarship. Dr. Dunn ...By Carroll S. Rankin Jr.Lengthy; but outstanding in scholarship. Dr. Dunn has produced a fitting last book to his study of Christian origins.
