From Text to Tradition examines the history of Judaism as it developed from the religion on the biblical Israel to the Judaism of the talmudic rabbis. Each step in this process is discussed from the historical; literary and religious points of view and the context of the political history of the Jews. Among the topics covered in this connection are the biblical heritage which underlies all later Judaism; the importance of the Persian period for laying the groundwork for post biblical Judaism; the confrontation of Judaism with Hellenism; apocrypha; pseudepigrapha and the Dead Sea Scrolls; Pharisees; Sadducees and Essenes; the Jewish-Christian schism; the impact of the Jewish revolts against Rome and the destruction of the Temple; the rise of Rabbinic Judaism; and the development of the Mishnah; Talmud and Jewish Law. One of the book's major theses is that the various approaches to Judaism shared sufficient common ground as to be classified as one; albeit variegated; religious tradition. Diverging trends may be - and are - traced during this period; as is the question of the role of interpretation; the impact of external influences; and the process by which the competing approaches were eventually supplanted by the rabbinic tradition; which became the basis for medieval and modern Judaism. In this way; Judaism is shown to have traveled the long road from the textual heritage of the Hebrew Bible to the oral tradition of the rabbis.
#211498 in Books Scott Wolter 2008-06-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.20 x .70 x 5.90l; .88 #File Name: 0878393129320 pagesHooked X Key to the Secret History of North America
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A fantastic; challenging read.By S. O'TooleAre there signs of pre-Columbian European explorers evident in the Americas? If Scott Wolter is to be believed; yes; and they are plentiful. I bought this book after watching a History Channel marathon of Wolter's search for clues to the question of who reached North America first and I'm glad I did!Despite some glaring editorial issues (repeated blocks of text; some weird syntax errors the editor should have caught) Wolter lays out his case that groups from Europe (probably including some Templars) in a precise; compelling fashion that leaves a reader fairly convinced he's right. I also greatly appreciated that he gave his fellow researchers credit for their contributions to the effort; not all do.Ultimately the riddles presented are left mostly unanswered and it will be up to future historians to uncover the missing pieces. Scott Wolter has; I believe; set the research off down the right path. There is a hidden history in America; of that I'm sure; Wolter's done a great job of helping to lift the curtain to allow us to see beyond.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating topic!By Semper-FiThe idea of pre Columbian; European settlers in North America is by no means a new one. But Wolter's Hooked X theory and research add a new and interesting twist to the tale. This book covers several years of research that starts with the Kennsington Rune Stone. Wolter and his fellow researchers do a very good job of presenting evidence that not only is the Kennsington Rune Stone real; but that it may be connected to a much larger expedition that came to North America in the 1300's. The book itself is well written and does a good job of presenting his evidence. He is clear to point out what are facts and what are opinion/theory.He starts with a quick overview and history of the Kennsington Rune Stone. From there he moves onto other artifacts and locations he believes are linked to the stone. He points out along the way others who have researched along similar lines of history concerning pre Columbian North American. He includes quite a few pictures in the book to help make comparisons and give visual reference. Anyone interested in medieval history; Templar Knights and a very interesting possibility that Europeans were exploring this continent hundreds of years before Columbus will enjoy this book. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because I felt it could have been a little longer. All in all a very interesting read.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I'm Hooked on the Hooked X!By J L RigodI found this book quite readable and informative. The main focus is an updating on his work regarding the Kensington Rune Stone. Mr. Wolter had written with another person his detailed study of first encountering the rune stone. I had not read that work.This book was written in the format of his personal case study journal. We are taken through the events by day; told whom was present; and given an extensive reference and index for further study; is the reader chooses to.The Hooked X is one of the runes that appeared to be an 'a' in ancient Gotlander (Swedish) language. The hook might have been a mason's mark or it could mean something else. It does appear from reading this text that it is a substitute; at the least; for an 'a.'Now; I read this book not knowing anything of the language of Runes. I have always been interested in ancient alphabets (long story there.) So; I began reading and running to research Gotland etc. Fascinating information and language.The period being looked at is 1400's but the tale begins in the 1100's with the establishments of Cistercian Orders of Monks. Then it blended into a look at the Knight's Templars and onwards. Right into Sacred Geometry.The book was an adventure. Mr. Wolter has done extensive research. The conclusions are both valid and open to your own interpretation. On the whole; I was caught up in the search for the true meaning of the Hooked X; and fully realize that no firm conclusion has been reached yet. The working theory of Mr. Wolter's is intriguing but also controversial. I look forward to his further studies. I will also seek out more Knights Templar research.
