Oskar Skarsaune makes a fresh contribution to our understanding of the development of the early church in its practice (e.g.; worship; baptism and Eucharist) and doctrine (e.g.; Scripture; Christology; pneumatology). This book offers the new perspective that Christians were in ongoing and deep conversation with Jews during the early centuries leading up to Constantine. The common perception of a drastic "parting of the ways" after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. has tended to distort our understanding of the succeeding decades and centuries of Jewish and Christian history. Notwithstanding the fact that there were points of bitterness and strife; the relationship is better viewed as that of a younger and older sibling. There is much evidence of interaction between the early Christians and rabbinic Judaism; both at the level of leadership and laypeople; and this left its impression on the church. Skarsaune gives us numerous fascinating episodic and topical glimpses into this untold story.
#586438 in Books The Jewish Publication Society 2006-09-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.34 x 6.94 x 7.88l; 1.76 #File Name: 0827608314400 pages
Review
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful. Wow!By J. MurphyIn the 26 days I've owned this book; I've been bowled over 26 times by Rabbi Hammer's daily teachings. They have touched me personally and often educated me.Jill Hammer; clearly very knowledgeable in Jewish texts and tradition; reveals how Judaism embraces perspectives on nature and women that we might not credit Judaism with.I've always tried to keep track of the cycles of the moon and seasons at the same time I keep track of the Jewish year; but it took this insightful; well-educated woman to unite the two in a meaningful and Jewish way. Thank you; Rabbi Hammer!The introductory sections of the book are informative; and each day; in addition to her own teaching; Rabbi Hammer includes one quote from Tanach (Bible) and one quote from Talmud; Rashi; or other Jewish texts. I expect to turn to this book daily for the next year (and probably years to come); to learn and to deepen my spiritual life.I can't recommend this volume highly enough. BUY YOURSELF THIS BOOK!(Just a note: it's bound well; and under the pretty dust-jacket; the brown and gold cover would look really nice next to any Metsudah siddurs or machzors you might own.)2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Love the way it documents the information provided.By deborah JonesThis book is great for those who just have a minute or two to read here and there. The stories are short and they provide easy documentation of where they got there information about each story (ex: scripture; book chapter and verse). I find these storyies informative; accurate and peaceful.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I read this book everyday!By DANA S KAHN JACKMANThis is a soulful; thoughtful; educational and inspirational volume that provides great insights and guidance for each day and season of the year from a Jewish perspective.
