In this new edition of a best-selling classic; Shaye Cohen offers a thorough analysis of Judaism's development from the early years of the Roman Empire to the formative period of rabbinic Judaism. Cohen's synthesis of religion; literature; and history offers deep insight into the nature of Judaism at this key period; including the relationship between Jews and Gentiles; the function of Jewish religion in the larger community; and the development of normative Judaism and other Jewish sects. In addition; Cohen provides clear explanations concerning the formation of the biblical canon and the roots of rabbinic Judaism. Now completely updated and revised; this book remains the clearest introduction to the era that shaped Judaism and provided the context for early Christianity.The Library of Early Christianity is a series of eight outstanding books exploring the Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts in which the New Testament developed.
#488681 in Books Wiley-Blackwell 2002-02-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.70 x .96 x 6.80l; 1.68 #File Name: 0631226605432 pages
Review
3 of 23 people found the following review helpful. This type of 'feline' academic expertise on men is pure elitist sexism of the most offensive.By Timothy G. PattenAs a gay author of book’s paying homage to the modern men’s liberation movement; (MGTOW) little in these 400 pages rings true? A few of the essays examine the physicality of masculinity; talk about sex organs; sexuality and homosexuality but never once reached deeper into the personalities; spirits or struggles of manhood. Some chapters discuss historical events on the surface but NEVER are able to direct those social influences on a man’s soul; strength or character.It is unpleasant to read female; feminist and lesbian essays on masculinities. It is absurd that a female can delve into psychology and spirit of men? This type of academic expertise on men is pure elitist sexism of the most offensive.Women are men are violent; yet some authors just cannot get over the moral disgust of male aggression. All these subjects need balanced evaluation.Masculinity is the most amazing thing that happened to humans; having harnessed every aspect of our world; from controlling fire to landing a space probe on a live comet. I understand why it should be a study on college campuses.
