This book teaches step-by-step how early practitioners may have meditated in all three religions springing from the Middle East. Based on translations from Jesus' native language; Aramaic; Neil Douglas-Klotz links Jesus' own way of meditating to that of early Jewish and Islamic mystics. What he finds is a shared focus on sacred "beginnings" rather than on apocalyptic "endings." As he says: "This original meditation lies behind the Christians' awe at the rebirth of the Christ Child each midwinter. It fuels the heartfelt hope of Jews in the New Year celebraations of Rosh Hashana. And it roots the devotion of Muslims each year during the fast of Ramadan. These are all celebrations of hope; not fear; and of love; not hatred. By experiencing the creation story as our own; we have the same opportunity to renew ourselves and to deepen our connection with the Divine every day." We also experience the one meditative practice that might unite our Christian; Judaic; and Islamic communities in a troubled world.
#375552 in Books 2003-11-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .77 x 5.98l; 1.16 #File Name: 0830827307345 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great summaryBy J. C. ChengExcellent overview of the second temple period. The author goes to introduce many aspects of the Jewish culture and politics and sentiment through its journey from the Persians; Greeks and the Seleucids and Ptolemies; to the Romans. This was great to understand Judaism and the context of the NT.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An excellent guide to understanding Jesus in his own context as his listeners would have understood HimBy CustomerThis is a well written book and it's in lay terms not professional theological or archeological jargon. I believe I cannot understand what Jesus was saying unless I can hear it with the ears and understanding of first century CE Jews . This book is one of the better I've foundI don't even the necessary background in Torah to get the allusions and references that his listeners would have recognized and understood so I must rely on scholars who do. I'm grateful to find this book.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An easy read; but only partially satisfying to a Christian readerBy Brett D. McLaughlinTomasino's book gets a lot of good reviews. I think they're merited; but I also think those reviews are as much a negative rating of most historical works that cover the intertestamental period (from around 400BC to 6 or so AD) as they are of Tomasino's work. That aside; he writes well; and is more engaging than many purely historical writers. He also formats the book well--there's a main line and then lots of sidebars. Additionally; the sidebars stand alone; and are good flip-through material even after reading the main line.Tomasino is probably also going to appeal to many non-Christians who are casual historians; simply because he rarely takes a strong Christian position. He assumes to a large degree the truth of the Bible; but never seems theologically bent. In fact; he often discusses the heavy cultural and mythical influences he sees in both secular and non-secular works of the time; as well as the Bible itself. This lends some degree of credence to his work; and probably argues that he's done his homework and really is trying to appeal to a large audience.Unfortunately; for a Christian--and especially a conservative one who reads the Bible as truth; rather than an amalgamation of stories--this creates some negatives. Tomasino keeps Jesus and Scripture at arm's length; and there are times where his belief in Scripture seems tentative. The Bible is often treated as an important historical source; simply a weightier Antiquities or Against Apion.Finally; Tomasino is so obviously familiar with this period that his writing is sometimes difficult to follow. There are a lot of characters; obviously; and keeping up with them is non-trivial. History is always resplendent with names; but Tomasino could go a little further in making sure the absolute minimum are in view at any one time; making it easier to follow.All that said; this is still a good introduction; and a readable one at that.
