Winner of the 2016 Goldstein-Goren Award for the best book in Jewish Thought At once a study of biblical theology and modern Jewish thought; this volume describes a “participatory theory of revelation†as it addresses the ways biblical authors and contemporary theologians alike understand the process of revelation and hence the authority of the law. Benjamin Sommer maintains that the Pentateuch’s authors intend not only to convey God’s will but to express Israel’s interpretation of and response to that divine will. Thus Sommer’s close readings of biblical texts bolster liberal theologies of modern Judaism; especially those of Abraham Joshua Heschel and Franz Rosenzweig. This bold view of revelation puts a premium on human agency and attests to the grandeur of a God who accomplishes a providential task through the free will of the human subjects under divine authority. Yet; even though the Pentateuch’s authors hold diverse views of revelation; all of them regard the binding authority of the law as sacrosanct. Sommer’s book demonstrates why a law-observant religious Jew can be open to discoveries about the Bible that seem nontraditional or even antireligious.
#635012 in Books 1999-05-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.28 x 1.93 x 6.24l; 1.83 #File Name: 0300140088752 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The BEST starting point to understand the infancy narrativesBy DoctorDWhether you are Protestant; Catholic; Jewish; Muslim; whatever; this book is the place to start for anyone interested in the gospel infancy stories. Brown carefully analyzes chapters 1 and 2 of Matthew and Luke to show us the many; many quotes and allusions to the Old Testament they contain and the message the infancy narratives are intended to deliver. After all; what exactly were the reasons these chapters were included?The book is accessible and useful to readers of all levels from the interested layman to the hardcore scholar. The scholarly notes he includes on each verse can easily be skipped and left to the specialist.Brown follows his usual rules of analysis: each gospel is analyzed independently and the reader is always cautioned not to read into one gospel what is present in the other; and he only uses material that was present at or near the time the gospels were composed. Any commentary or interpretation that was composed after 100 AD is not allowed. And by following these guidelines; the two gospels can be seen even by the ordinary reader in a whole new light.After the book proper; Brown includes a series of appendices. Here one can zoom in on the most controversial aspects of the two infancy narratives: were there actually wise men? Was there actually a census? Was Jesus actually illegitimate?Finally; for the second edition; Brown reviewed the literature in the field that was published in the ~18 years after the book first appeared. He must have been rushed as his writing does not display his typical grace. And while interesting; the bottom line is that he has found very little to change his views from the first edition.I read Brown’s “Death of the Messiah†before reading this one (even though “Birth†was written earlier). He is much more judicious in his use of language in “Birth of the Messiah†since some critical theological points arise in the infancy stories. He has a nuanced understanding of the Bible and should not be missed by anyone.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Another Great Work by BrownBy inahutAgain Brown enthuses my mind and heart with his intelligent and thoroughly intelligible and utterly faith-filled scholarship. I have attended his lectures; I have served at his celebration of the Eucharist; I saw and heard his careful and happy witness to the Catholic faith. This work came later for me and continues what he did before. One can read the Patristic literature; one can attend Mass and partake in the Eucharist; and when one does the former alongside such study as this book offers faith is enhanced beyond expectation. No sentimental drivel here; no hiding behind childhood education in the faith; this is real food for the full grown.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Rodrigo Hayvard BosoniA can't miss for anyone with a real interest in the historicity behind the nativity narratives.
