Throughout human history; religion and politics have entertained the most intimate of connections as systems of authority regulating individuals and society. While the two have come apart through the process of secularization; secularism is challenged today by the return of public religion. This cogent analysis unravels the nature of the connection; disconnection; and attempted reconnection between religion and politics in the West.In a comparison of Western Europe and North America; Christianity and Islam; Joppke advances far-reaching theoretical; historical; and comparative-political arguments. With respect to theory; it is argued that only a “substantive†concept of religion; as pertaining to the existence of supra-human powers; opens up the possibility of a historical-comparative perspective on religion. At the level of history; secularization is shown to be the distinct outcome of Latin Christianity itself. And at the level of comparative politics; the Christian Right in America which has attacked the “wall of separation†between religion and state and Islam in Europe with the controversial insistence on sharia law and other “illiberal†claims from some quarters are taken to be counterpart incarnations of public religion and challenges to the secular state.This clearly argued; sweeping book will provide an invaluable framework for approaching an array of critical issues at the intersection of religion; law and politics for advanced students and researchers across the social sciences and legal studies; as well as for the interested public.
#535004 in Books James Tabor 2007-04-24 2007-04-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.20 x 6.12l; 1.13 #File Name: 074328724X400 pagesThe Jesus Dynasty The Hidden History of Jesus His Royal Family and the Birth of Christianity
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The Man Vs. The MythBy Patrick AndersenProfessor Tabor explores a hidden aspect of the early church; the separation of the family members and close associates of the man Jesus from the myth builders (led by Paul) who turned the man into a god. In the course of this history; as the faith spread outside of Israel (and particularly after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE) we lost the man and his teachings and instead focused only on the resurrection and atonement. Two millennia later; many spiritual seekers fail to learn they can have a personal relationship with God because the myths and theology have made Christianity harder to accept. Some may think The Jesus Dynasty is an attack on their faith; I; for one; find that it strengthens mine.15 of 15 people found the following review helpful. Yeshua H' Meshiah was JewishBy Pearls of GraceJames Tabor has really brought wonderful information to us in this very easy to read yet highly informative book that deals with the ancient information that most never learn of.He does however propose some very controversial claims; such as Jesus had a paternal father in Roman soldier Pantera who was given mention by Celsus as he presents he learnt from Jesus' youngest brother Juda's descendents. I personally was not won over with this claim from this ancient antagonist to Christianity but regardless your position on these subjects this book cannot be passed by. It is just too powerful and wonderful to learn of Jesus' family especially His brother James who the New Testament describes as the elected head over Christ's First Church. Much like his contemporary Robert Eisenmann who is James' biographer; Tabor highlights the distinguishing differences between the Christianity of James to that of Paul who of course the Church has taken after for 2000 yrs of her History.Tabors usage of 'Q' or Quell document asserting its existence I found to be a bit bothersome considering this has never been substantiated. This book is highly antagonistic toward the dogmatic Romanized religion and should prove to be quite a challenge to her divine magesterium...One of Tabors thoeries which I have long suspected myself; is that the two double named Mary's at the Cross were in fact one Mother Mary the Mother of Christ and the Mother of at least five other children named in Scriptures as Jesus's brothers and sisters. He brings forth the issue of the addition made to the Gospel of Mark which we all have today in our Canon's inclusion despite there were translations which removed this 2nd c ending and it doesn't really take much stretch of the imagination to see how this could have very easily have been done by the copyists splitting mother Mary into two Marys; one being herself and the other being her sister who is curiously also named Mary and just so happens to have the same named children as those named in Scripture being Jesus' siblings. To my knowledge Salome is the only sister of Jesus that we know the name of from historical tests; and the one Gospel account has her named with these two Mary's. Historical writings reveal that Clopas was the brother of Joseph and according to Moshe Law the surviving brother is impelled to marry his brothers widow if there is no male child. This is called a Yibbum marriage and there is example of it in Scripture. One of the brothers of Jesus is named Joses which is short like Josy for Joseph. The naming a male heir after the deceased brother is required.Another tug at the concious when reading the Gospels are the two lineages of Jesus. They never really made sense and we know that Christ Himself claims Davidic bloodline as recipient of the Promise to David. Tabor does do a very good job making his case in this regard.His highlighting what the remaining Gospels record on who the women were at the Crucifiction is compelling and highly evocative work that draws the conciousness right back to the time of Christ in His authentic Jewish setting. Any and all students of religion need to read this work.He also spotlights the mission of Jesus in His historical efforts in contrast to some highly mythologized beliefs that have crept into the Church and even become Dogma's of Rome.Unlike DaVinci Code; some of these conspiracy theories-are not fiction.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Interesting Book for those who want to look deeper into the pastBy Eleanor LambertI do not agree with the authors belief that Jesus simply died and was buried. I do; however; appreciate his fine approach by piecing together ancient legends and researching the text of the Bible in order to find what Jesus and his followers were doing step by step as he began his ministry and went to the cross. I also appreciated his ability to track Paul; finding many items I had missed in my studies. Having a human Jesus; one that might have married; been fathered by a human father; or doing many decidedly human things does not disolve for me his Godness. Our father is able to work many miracles and place within a human his spirit. Why else but a resurrected Jesus would have made Paul depart from his "job" for the Sanhedrian? The author makes it a vision quest for the man; but I think he had a life changing; revelation that came from meeting Christ face to face in resurrected form. That James and the other brothers; and even Peter failed to take the message to the next level is typical of human nature within a tribe or race of people who always held themselves separate. A resurrected Christ took the job out of their hands and gave it to Paul. All of them were important. I thoroughly enjoyed this book; as much as I enjoyed a good movie; like those that have come out recently about possible "descendants" of Jesus. These ideas do not shake my faith.
