One of today's most respected scholars of biblical history and the Dead Sea Scrolls; James C. VanderKam here offers a superb new introduction to early Judaism.Based on the best; most recent archaeological research; this illustrated volume explores the history of Judaism during the Second Temple period (516 B.C.E. - 70 C.E.); describing the body of Jewish literature written during these centuries and the most important groups; institutions; and practices of the time. Particularly interesting are VanderKam's depiction of events associated with Masada and the Kokhba revolt; and his commentary on texts unearthed in places like Elephantine; Egypt; and Qumran.Written in the same accessible style as VanderKam's widely praised Dead Sea Scrolls Today; this volume provides the finest classroom introduction to early Judaism available.
#201818 in Books Lesslie Newbigin 1995-02-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .51 x 6.00l; .60 #File Name: 0802808298200 pagesThe Open Secret An Introduction to the Theology of Mission
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An Indian(ish) Perspective...By Emmanuel R. PaulpeterDr. Lesslie Newbigin mentions and uses the Tamil language multiple times in the book; which is my mother tongue. Dr. Lesslie Newbigin is such a wealth of wisdom and brings deep insights into the often confusing web of confluence of the human psyche; the broader culture and the Word of God. Having been steeped in Western academic traditions and then spending 4 decades in the murkiness of the Eastern culture which was on the threshold of growing up from under the shackles of the 'underdeveloped world'; gave him a vantage point that very few get to have.I think the most powerful point he make in his book is the elucidation of the idea of the 'elect' and how that translates to missions. Some Christians make the doctrine of Election ALL there is to Christianity (hyper Calvinists); then you have the Pelagian Armenians who will run away from anything smacking of election as a rat runs away from a cat. Dr. Newbigins does not try to tread a middle course; he goes of them both and talks about the doctrine of election from at least 3 perspectives1. To not violate the relational integrity of the human psyche.2. To make a few into a blessing to many3. To make the election not into a elite privilege but as the initiation of the 'suffering community' that witnesses to the world1) That the doctrine of election is crucial for how human beings come to know the Truth; not as 'spiritual monads' who individualistically pursue a Truth by themselves but as communal beings to who in come to know the Truth through their inter-relatedness to God and fellow man. This idea implies that God has to choose a group of people through which He reaches out to another group of people to expand His Kingdom.2) The corollary to the point 1 is that if Truth of God has to spread through communities; it has to start somewhere and a community has to be chosen; which happens to be Isreal in this case. Ironically; the first becomes the last; so chosen Israel gets disinherited to become the last.3) From the human point of view; election is not a claim on God neither is it is a privilege of the elite. Election is the means of creating a community of Saints who will witness to the world through their suffering as a partaking of the suffering of Christ. It is thus that they become dispensers of God's blessing to many.Of course; Dr. Newbigin traces through multiple other brilliant threads of thought brilliantly weaved together... It is worth anyone's time whose mission in life is to see God's reign come to fruition in this world.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Newbigin is a real saint and a excellent theologian. Anybody interested in cross-cultural mission and interfaith ...By Bernard MNewbigin is a real saint and a excellent theologian. Anybody interested in cross-cultural mission and interfaith communications should read this book. Insightful; beautiful and accessible.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Craig S. Reynoldspleased with the response
