How have the Jews survived? For millennia; they have defied odds by overcoming the travails of exile; persecution; and recurring plans for their annihilation. Many have attempted to explain this singular success as a result of divine intervention. In this engaging book; David N. Myers charts the long journey of the Jews through history. At the same time; it points to two unlikely-and decidedly this-worldly--factors to explain the survival of the Jews: antisemitism and assimilation. Usually regarded as grave dangers; these two factors have continually interacted with one other to enable the persistence of the Jews. At every turn in their history; not just in the modern age; Jews have adapted to new environments; cultures; languages; and social norms. These bountiful encounters with host societies have exercised the cultural muscle of the Jews; preventing the atrophy that would have occurred if they had not interacted so extensively with the non-Jewish world. It is through these encounters--indeed; through a process of assimilation--that Jews came to develop distinct local customs; speak many different languages; and cultivate diverse musical; culinary; and intellectual traditions.Left unchecked; the Jews' well-honed ability to absorb from surrounding cultures might have led to their disappearance. And yet; the route toward full and unbridled assimilation was checked by the nearly constant presence of hatred toward the Jew. Anti-Jewish expression and actions have regularly accompanied Jews throughout history. Part of the ironic success of antisemitism is its malleability; its talent in assuming new forms and portraying the Jew in diverse and often contradictory images--for example; at once the arch-capitalist and revolutionary Communist. Antisemitism not only served to blunt further assimilation; but; in a paradoxical twist; affirmed the Jew's sense of difference from the host society. And thus together assimilation and antisemitism (at least up to a certain limit) contribute to the survival of the Jews as a highly adaptable and yet distinct group.
#593681 in Books 2012-04-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.30 x .80 x 7.90l; .83 #File Name: 0199640297320 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Alex Moreno MorrisonExcellent book by a first-class scholar. Thoroughly researched; properly reasoned and very well-written; all in a concise text.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great defense of the four gospel canon!By JohnBuy this book and cut through the hype of current cultural undermining of the formation of the four gospel inclusion in the New Testament canon. Hill wonderfully interacts with any ultimately dismantles the claim that there were many "recognized gospel" used to scripture in the first century church. This is the only resource you need; if you are struggling to understand why the Gospels of Judas; Peter; Mary; etc... should be rejected as scripture.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Detailed and well researchedBy Mike B.The author builds a strong case for the four fold Gospels. At times is a little defensive but presents a well research and detailed argument.
