Chilton and Neusner contend that, contrary to conventional wisdom, early Christians identified not as Christians, but as Jews. Bound to be controversial, the authors examine the New Testament as a statement of the Torah of Sinai. This important work provides a provocative and trenchant critique of existing scholarship that seeks to view Christianity as autonomous from Judaism.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Deep reading on Christianity as a Judaism:
The previous reviewer who titled his review in such a way that indicated this book is suitable for devotional reading can't possibly be serious.
This book is very thought provoking, and reflects more than a few profound thoughts about Christianity as a Judaism. Chilton and Neusner are both very learned scholars, and so far as I can tell neither writes for popular audiences (one possible exception being Chilton's book on Rabbi Jesus).
It is not an easy read, and some portions were impossible for me to... more info
Must reading for Jewish Roots of Christianity:
This book is the finest, most balanced book I have read on the common roots of Judaism and Christianity. The notion that Christianity was A Judaism was counter to my thinking, but they make the case. It stresses the similarities and differences between Judaism and Christianity, showing that the differences are within the Judaic context. I didn't agree with everything they said, but any serious discussion and debate on this subject MUST include the points raised here.
This is a great devotional book!:
This is the first book of either author I have read
and I enjoyed it completely. The idea that the New Testament is another form of Judaism at first went against what I was taught even though I had always recognized the jewishness of Jesus. This book focuses on the important issue of God fulfilling the Talmud through the person of Jesus Christ
