Meet the Rabbis explains to the reader how rabbinic thought was relevant to Jesus and the New Testament world, and hence should be relevant to those people today who read the New Testament.
In this sense, Rabbinic thought is relevant to every aspect of modern life. Rabbinic literature explores the meaning of living life to its fullest, in right relationship with God and humanity. However, many Christians are not aware of Rabbinic thought and literature. Indeed, most individuals in the Western world today, regardless of whether they are Christians, atheists, agnostics, secular community leaders, or some other religious and political persuasions, are more knowledgeable of Jesus' ethical teachings in the Sermon the Mount than the Ethics of the Fathers in a Jewish prayer book. The author seeks to introduce the reader to the world of Torah learning. It is within this world that the authentic cultural background of Jesus' teachings in ancient Judaism is revealed. Young uses parts of the New Testament, especially the Sermon on the Mount, as a springboard for probing rabbinic method. The book is an introduction to rabbinic thought and literature and has three main sections in its layout: Introduction to Rabbinic Thought, Introduction to Rabbinic Literature, and Meet the Rabbis, a biographical description of influential Rabbis from Talmudic sources.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Superb Introduction to the Rabbis for Christians:
"Meet the Rabbis" is a great introduction and primer to the Rabbis whose wisdom is recorded in the Talmud (including an introduction and explanation of the Mishnah and Talmud themselves) and the Jewish way of thinking in general. Wish this work had been out decades ago! Brad Young's material is aimed primarily toward Christian leaders, teachers, or serious students of Scripture (particularly the teachings of Jesus). Yet the work can be comprehended by the average layman. The book is broken down... more info
Well Worth a Read:
Understanding the Judaic Roots of our faith brings a depth of understanding and knowledge that is sadly lacking in today's interpretive techniques. Contrary to modern teachings indicating that Jesus was the first born again man and man centered interpretations that bring man to godhood, this book is a breath of fresh air. Putting Yeshua (Jesus) back into His cultural setting and firmly understood interpretive techniques used by the intelligentsia of the day opens up Scripture to a depth heretofore... more info
What Have We Here???:
I learned quite a bit from reading this book and generally enjoyed reading it. However, I was frequently confronted by problems. For example, the author's selection and use of materials meant to illustrate and reinforce key points of his analysis are often either ill conceived or distorted. Next, there is a paucity of dates provided for material from the Rabbis that purport to parallel the teachings of Jesus. Whether these teachings were within twenty five years or four centuries of Jesus does matter.... more info
Superior and Insightful:
Brad Young is an excellent teacher who is divinely gifted as this work proves. It is a pleasure to read material that is so well researched and beneficial to both Jews and Christians. This book is a must for all Bible scholars and laymen, especially teachers of the Gospel.
