Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
This is no fundamentalist work harking back to the idea that "the oldest is the purest." Rather it is recognition that the Old Testament has a complex heritage and that those who shared this heritage did not share the same beliefs or scriptures--amongst these people were the first Christians. In her exploration of temple theology, Margaret Barker finds clear references and beliefs in fundamental Christian concepts such as atonement, creation, and covenant. This is a thorough and fascinating exploration of the theology of the original Jewish Temple.
Synopsis
How was it early Christian reflection on Jesus emerged so rapidly and with such a high degree of definition? What patterns of interpretation, already in known in late second temple Palestine, crystallized around the person of Jesus Christ and his work? Margaret Barker believes that Christian theology matured quickly because it was the return to a far older faith. Those who perserved the ancient tradition rejected the second temple, and longed for the restoration of the original, true temple and the faith of Abraham and Melchizedek, the first priest-king. In this fascinating discussion, the author refutes the scholarly assumption that crucial Christian concepts, such as the Trinty, the earth as a reflection of heaven, and the cosmic nature of the atonement, are informed by Greek culture. Rather, she argues, they are drawn from the eclipsed faith of the first temple. ' Margaret Barker's] interpretation of temple theology should not be ignored by anyone in Judaism and the origins of Christian faith.' John McDade, Principal of Heythrop College, University of London.
Synopsis
Margaret Barker believes that Christianity developed so quickly because it was a return to far older faith--far older than the Greek culture that is long-held to have influenced Christianity. Temple Theology explains that the preaching of the gospel and the early Christian faith grew out of the centuries' old Hebrew longing for God's original Temple. These longings form the basis of the Old Testament exile theology and cause us reassess the relationship between Christianity and the Hebrew tradition. This is no fundamentalist work harking back to the idea that the oldest is the purest. Rather it is recognition that the Old Testament has a complex heritage and that those who shared this heritage did not share the same beliefs or scriptures--amongst these people were the first Christians. In her exploration of temple theology, Margaret Barker finds clear references and beliefs in fundamental Christian concepts such as atonement, creation, and covenant. This is a thorough and fascinating exploration of the theology of the original Jewish Temple.
Synopsis
Study of the Jewish Temple is currently very important, but studies often remain at the archaeological level. What has been less studied is the theological reason for the artifacts discovered by the archaeologists. Barker, already a published expert in this area, gives a general introduction, and then focuses on four areas of meaning: Creation, Covenant, Atonement, and Wisdom. The book also discusses how Jesus related to the Temple.