Christianity & Rabbinic Judaism: A Parallel History of Their Origins & Early Development

by Hershel Shanks (Editor)

The idea is long overdue: tell the story of the formation of classical Judaism and orthodox Christianity as parallel yet interlocking histories. In a series of chapters written by leading scholars in their respective fields, the reader is offered a general account of how, during the first six centuries of the Common Era, Judaism and Christianity developed into the form we recognize today.

Genres: Religion, History, Judaism, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction

380 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Noah Dropkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A parallel history of the development of Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity in the first six centuries of the common era.

This is really a textbook aimed at college/graduate student of comparative religions but still found much of the sections quite readable.

The most interesting part of the book is how it puts both Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism in the context of the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE plus the control of Israel in the hands of Rome.

I was unaware of the various struggles facing early Christians in defining their religion. Further, understanding the roots of Rabbinic Judaism in light of the parallel development of Christianity explains a lot of what later became the core of Judaic practice for 2000 years.

[Ben B · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Christian, I have many questions about the history of Judaism in the time of the early church. This book, really a collection of essays, presents the histories of the Christian church and Rabbinic Judaism in a way that clarifies the interaction between the two. The essay format has the advantage of allowing each author to present his own views with his own biases. The reader is left with the responsibility of sorting out facts and distortions, reaching conclusions, and understanding the tensions among the different schools of thought.

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This nine chapter book has eight chapters that deserve five stars. Unfortunately, chapter 2 "The Life of Jesus" deserves no stars at all. In fact, I can't believe it's in the book. It's author repeatedly makes grossly uninformed statements about Jesus and Christianity. It's so off that it's worth reading just for the novelty of seeing something so worthless get published in a scholarly book of essays. Don't let this stop you from reading an otherwise excellent book, which is volume II - volume I "Ancient Israel" is also excellent.

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading history, especially history related to my faith, which includes both the Christian church and Judaism because of the close ties between them (despite the centuries when those ties were ignored or denied). I'm not sure how much it helped having the parallel histories format, and some of the material in some chapters seemed repetitive of what I had read in other chapters, but it was very interesting and educational, covering a period I knew some about but not all that much especially as to Judaism.

[Sean Evans]

Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism: A Parallel History of Their Origins and Early Development (1992)

[Robert Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically useful book. I like the Jewish writers a lot better than Christians, insofar as they take history seriously and don't second guess everything.