A Portable God: The Origin of Judaism and Christianity

by Risa Kohn, Rebecca Moore

Many Christians and Jews believe that their faiths developed independently from each other, and that their religions are distinct, even antagonistic towards each other. A Portable God dramatically departs from the idea that the birth of Judaism and Christianity are two separate, unrelated events. Judaism and Christianity's origins are not seen as following a linear, chronological process that places the Israelites in the beginning, followed by the Jews, and finally the Christians. On the contrary, A Portable God shows that both Judaism and Christianity emerge from the same religious tradition--that of ancient Israel--at the same time. By telling the common story of Jewish and Christian origins, A Portable God shows Jews and Christians as siblings, rather than as parent and child, showing that the similarities between Judaism and Christianity far outweigh their differences, ultimately fostering appreciation for the shared heritage of Judaism and Christianity.

Genres: Christianity

Paperback

First published October 15, 2007

Reviews

[Nualle Schallenberger · Rating 3 out of 5]

A superb overview of the era marred by the complete lack of footnotes. I can't say how many times I was tantalized by an off-hand remark and frustrated that none of the titles proffered for follow-up study seemed to address the issue that had intriqued me.

[Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

A look at the historical evolution in Judaism and Christianity over the course of about 700 years and how some traditions have stayed even 2000 years later and what they mean to contemporary Jews and Christians.