Reviews (7)

Good reference but not a difinitive theological work
Mr. Sterns' book is a good reference for people who have a working knowledge of Jewish-Christian issues.The author shares some good insights.However, there is too much emphasis and leaning towards Christian fundamentalism in the book for anyone to use it as a difinitive guide in this crucial spiritual area.Balance this book along with works by R. Kendall Soulen, Marvin Wilson, Mark Nanos, Harvey Cox, and a myriad of other Paulist Press releases that shed a more accurate light on the realities of the Jewish roots of Christianity.

He doth protest too much
I've studied the Jewish roots of Christianity for some time now, and I still found some surprises in this book. For the sake of those new facts and insights, it was worth it.
On the other hand, he argues way too hard that the law is still to be observed, to some extent even by non-Jewish Christians. He argues too hard that the scripture doesn't really mean what it says in too many instances. He has the idea that certain promises are only for Jews; my interpretation of scripture differs somewhat.
All in all I still enjoyed this book thoroughly, and I look forward to additional works by this author. He has definitely done his homework.

Reviews (4)

Context Creates Meaning, but Young Uses Context Selectively
The main strength of this book is that it is an excellent resource for doing comparative studies between Jesus as presented in the Gospels and the Rabbis as presented in the Rabbinics. Each of Jesus' parables is put against the backdrop of similar parables told by different Rabbis in the Talmud and other Rabbinic writings. It's interesting to see the overlap between the two which is, at points, quite substantial.

Young is quite adamant in his view that Jesus must be dropped back into the world of second temple Judaism. While context does create meaning, the main fault that I have with Young's approach is that by using the Rabbinic writings as the main source of comparison, whole bodies of Jewish literature are overlooked (he does bring the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Pseudepigrapha in at points, but the bulk of the book deals with Jesus and the Rabbis). So, while there are strengths to this approach, there are also weaknesses; Rabbinic Judaism is hardly representative of the Judaisms of Jesus' day. Furthermore, Jesus wasn't a rabbi like Hillel or Akiba, so the usefulness of comparisons primarily between the Gospels and Rabbinics is further diminished.

Dr. Young also seems quite interested in debunking the allegorical interpretations of the parables of Jesus as taught by early church fathers such as Origen. While this may help to clear up the meanings of the prables from a historical perspective, is it really necessary to do so? One can teach accurate history without debunking the views of others. The result ends up being that Young comes across as rather argumentative and standoff-ish and overall it is just plain annoying to read.

I would recommend Young's book to anyone interested in a comparison between Jesus' parables and those of the Rabbis - in this area, Young hits the bull's eye. However, as a book about Jesus' parables where the goal is less to contrast and compare than to enlightend and educate, Young hits a little too left of center.

Excellent resource
I have used this book as a resource in teaching an adult Sunday School class series on the parables of Jesus.It provides detail on the Jewish environment of Jesus' time and a perspective not found in the usual Biblestudy materials.

Isbn: 9659010400
Sales Rank: 474470

Reviews (17)

Good intro to the Jewish Roots of Christianity
Dr. Moseley has given the body of believers a nice, readable analysis of the early believers in Yeshua (Jesus).If you are new to Messianic studies or to the Jewish background to the Brit Chadashah (New Testament) this is a good book with which to start.Knowledge of Hebrew is not required.

The book takes you on a journey through some of the conflicts between Christianity and Judaism by analyzing the Jewish roots of Christianity.For example, there is a detailed analysis about the Pharisees that most Christians likely have not studied.Most Christians assume a Pharisee is the epitome of hypocrisy; some were but not all, as we learn from the Scripture.Dr. Moseley also uses Josephus and Talmudic sources to show what the Pharisees believed and gives a brief outline about how believers in Yeshua began their dangerous departure from their Jewish roots.

There is also a nice description about 10 hard to understand comments of Yeshua that make a lot of sense in light of His Jewish roots.Personally, I found Dr. Moseley's descriptions better than those of Bivin (Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus).It is a shame he only discusses ten of these.

The most serious flaw in the book is that the author divides up the Torah into parts, and reasons that some Laws are "active" and the others are fulfilled (such as those related to the temple).Such a division is helpful, but unscriptural.He also makes some serious assumptions about the adherence beyond the Noachide Laws; more detail (instead of a reference) would have been helpful..Dr. Moseley's discussion about Yeshua's and Paul's reaction to the Law, however, are quite good.

What I found especially helpful is the analysis of the Scripture in light of other Jewish sources.Although the Talmud is not inspired, it is helpful for understanding some of what people believed when Yeshua was on the Earth.The chapters are brief, digestible, and come with study questions.

In summary this is a good starter book that will enlighten those new to the Jewish roots of Christianity, but it will also give some food for thought to those more experienced

Splendid synopsis
Dr. Mosley does his best to make a splendid synopsis on the Jewish roots of Christianity where many Christians are simply are not aware of.

Reviews (11)

excellent approach to scripture
Nanos pulls from the history, the culture, the Greek language, and even the archaeology to bring a "fresh" interpretation of a mysterious book to our time.In doing so, he comes closer to putting us into the minds of Jewish Christians living in the 40s, 50s than most commentators.

Nanos' thesis is that Paul is rebuking Gentile Christians for being arrogant about their grace-oriented lifestyle, and that the weak and the strong in Romans aren't Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians (as interpreted for, goodness, 1900+ years?), rather non-Christian Jews and Jewish/Gentile Christians.The Christians are the "strong" because they rely on God's grace, the Jews "weak" because they rely on the law.However, the term "weak" is not necessarily prejorative.In fact, Nanos states that the weak are stumbling *because* of the arrogance of the strong regarding violating the Law.The Christians are chastized in the letter, not exalted, and the Christians are asked to be more "Jewish", or at least, Noachidic.

The Jews are still considered brethren, the calling of God is irrevocable, the seed of Abraham is the branch which sustains the Church, and "all Israel will be saved" (pas Israel sothesetai).Nanos backs all this up.This is a challenge to 'Replacement Theologians,' as Replacementers rely on this letter for much of their arguments.

I also found Nanos' comments on the Shema and its role in the Gospel enlightening.

One of 10 best Paul books of last 5 years
That's it--simple--one of the best 10 books on Paul of the last 5 years.

Excellent but difficult read
Nanos is unequalled in his ability to write and back up his thoughts with proof.He has a twist in this book, from a Jewish perspective, he attempts to show how Paul is writing to Jews and Romans to consider one another as brothers, to emphasize toleration.

Nanos' thesis is that Paul was writing a correction to both, neither should think more of themselves than what they should.It was not the Jews who thought too much of themselves, it was he Romans who were thinking they were more than just simple Christians.His reference to Romans 9 is very insightful.

It is a difficult read, written mostly to a more educated audience, however, it is a good tool for anyone who has a desire to understand the depth of scripture from a Jewish perspective.

If only all christians would remember that the early church was originally all Jewish until the conversion of the Samaritans.The core of Paul's work was done in synagogues and Jews were among the converts throughout Europe and Asia Minor.

Reviews (22)

Of the utmost importance to all sincere Christians

The authors make a very convincing case that the Synoptic Gospels (Mathew, Mark and Luke) were based on a lost Hebrew text. The translation into Greek was not idiomatic but literal and that is why many of the words of Jesus do not seem to make sense. These Gospels are full of Hebrew idioms and expressions that were taken literally into the Greek and subsequent translations of other languages. Most of the idioms that Jesus used can be understood only in a Hebrew context. The assumption that the entire New Testament was originally communicated in Greek has led to significant misunderstandings on the part of both scholars and laypersons.

Firstly, the authors examine the Aramaic and Greek theories. Contrary to the consensus, it now appears that Hebrew was very much alive as a spoken language at the time of Jesus. The Dead Sea Scrolls also point in this direction. As proof, the authors cite scholars like M H Segal, Matthew Black and Max Wilcox. Many words in the Greek versions are not just poor Greek but actually meaningless Greek, because of the literal translation. The undertext reveals a Hebrew original.

Recent linguistic research confirms that Hebrew was the spoken language of Israel at the time of Christ. This knowledge is enabling scholars to correct the numerous mistranslations in the English text, which was translated from the Greek. Some of the scholars quoted are Jehoshua M Grintz, David Flusser, Moshe Bar-Asher, Pinhas Lapide, Harris Birkeland, William Sanford LaSor, Frank Cross and Abbe J T Milik.

Chapter 4 explores the extra-biblical evidence for Hebrew in the writings of Josephus and the Anti-Nicene Fathers, in the Dead Sea Scrolls, on coins and inscriptions and in Rabbinic literature. The case for Hebrew is overwhelming.

But the most convincing indication of the Hebrew origin of these three Gospels can be found in the text itself. The Hebrew undertext is revealed in the sentence structure and the many literalisms and idioms that are peculiar to Hebrew. The authors provide many examples in which confusing passages immediately become clear when translated back into Hebrew.

Chapter 6 considers the theological error due to mistranslation. Unfortunately there are passages of which the mistranslation has caused significant error and unnecessary theological controversies. Thus, the expression Kingdom of Heaven primarily means the community of believers, not the future kingdom. It also becomes clear that Jesus did indeed claim to be the Saviour, by inter alia referring to himself as the "Green Tree", a messianic title. The book also dispels other myths like the ones about pacifism, martyrdom and giving without discernment.

In the Appendix, David Bivin deals with many particular texts in detail, including Matt 5:3, Luke 23:31, Matt 11:12, Luke 12:49 - 50, Matt 16:19, Matt 5:20, Matt 5:17 & 18 (about the iota and tittle). It is quite disturbing to think that for almost two millennia, believers did not read the true meaning that Jesus intended. How strange that this should only have come to light in the last century, and that most modern translations of the Bible still contain the incorrect and confusing translations!

Black and white photographs and illustrations enhance the text throughout. The book concludes with a bibliography and biographical information on the authors. Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus is a compelling read, but too short. What it reveals has enormous implications for Christianity. Another book that sheds light on this matter is Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church, by Dr Ron Moseley.

Not Worth the Paper It's Printed On
I immediately sent this book back. It's trash. So the authors know a little Hebrew and now they're experts about everything. "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing". Idioms equal NOT proving certain language. Anyhow, the appendix sucks. The appendix is their interpretation of Jesus's sayings - the crux of the book, the title. It's all WRONG. Catholic saints' commentaries explain much better and much DIFFERENT than their interpretations. I don't know why the other people gave such good reviews. The blind leading the blind. Oh, well. :-(

Reviews (6)

Interesting look at an "Apostate" gruop
This is a well reseached book written by a Reconstructist Rabbi examining a messianic jewish group. I learned a lot about this movement, including the racial boundaries set up by messianic temples (gentile vs. "originally" jewish), and of course, their evangelical roots. The Rabbi although clearly rejecting the group, makes good arguments at the end as to why this group should be accepted as "jewish" and a part of the Jewish Community. I don't know myself. While I am facinated at the possible blending of Christianity and Judaism, as a Jewish convert raised Epsicopal, I found the blending too odd - even ridiculous. Judaism doesn't need Christianity for it to be meaningful, holy or complete. Judaism is too self-examining to really fit in with Evangelical Christianity. Judaism is about Jews; Christianity is about Jesus, who also happens to be a Jew. That's a BIG difference! All today's Jewish rituals, they were not practiced the same way in Jesus' time (remember all those sacrifices in the Temple...). Today's Judaism is not Jesus' Judaism, which he rebelled against, not by a long shot.

Of couse I am just a Christian Apostate (the worst kind according to NT!) so what do I know? As things are though, perhaps in another 100 years, various forms of Jewish-Christianity will be the Jewish community core and the other strictly Jewish sects the splinter groups (orthodox, conservative)?This is an important researched document that should be read by all Jews and Christians. Messianic jews aren't the "boogey man".Though prosetlyzing is quite annoying to say the least, messianic jews should have a role in our continuing Judeo-Christian dialogue and the jewish community should hopefully one day accept their "jewishness", even if as their ugly stepchild.

Insincere
The author poses as an unbiased investigator, but her agenda is to debunk the Messianic movement. There is no reason to believe the one congregation she choses to study is representative of Jewish believers. She depicts Messianic Jews as clinging to their Jewishness illegitimately. An entertaining and somewhat suspenseful read nevertheless, as one anticipates the author's erroneous assumptions to soften in response to the gospel. Don't hold your breath.

Reviews (3)

The relavance of Judaic customs in the New Testament
This book presents a nice, non-combative approach in trying to teach modern Christianity the relavance and wonderful symbolism found in the modern day Judaic customs.It even gives a practical guide for those who want to try these traditions themselves to have an instructional tradition for their descendants.I thought this book did a good job relating modern observance to New Testament times.I know that the next time I read the passages mentioned, I'll have a better understanding of the context surrounding the actions of Christ and the apostles.This book is very easy to read and structured for even the most elementary student of New Testament history.

it not only informs, but inspires - to the utmost.
The companion book to "God's Appointed Times" by the same author, is just as fascinating as it's predecesor.After reading it, a Gentile believer in Yeshua Ha Meshiach may wonder how he understoodanything in the Bible at all before this.Understanding the Jewishbackground to the Old and New Testaments can make a world ofdifference. The reader will be delighted to have a resource that not only informs, butinspires - to the utmost.The author relates the customs to specificevents in the scriptures so that we become aware of what was happening, butthe main focus is the spritual significance which will really make yourspirit soar.All the Hebrew prayers are transliterated and translated,which further helps to connect us with our Jewish roots, and immerse usinto the culture.This is a great book!

Reviews (8)

Edward Chumney's version of the seven festivals
This is a gentile perspective of the Jewish perspective. It is too cumbersome to read to the end. The transliterations are not accurate. It is definitely not something that a Jewish person would be able to get through, whether a believer or not a believer in Messiah. It is better to write from your own personal experiences and culture. When you try to enter into someone else's culture, it is not the same.

I personally want to see the Jewish people come to believe that Yeshua is the Messiah and I at the same time want to see the Gentile people come to believe that Yeshua(Jesus) is the Messiah. Each are to remain in the culture and religious background that they came from minus the idolotries and other sins in their lives.

An understanding of the entire Bible is very important. A person does not need to become a Bible scholar to be saved. But to know how to live before and unto the L-rd is very important. the feast of Israel are a part of a Jewish person's lifestyle and a Jewish Believer's lifestyle and a Gentile Believer's lifestyle. Each must know that the central part of each feast is G-d and He will impress upon you how to walk before Him.

onenewman
This is an excellant book. Eddie Chumney writes very methodically which makes it easy to remember and understand. For anyone interested in their Hebraic Roots this one is the best in regard to understanding the Bibical past, present and future. All your questions will be answered as you read this book.
This book also uncovers milleniums of misunderstanding. It is worth the time to read.

Amazon made me give it at least one star
...one of the customer reviewers, is quite correct about this book becoming "cumbersome," particularly to Jewish Christian readers, just from the sample pages I perused.For Christian readers who do not come from a Jewish upbringing, it may not be cumbersome, but there are many explanations that should be included but are not, which, I think, is a loss for my Gentile Bretheren in the L-rd.

I appreciate the author's appropriate use of "-" and hopefully he did so throughout this book.I've been laughed at many times because I WILL NOT write the L-RD's name (the tetragrammaton) at all, always use the "-" where required, will not place my Bible on the floor to read it, and although one time I had to write in Eze 48:22 in the NASB before Moody corrected the typo, and I can't get a straight exchange, we [Jews] do not write in our Bibles and that pained me to do so.

Some examples that are sloppy: inconsistent use of "chag," sometimes just "hag" w/o the dot under the h, which is a transliteration of the Hebrew letter "chet."Sometimes, other things, the technicalities I'll refrain from in this review, are missing.

That's enough for now.I would just like to see consistency and more and better explanations for my friends who were not raised Jewish.We're all ONE in the L-rd, and we both can teach each other.

I think the other customer's review and mine are emphasizing things that the author is inconsistent with so our Gentile saved Bretheren will not be embarrassed should you have the opportunity to share the Gospel with lost Jewish people.I guarantee you that the last thing you want, even by mistake, is to explain Hebrew words based on errors from books such as this to a Jewish person who knows even just the basics of the Hebrew language.

You may be laughed at for something you were misled on, and worst of all, as difficult as it is to reach lost Jews, such as the Apostle Paul's family, mine, many other saved Jews, you may be the only person ever given the opportunity to share Yeshua with them.I don't know everything, but I don't think this is what the L-rd means by suffering for His name's sake?

I could get really picky, but I won't.This book is obviously targeted for saved Gentiles.Even though you might find some useful info if you buy this book, please do not be dogmatic about everything you read or hear if/when you get to share with lost Jewish people.We never know if the person we're sharing with will ever give anybody else another chance?

I'm sure the author meant well, but, I think some of these items are important to discuss for the reasons above.

Reviews (16)

As the title says, it is a "Family Guide"
If you are coming around to understanding the extrabiblical nature of the Roman feasts, you're probably looking for a way to wean your family off of those dialectical, pagan/Christian festivals.Perhaps your spouse isn't "on board" yet because you're both unsure of how to break it to the kids without leaving them feeling deprived.

Or, maybe you're a "Sunday school" teacher looking for a way to teach your young pupils about the seven "Feasts of the Lord" from a Christian perspective.

THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!

The book starts with a general calendar for the year and a simple, yet comprehensive, explanation of the calendar.Then, each feast is presented in order.

At the head of each festival's chapter, a concise and well written explanation of the feast is given.These descriptive sections are well suited for the adult teacher and provide enough information to provide a solid basis for teaching.These sections are perhaps even suitable for students with a 5th grade reading comprehension level (about the age when most of the books activities will start to seem juvenile).The bulk of the rest of each festival's section is devoted to projects and games that are probably more geared for elementary-aged children.This is what makes it a "family guide."

If you are looking for a more detailed exegesis of the Feasts of the Lord, there are other books and websites available.But, I think every family or teacher should have this one on hand.

Excellent for Homeschoolers, Others Look Elsewhere
This very thick book will give you the information you need to begin celebrating the Biblical holidays at home. Written primarily for Christians, it gives background on traditional Jewish observance as well as Messianic interpretations for believers in Yeshua.

I had three problems with this book, which is why I rated it only 3 stars. One was the somewhat amateurish layout - it was clearly self-published - which made some pages difficult to read. Another was the sheer bulk of the book. This is a large-format paperback and is very unwieldy to read. I needed to sit at a table! The last was price. The price is perhaps reasonable given the size of the book and printing costs, but it's an awful lot of money for information that is much more economically presented elsewhere.

If you are just looking for a practical, concise introduction to the holidays, including music and craft suggestions, I'd recommend you get Barry Kasdan's _God's Appointed Customs_ and skip this book altogether. However, if you are a homeschooling family that enjoys unit studies and you agree with the Heart of Wisdom philosophy, this book is a must-have and the price is probably justified, as the studies go across the whole curriculum and could easily fill a whole year.

Reviews (20)

A Much Needed Book for Christian
The Gift of the Jews is now the Gift to all.This is the perfect place to start if you desire to know the roots of the Christian Faith.A Great Introduction with a lot to chew on!

A Must Read for All Christians!
This is a stunning achievement and a life changing book! Wilson calls Christians to examine their Hebrew roots.Once you discover the roots of Christianity run deep into Hebrew soil you will never view the Bible the same way.

Abraham is father of us all, as Paul wrote to the Romans (Rom. 4:16). He is father of believing Jews, and he is father of believing Gentiles (Rom. 4:11, 12). So if we belong to Christ, we are Abraham's seed (Gal. 3:29). We have that wonderful Abrahamic connection.

To many Christians are surprised Christian's roots are in Judaism. Wilson excellent balanced work gives an information in all areas of Jewish culture and what it means to us today. The book is broken down into five parts. They are:

1. A New People: Abraham's Spiritual Children
2. The Church and Synagogue in the Light of History
3. Understanding Hebrew Thought
4. Jewish Heritage and the Church: Selected Studies
5. Toward Restoring Jewish Roots

Each packed chapter includes sub points that will enhance your study and understanding of the Bible. Wilson's goal is to help the reader see the strong link between Judaism and Christianity and the Old and New Testaments. By seeing and understanding this link, it is hoped that the reader will be able to develop a more authentically Biblical lifestyle.

Study questions are included at the end of each chapter.