Origins of Christianity explains the laws and culture of the Hebrew/Jewish people as it developed over many centuries. Jewish history is not only interesting but critical to gaining a better understanding of the cultural and political situation in the Middle East during Jesus' lifetime. At the time of Jesus' birth the Jewish people were under political and cultural pressure from Roman oppression. Some of this tension can be seen in the Matthew and Luke nativity stories. Each nativity story gives conflicting information. The Matthew nativity story has Joseph as the central figure and speaks of murder, terror, and flight. The Luke nativity story has Mary as the central figure and speaks of a manger, shepherds, and a visit to the Jewish Temple. These stories were written in a Hebrew style of storytelling and were never intended to be taken literally. Origins of Christianity also tells of events in Jesus' adult life, from a historical perspective.
Origins of Christianity gives the historical background for many of the events before and after the birth of Jesus. The author addresses many questions that are often asked. Is there an explanation for the irreconcilable differences between the two nativity stories? What were the consequences for someone in the 17th century who publicly contradicted the long-standing teaching that the earth was the center of the universe? What became of the Hebrew Lost Tribes? According to early Jewish tradition, how old is the universe? Why was the 'apostle' Paul excommunicated from the Jewish community? Who were the Samaritans, the Pharisees, and the Sadducees? Why did some people consider Mary Magdalene a prostitute? Were the Herods Jews? When did Judea first become known as Palestine? Why did the Romans arrest people who caused a disturbance in the Temple during a Holy Day celebration?
Origins of Christianity explains the political and cultural strife within the Jewish community which resulted in a civil war decades before the birth of Jesus. This division continued for many years and can be seen in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The letters (epistles) written by Paul express many of his non-Jewish beliefs. Some of his teachings were incorporated into Christianity.
Origins of Christianity, distinguishing between sacred history and historical reality, is a 214 page easy to read book that presents insight into the history of both Judaism and Christianity.
Excerpt
The Jewish culture and the Bible developed over many centuries. Both have undergone countless changes. Many of these changes were the result of influence from other cultures. However, it has always been a Jewish teaching that a person born of Jewish parents is a Jew at birth.
Jesus was born and raised in a Jewish home. However, he was not born of Jewish parents. Thus, he was not a Jew at birth. He became a convert to Judaism when he was baptized by John the Baptist. The focus of Jesus' ministry was to bring Scriptures to the marginalized Jews and the non-Jews in Judea.
Finally! Understand and learn from the New Testament Books of Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude.
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