A scholarly work with considerable contemporary relevance that traces the Jewish messianic idea through its many ancient manifestations. In this densely written volume, Collins (Hebrew Bible/Univ. of Chicago) has collected and analyzed scriptural references to the figure of the messiah. In its original meaning, that of ``anointed,'' the term was used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to a number of people—priests, kings, and teachers among them. In the Book of Isaiah, the term described Cyrus, king of Persia, the emperor who enabled the Jews to return from the Babylonian captivity and eventually rebuild the Temple of Jerusalem. It is only in the postbiblical (what Christian scholars refer to as the ``intertestamental'') period that a messiah becomes the Messiah, words used to refer to a heroic figure who would redeem Israel and bring peace to humankind. Among the major sources of information on the postbiblical period are the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the late 1940s and early '50s but published in their entirety only in the last few years. Collins ably leads readers through the confusing plethora of scroll texts and interpretations, offering new insights into claims that the scrolls present a view of the messiah that dovetails with early Christian doctrine. Though it focuses on Jewish texts, both biblical and extrabiblical, one of the book's central concerns is the wish to elucidate Christian origins against their Jewish background. This title is part of a new series, the Anchor Bible Reference Library, which—if subsequent volumes are as solid as this one—promises to live up to the standards of its intellectual parents, the Anchor Bible and the Anchor Bible Dictionary. Written in academic prose, somewhat technical but accessible and jargon-free. Students of biblical history and the messianic idea can rest assured that they are in competent hands. (b&w photos, maps, not seen)
Pub Date: April 1, 1995
ISBN: 0-385-47457-1
Page Count: 270
Publisher: Anchor
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1995
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This a book of earlier, philosophical essays concerned with the essential "absurdity" of life and the concept that- to overcome the strong tendency to suicide in every thoughtful man-one must accept life on its own terms with its values of revolt, liberty and passion. A dreary thesis- derived from and distorting the beliefs of the founders of existentialism, Jaspers, Heldegger and Kierkegaard, etc., the point of view seems peculiarly outmoded. It is based on the experience of war and the resistance, liberally laced with Andre Gide's excessive intellectualism. The younger existentialists such as Sartre and Camus, with their gift for the terse novel or intense drama, seem to have omitted from their philosophy all the deep religiosity which permeates the work of the great existentialist thinkers. This contributes to a basic lack of vitality in themselves, in these essays, and ten years after the war Camus seems unaware that the life force has healed old wounds... Largely for avant garde aesthetes and his special coterie.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1955
ISBN: 0679733736
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955
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