An aimless exploration of Biblical prophecy.
Re-reading of the great Biblical prophets, to little avail.
The tumult surrounding 9/11 caused Rubenstein (Conflict Resolution and Public Affairs/George Mason Univ.) to examine once more some of the major prophets of the Bible, namely Isaiah (and “Second Isaiah”), Jeremiah, Elijah and Elisha. By reading the relevant scriptures while studying the geo-political context in which they were set, he hoped to come away with fresh insights into the world’s present conflicts. His final analysis, however, is brief and anti-climactic. Rubenstein presents the stories of these prophets in approachable language, interspersing detailed historical notes with selected scriptural quotations. In tracing the prophetic tradition from Elijah’s struggle against the worshippers of Baal to Jeremiah’s laments during the exile in Babylon, he draws forth an important message for the ages: The entire world, not merely one people, are under the dominion and care of God, and that is the starting point from which understanding can grow. After a brief discussion of Jesus as a continuation of the prophetic tradition, the author seems ready at last to summarize his findings and present a meaningful message for the present day. The reader finds, though, that only a handful of pages are devoted to the sweeping topic of what the ancient prophets have to say to us in our current circumstances. His conclusion is sparse and hurried, and the last few pages may not be enough to convince the reader that today’s events require a return to the lessons of the prophets at all. And there are other issues: What about the many other Biblical prophets who are either not mentioned or barely mentioned in this work? For a book written from a Jewish perspective, the brief discussion of Jesus needs more treatment to have a legitimate place. And what is God’s role? Rubenstein exudes historical-critical skepticism, yet invites us to listen to the prophets’ words anyway. What does he really want us to believe?
An aimless exploration of Biblical prophecy.Pub Date: Nov. 13, 2006
ISBN: 0-15-101219-9
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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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