Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus: How the Jewish Words of Jesus Can Change Your Life
D**S
Very Insightful
This is our third purchase of this book. Wore them out marking and reading them.
J**.
Good read
Bought multiple for a study class,
R**
Different presentation
I like the different viewpoint!!! It is good to really examine cultural differences! Recommend it.
M**N
A "Must Read" book
I read about two books a week, sometimes more. I am thrilled when I come across a truly great book. I have mixed feelings, however. On the one hand I don't want to put the book down and so I keep reading on and on. (I recently read a 610 page book in one weekend!) On the other hand, I don't want the book to end. This is what happened when I read Lois Tverberg's book, Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus. I deliberately slowed myself down, so I wouldn't finish the book too quickly and also to take the time to incorporate all of the wisdom into my being and actions. Tverberg writes clearly using plenty of examples and stories. She's not afraid to challenge our thinking and expose our biases and presuppositions. I especially was moved by her insights in the chapter, "Taking My Thumb Off The Scale." In fact, I used the principles within the hour when my grandchildren were faced with a mean playmate. The "Chutzpah" chapter opened up many new ideas and explained some mysteries to me. I rarely read a book twice but this book needs to be read more than once. It is that good! I would encourage any person wanting to learn more about Jesus' person and message to read this book. It is a wonderful addition to the "New Quest of the Historical Jesus."
R**N
A valuable read for all Western Christians
Western Christians probably miss 50 percent of the meaning of Jesus's words, as we approach things from a Western Graeco-Roman philosophical mindset. This book shows how God's progressive revelation of himself started through the Jewish Patriarchs and Prophets, and then continued in Jesus's teaching. The Ancient Jewish mindset is the bedrock for Jesus's teaching, and we will really only "get" the full extent of his teachings if we understand the foundation on which they are based.The book has numerous thought-provoking take-home messages, and each chapter is semi-autonomous, so it can be read over many days.A minor criticism is that the author does not really acknowledge that Jewish rabbinical teaching has evolved on its own path in the last 2000 years, thus the most relevant quotes for understanding the foundations of Jesus's instruction would be found in Rabbinical writings around the 1st century. Many more modern quotes are used, but this probably is immaterial for the purposes of this book (which is not intended to be a scholarly analytical dissertation)as most represent thoughts consistent with Jewish thought at the time of Jesus.Overall, I enjoyed this, and will periodically revisit chapters for the valuable insights therein.
D**N
Makes Me want to Study Hebrew
A fascinating element in this book, is that it brings forth the multiple meanings in Hebrew words. The author is adept at bringing these various meanings forth that enrich texts from the Hebrew Scriptures, but also from the New Testament. The Glossary also is very valuable. (I am quite sure I will come back to it often.) Lois also chooses excellent stories, often at the beginning of a chapter, very engaging. If someone were to ask me to choose my favorite chapter, I would not hesitate, Chapter 8. The headings within the chapter: “Judging” in Jewish Thought, Judging Favorably in Jewish Culture, Other Ways of Judging Negatively, and finally, Just Like Yourself, challenged me in so many ways. This chapter will occupy my discernment time in the future; they are packed. Two aspects of my life affected my reading of this book. The first is my genealogy results which confirmed that I am more than 47 % Ashkenazi Jewish. The second is that I studied for an M.A. in Scripture at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and took a course in Jewish Mysticism. I have been dedicated to continuing education. My most significant experience was a Study Trip to Israel, Turkey and Greece. A third event I would have to add is the publishing of my book, JESUS GARDENS ME. I am a person who always looks at Bibliography. So I was interested to see if there was any overlap with authors I am familiar with and who Lois cites. In my book, Jesus Gardens me, I quote from Kenneth E. Bailey. I have some familiarity with David Flusser and Abraham Heschel, but that was the only overlap. I was delighted to learn of the many other authors she cites. There was one statement that Lois made, found in footnote #13 in Chapter 8, that troubled me: “One of the major differences between Judaism and Christianity is, in fact, its assessment of humanity. Judaism believes that people can live fairly righteous lives, but Christians see humans as universally separated from God by sin. In my mind, the origin of this split comes from Jesus himself, who preached that God was extending a new ‘covenant for the forgiveness of sin’ through his atoning death." (Matthew 26:28.) In parallel passages to Mt. 26:28, in Mark 14:24 and Luke 22:20 there is no mention of the phrase “for the forgiveness of sin”. This is a Matthean addition. The same phrase occurs in Mark 1:4 and Luke 3:3 as part of the preaching of John the Baptist. Matthew avoids it there. In the scholars I follow, for example Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan (The Last Week) state that the statement “Jesus is the substitutionary sacrifice” (Atonement) is horrific theology. For them (and for me) the message of the cross and Resurrection is that we are to imitate (participate in) the entire life of Jesus. From other Theologians I have come to embrace that Augustine and “Original Sin”, followed by Anselm, have given this "horrible" emphasis to Christianity. I subscribe to the work of Matthew Fox who teaches “Original Blessing.” Interestingly enough this coordinates with Judaism.
G**H
Great book
My wife and I read this as part of a class. I did the audible version, and she read the paper version. It was my favorite of the five we read in the class. Putting the words of Jesus in the context that He delivered them makes a world of difference in interpretation and understanding. I started with the author's second book, and now I want to read her first.
P**A
Jesus ancient origins
This book is very easy to read & understand how simple & magnificent his teaching were and all straight from the book of Torah. He spoke & understood Hebrew & he was a RABBI SO HUMBLE in spirits & so spiritual so proactive in all his blessings & healings
B**E
Better Understanding
This book and the others in the series are fantastic! I'm so appreciative of Ms. Tverberg's excellent scholarly work which she has presented in a very readable manner for the average person to enjoy. The Bible can be so much better understood when we are informed about the era and mindset of the writers. References and glossary are exhaustive.
J**K
The book gives a fresh insight into the mundane reality of the super natural God.
Wonderful insight into the character and nature of Jesus who feels more natural than ever.
S**H
excellent read
Like scales falling from my eyes. Some great insights and new understandings. Makes me want to be a better follower of Jesus.
M**A
God is Love, Wrath, Humour and Pain
I found 'Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus' an eye opening book in more ways then one.1. It sheds light on some key vocabulary in the Bible, as it was originally written in Hebrew.2. It sheds light on the deep connections between the stories, words and wisdom of the Old Testament and the words which Jesus speaks. It helps a Christian European creature like myself, who has not been exposed to Judaism, to understand the Gospels as a continuous commentary upon the Old Scriptures, as part of a wider Jewish culture (before Jesus and after Jesus) of studying and pondering upon God's mysterious ways.3. I believe that the most important message that one takes away with her when closing this book is that God is One. There are no two Gods, a vengeful, 'Jewish', God in the Old Testament and a reformed, merciful and loving God in the New Testament. Rather, what Lois Tverberg manages to highlight, with grace and simplicity, is that throughout the Old and the New Testament, God comes across as the same long enduring and suffering father of us all, who is ready to put aside his wrath for the sake of embracing his prodigal sons and daughters when they choose to return.I love this book for it's wisdom and for the fact that it teaches us to walk in the ways of God not with false piety, but rather with affection, with boldness and even humour. It is a liberating message.
M**ん
ユダヤ的解釈
多くのキリスト教会は聖書がユダヤ文書である事を忘れている。この本はその解釈の助けになります。
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