Book Description
The Renovaré Spiritual Formation Study Bible offers a new way for discovering the full riches of the Scriptures. As bestselling author and the project’s editor, Richard Foster explains, “When I first began writing about spiritual formation, the soul hunger in people was obvious and the resources meager. Since then, a publishing avalanche has occurred on the subject--some helpful, some less than helpful. But there has remained a huge gap; a gap that if not filled will seriously undermine all the gains that have been made. The gap I refer to is a resource for approaching the Bible through the lens of Christian spiritual formation.”
The Word of God is not merely a text to be mastered but a lifestyle to pursue. This unique Bible, spearheaded by bestselling authors Foster (Celebration of Discipline) and Dallas Willard (The Divine Conspiracy), integrates the spiritual disciplines into the Christian life by showing how they are central to the Bible’s teachings and stories. The desperate need today is for a richer, fuller understanding of the relevance of Scripture for daily living. The Renovaré Spiritual Formation Study Bible focuses on illuminating issues of spiritual formation throughout the Scriptures, providing a unique window into how we can become more intimate with God. More substantial than a devotional Bible, yet deeper than a study Bible, the Renovaré Spiritual Formation Study Bible is poised to redefine what the Bible can mean for Christian discipleship.
This unique study Bible will include several distinctive features:
•An introductory essay explaining the paradigm of “The With-God Life,” which views the whole of Scripture as the unfolding story of God’s plan for how we can have an intimate love relationship with our Creator.
•A series of fifteen “With God” essays sprinkled throughout the Bible laying out the progression of the biblical story of how God has, at each stage in history, been forming a people who can freely love-both God and others.
•Introduction and notes for each book of the Bible explaining not only the historical and theological background but also highlighting the main themes for spiritual formation.
•Spiritual exercises for helping readers take the next step in incorporating what they encounter in God’s living Word.
•Profiles of key biblical characters emphasizing how they practiced and modeled spiritual disciplines and the “with-God life.”
•A “Spiritual Disciplines Index” that provides a glossary and Bible references for each spiritual discipline and key themes of spiritual formation.
RENOVARÉ is an intrachurch movement committed to the renewal of the church in all her multifaceted expressions.
Customer Reviews:
Devotional Bible... maybe. Study Bible... no!.......2007-05-28
I bought this book looking for a good study Bible. I was very impressed by the previous literature of Richard Foster and Dallas Willard. The Renovare Study Bible has essays that are profitable and the introduction to the books and different sections of the Old and New Testament are well written.
However,the in-text commentary really falls short of its goal as a "Study" Bible. There is little or no cultural, historical, or practical context in the various authors' comments to aid the explication of text. This Study Bible succeeds in highlighting Biblical principles of Formation outlined by the Renovare group, but little intellectual stimulation is offered for the curious mind.
Read the Celebration of Discipline to procure with pith and cogency what the in-text commentary of the Renovare Study Bible offers with cursory and inadequate explanation.
Note, I am coming from the perspective of wanting a STUDY Bible, the Renovare Study Bible could very well be what you are looking for if you desire a Devotional Bible.
review of the Renovare Bible.......2007-01-10
This Bible is a perfect compliment to my spiritual direction of practicing the deeper Christian walk through the disciplines of the faith. I have read all the authors that contributed to this verson and respect their wisdom and scholarship and Christian personal lives.
Great Gift for Yourself or Others.......2007-01-04
We used this book for a gift for a high school graduate and will use it again with future graduates. It was also recommended by our pastor. The commentary is excellent for young people seeking to make their way through the world in a way that is pleasing to God.
What a pleaure.......2006-09-04
Having this provides one with a fine translation and solid opportunity for interpretation and application.
I was leary about the last part, since often that can be sappy. Not so here.
Selecting a Bible is hard. I have decided that for me, a hard bound book is best and worth any extra cost. Get one like this and add tabs. It is one big book.
Shortcoming: No index. But with so much else, an index may have been hard to add.
A great find after much looking.
Spirituality.......2006-08-07
The Spiritual Formation Bible is enlightening - with tons of insights, prayer suggestions etc. A great Bible for your study or for just reading.
Book Description
Elegant, passionate, and filled with the love of God's creation, Abraham Joshua Heschel's The Sabbath has been hailed as a classic of Jewish spirituality ever since its original publication-and has been read by thousands of people seeking meaning in modern life. In this brief yet profound meditation on the meaning of the Seventh Day, Heschel introduced the idea of an "architecture of holiness" that appears not in space but in time Judaism, he argues, is a religion of time: it finds meaning not in space and the material things that fill it but in time and the eternity that imbues it, so that "the Sabbaths are our great cathedrals."
Customer Reviews:
Approachable Philosophy.......2007-06-03
Heschel wrote this book for us all. His metaphorical descriptions of the Holy Day are vivid and tangible. This book is more entry level than others he has written. Though most of his philosophy is comprehensible, in this book he allowed his readers to relish the simple harmony of the weekly convocation. A wonderful read. I have given away several copies to friends.
Seventh Day Sabbath Goldmine.......2007-04-25
As a practicing Bible believer I have no choice but to agree with the thesis of this book and that is God has gifted us with the Seventh Day Sabbath (day of rest). What makes this book even better is the rich insight and poetical writing style describing the benefits of the Sabbath rest being observed [e.g. Sabbath is a sanctuary etc.]. Intelligent, thoughtful reading, it's rich contents will take time to digest and think through. I believe this is the lifetime work of the Jewish author. But at 100 pages it is one of a kind and in a class of it's own [if you want a longer treatment check out History Of The Sabbath And The First Day Of The Week Showing The Bible Record Of The Sabbath. If you only have one book on the Sabbath (other than your Bible) this will keep you informed and thinking.
the Sabbath.......2007-01-04
This is a thoughtfully written reflection on the meaning of the Sabbath that is appropriate for both Christians and Jews. The book is wonderful for spiritual reading and reflection. It adds depth and meaning to our worship and praise of God. Written by a deeply spiritual man the Sabbath is a great resouce for anyone who wants to deepen and expand their relationship with God.
Breathtaking.......2006-02-26
The Sabbath is an awesome book to read for both Jews and Christians alike. Heschel's discussion of time, space and posessions is inspiring, and transforming. As a Christian, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and found it to be a very enlightening description of Jewish heritage. It challenged me to think about what time I observe with God, and for what reasons; what are my priorities; and how effective am I in living out my faith.
The most beautiful book of all time.......2006-01-09
The wisdom contained in this book is incredible. It is a must read for all people who think our society is too focused on materialistic achievement. Heschel's call for a day of rest is desperately needed. My favorite book.
Book Description
This new addition to the internationally acclaimed Navarre Bible commentary series covers the historical books of the Old Testament: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings. These Biblical books trace the fortunes of the people of Israel from their entry into and conquest of the Promised Land to the conquest of Israel and the captivity in Babylon.
This handsome hardcover volume contains all the study aids that have made the Navarre Bible the preferred commentary for all serious Catholic Biblical students: the complete Latin and English texts of each book; exhaustive commentary based on the writings of the great saints and doctors of the Church; explanatory charts and maps; and a wealth of introductory material to help the reader situate each book in its proper historical and Biblical context.
Customer Reviews:
An outstanding addition. . ........2004-02-19
. . .to an outstanding series! This series provides a desperately needed resource for the serious Catholic Scripture student.
Now that the Navarre Bible New Testament project has been completed, the editors have turned their attention to the Old Testament. This volume "Joshua to Kings" is the second result of that effort, following up on the well-received "Pentateuch".
The primary text is the Catholic version of the widely regarded "Revised Standard Version". Included as well is the New Latin Vulgate. Sandwiched between is excellent expository verse-by-verse commentary on the Scripture text. The commentary is taken from a conservative, tradition, yet scholarly Catholic perspective.
Very Highly Recommended
Book Description
Putting in their hour or two on the weekend, many Christians take the rest of the week off, neglecting the church and her needs. It’s not a serious relationship. Some shop around, looking for a church that suits their lifestyle. It’s dating, with no assurances, no obligations. Bestselling author Joshua Harris calls Christians to stop playing the field and commit, just as Christ is committed to us, His bride. In his new book, Harris explores the ramifications of Ephesians 5:25–32, which proclaims the intensity and the breadth of Jesus Christ’s love for His church. God has designed us to build our lives around a local church; we cannot be indifferent or uninvolved. Rather, we must be in love with and committed to God’s plan and purpose through the church. Are you dating the church, or are you committed?
Are You Dating the Church?
We are a generation of consumers, independent and critical. We attend church, but we don't want to settle down and truly invest ourselves. We're not into commitment â we only want to date the church.
Is this what God wants for us?
Stop Dating the Church reminds us that faith was never meant to be a solo pursuit. The church is the place God grows us, encourages us, and uses us best. Loving Jesus Christ involves a passionate commitment to His church â around the world and down the street.
We can't be apathetic. It's time to fall in love with the family of God.
Story Behind the Book
Like all my books, this one is very closely tied to my own journey. I’ve been a church-dater. And I’ve learned just how good it is to get serious about the church. I want to see my generation get a hold of God’s purpose and plan for the local church, too. The same month this book is released I’ll become the senior pastor of my church. This awesome responsibility is being passed on to me by my mentor, C. J. Mahaney, a pastor who has faithfully served for over 26 years. So this book is marking a very important transition in my life. The church isn’t some other generation’s responsibilityâit isn’t somebody else’s business. I have to take responsibility. I have to be passionate and committed to it. Through the pages of this book, I’m calling my generation to do the same.
Customer Reviews:
Skeptic no longer.......2007-06-08
When I first saw this book I was skeptical about what it might say about the church. Wow was I wrong. Harris does a great job of making the doctrine of the church very practical and easy to understand, and there is something here to challenge and convict people at all different levels of commitment. I now use the book for several classes that I teach at the church and highly recommend it for all students and adults. And the book does not just apply to one denomination or one style of church--it is applicable across the board. Even if you don't agree with everything Harris says (as I didn't) you will still be challenge and convicted about how you view the church.
More opinions from josh........2007-05-21
This book is about as rediculous as all of his others. Apparently harris believes that the Church is the non profit organization on the corner that meets in the nice stained glass artifice twice on sunday and every wednesday. You know, the one that has a pastor whose salary is paid by the giving of the congregation. I believe it could be that. Or it could be the group of friends who meet at someones house, or the students that meet at the local coffee shop or pub. In the promotional material, we are admonished for having a consumer approach to church, asking not what we can give, but what we can get from a particular church. While this is true to an extent, it is also a convenient cop out for churches that have become so commercialized and seeker friendly that they no longer offer any thing of substance for those of us who seek more spiritual meat. Which is exactly why people have stopped going to the stained glass artifice on the corner, and started going to the church that meets in homes and coffee shops. It sticks to the archaic belief that to be a christian you MUST go to church, which implies that all those who go to church are christians. Of course neither are true, but the danger of that mindset is real. Read the book, form your own opinion, but dont take harris' opinion as biblical truth. Know the difference. For a better read, check out someone like donald miller.
Excellent Book! Highly Recommend!.......2007-02-07
This is a classic by Joshua Harris. If you are familiar with his books then you will appreciate what he has to say about the church. Many struggle today with the purpose of the church because there are so many false teachers who are only after your money. It's no wonder that many have nothing to do with the church. In Stop Dating the Church, Joshua Harris challenges you to change your thinking about the church and see its importance. Because this book has presented such a challenge to our leadership, we use it for prospective new members. A must read for current members or prospective and by those who have flat given up on the local church!
OK.......2006-11-17
I like the illustrations Josh gives with the Church being the Bride of Christ, but this book was totally written from a pastor's perspective. Josh believes you should be at the church whenever the doors are open, and if you are not there, you are living in sin. Come on, it's easy to be at every single church function when that's your job and you have Mondays off!
One big contradiction is that Josh later talks about how important it is that we reach out to people. So, when we're doing church activities when our time is free, when do we reach out? I think this book is similar to I Kissed Dating Goodbye. It's filled with lots of personal opinions with shallow scriptural references. There are some good ideas, but keep in mind they are all opinions.
Fantastic!.......2006-11-10
We are using this book with our Singles group at our church. It has given very biblical reason to be a part and serve in the local church. We would definatley reccommend this book for anyone!
Customer Reviews:
Dynamic.......2007-08-15
This book really helped me understand why it has taken me so long to obtain the things I want most in life without struggle. I recommend this book to everyone who wants to grow spiritually and desires to be very prosperous.
It's a lifesaver when nothing seems to be going your way.......2002-07-31
I have used this book as a guide to keep me on track towards success for over 20 years. I think it's the best prosperity book ever written. It's especially good for people who are in the stages of life like Joshua's--feeling like they are wandering without direction, wondering when they will succeed and how they will do it. Ponder's advice is practical, comforting and inspiring. She tells you how to stay focused and keep planning to reach your goals, even when it seems like everything in life is resisting you or thwarting you. Then she explains the attitudes and actions that help you overcome the obstacles to achieving your goals. It really is a wonderful book. Also, Ponder is the only prosperity author whose books are all different from one another--each one takes a different perspective and adds depth and scope to your understanding, not just of prosperity, but also your health, yourself and all your relationships.
questionable validity.......2000-10-02
I purchased this book based on a recommendation by an author I respect; James Russell. I'm certain the book will benefit any that believe that positive thinking will make positive things happen, and that thinking happy thoughts will enable you to fly. There is a certain amount of truth to that, but the author claims to base her philosophies on the Bible and then exercises extreme creative license in her interpretation of the scripture. She in fact gives suggestions and direction that are in direct contradiction to it often enough that I felt her validity was compromised, and I won't purchase any of her other books in the "millionaires of the Bible" series.
Average customer rating:
- The death of the "documentary hypothesis"
- A gentle but potent act of demolition
- Cassuto Destroys the Documentary Hypothesis
- You cannot do without this book
- Best in this field and a modern-day miracle!
|
The Documentary Hypothesis
Umberto Cassuto
Manufacturer: Shalem Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Old Testament | Commentaries | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Old Testament | Criticism & Interpretation | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Study | Old Testament | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Commentaries | Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) | Sacred Writings | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Criticism & Interpretation | Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) | Sacred Writings | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Study | Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) | Sacred Writings | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) | Sacred Writings | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Theology | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Bible & Other Sacred Texts | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
-
On the Reliability of the Old Testament
-
Commentary on the Book of Exodus
-
Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible
-
The Hebrew Bible, the Old Testament, and Historical Criticism: Jews and Christians in Biblical Studies
-
Saul Lieberman and the Orthodox
ASIN: 9657052351 |
Book Description
Serves as a valuable introduction to Cassuto's illuminating commentaries on the Pentateuch, in which he emerges as one of the most original modern biblical exegetes.
Customer Reviews:
The death of the "documentary hypothesis".......2007-10-08
This series of lectures was originally published as "Torath HaTeudoth" by Magnes Press (The Hebrew University, Jerusalem) in 1941. The first English edition, a translation by Israel Abraham, was published in 1961. This edition, published 2006, is a reissue of the first English translation by Israel Abraham (1961), together with a new introduction by Joshua Berman.
These lectures, delivered by Rabbi Umberto Cassuto (1883-1951), summarize his indepth research, spanning no less than 25 years, into the Graf-Wellhausen "documentary hypothesis". Unfortunately, Cassuto died before he could see all his major commentaries through to completion and publication. The unfinished nature of Cassuto's work makes this makes the present series of lectures all the more crucial in understanding his thinking.
According to the "documentary hypothesis", the 5 Books of Moses were compiled from 5 independent source documents, each independently presenting its own version of the entire history of Israel from the Creation to Moses. This hypothesis suggests that each document was characterized by its own theology, politics, language, and style.
The "documentary hypothesis" rests on 5 pillars:
1. the use of different names for the Deity;
2. variations of language and style;
3. contradictions and divergences of view;
4. duplications and repetitions;
5. signs of composite structure in the sections. (p.17)
In these lectures, Cassuto systematically and with precision demolished these five pillars. For this reason, it is hard to see why scholars cited in the media still trot out the alleged findings of this unscientific and fallacious speculation.
A gentle but potent act of demolition.......2007-08-04
A short series of lectures to teachers, given over 50 years ago, the book crystallises Cassuto's scholarly work on Genesis.
Mildly and politely he butchers the documentary hypothesis. His exposure of parallel historical developments in studies on Homer is telling, the simple but potent critiques of overreading Hebrew idiom are especially revealing, given that the lectures were themselves given in Hebrew, and he displays the hollow unravelling of 'composite passages' by showing the nonsensical narratives that result from a strict dissection by 'author'.
Critics who think the hypothesis retains any credibility who haven't read at least this popular introduction really have their heads in the sand.
Yet it would be a mistake to consider this a critical or negative book. Whilst he doesn't here formulate an alternative, his affection for the warmth and captivating charm of Genesis is infectious. Despite his mistrust in a Mosaic authorship, his awe for its majesty and distinctive characteristics from contemporary literature is also evident.
A highly recommended and surprisingly easy read.
Cassuto Destroys the Documentary Hypothesis.......2006-04-16
This review is based on the Magnes Press edition of this book which is difficult to find; I hope there is little change in this new edition. In any case, it's wonderful that this treasure is now easily available.
In a series of eight lectures Cassuto destroys the Documentary Hypothesis, the theory that the text of the Pentateuch was edited from four independent source-documents.
Cassuto describes the development of the theory, and the evidence on which it is based: the use of different names for God in the Pentateuch, variations of its language and style, apparent contradictions and divergences, duplications and repetitions and signs of composite structure in the text.
Cassuto argues that these pieces of evidence, individually and cumulatively, do not render the Documentary Hypothesis probable. Cassuto provides simpler explanations of the evidence. These explanations also fit in better with our background knowledge, including knowledge of the style of ancient near eastern texts.
For example, Cassuto points out that the different divine names are used consistently in different contexts. This is best explained by the divine names having different meanings (but the same reference). Further literature of the ancient near east evinces similar context-sensitive usage of different divine names. If the Documentary Hypothesis is not true, we would find precisely the usage of divine names that we do find.
Cassuto defends his claims with numerous sources, his extensive knowledge of ancient literature and Biblical Hebrew. In contrast, the proponents of the Documentary Hypothesis resort to circular reasoning and outlandish explanations of the text, as Cassuto shows.
Cassuto's understanding of the details and rules of Biblical Hebrew is profound, and there is much to learn here that I have not found elsewhere. This includes five rules used in the Bible to determine which first person pronoun is to be used, how the Bible decides to use descending or ascending order in compound numerals, and the difference between expressions such as "karath berith" and "heqim berith".
The beauty of Cassuto's style of writing is matched only by the clarity of his exposition.
Cassuto's opinion on the origin of the text does not appear to be religious. Rather, he believes that the Pentateuch selected and refined ancient traditions; Cassuto compares this to Dante who transforms material derived from many sources into a unique harmony. Whether or not one believes in the divine origin of the Pentateuch, however, Cassuto's book is an unanswerable attack on the Documentary Hypothesis and a powerful defense of the unity of the text.
I strongly recommend Cassuto's book along with Kitchen's "On the Reliability of the Old Testament".
You cannot do without this book.......2006-02-26
I used this work in a paper a couple of years ago but I had to borrow it from a university library. I got my copy of the new reprint last week and read it in one sitting yesterday. It reminded me of things I forgot after turning in the paper.
When I read the part about how the supporters of the hypothesis falsified their data, I was flabbergasted. Since I wrote my paper two scientists have had to withdraw major papers because they falsified their data. In one case women died because of the scientist's lies.
Luckily the hypothesis is not a matter of life and death. It's also incompatible with scientific method. Fuhgeddaboudit.
Best in this field and a modern-day miracle! .......2006-02-15
This book is the best in this field for both serious scholar and/or anyone who wonders about the reliability and credibility of the first five books in Bible, especially Genesis. If the documentary hypothesis by Wellhausen over 100 years ago shakes one's faith and confidence in Bible (Old Testament), this book dismantles the very foundation of the documentary hypothesis.
Cassuto's excellent scholarship and majestic presentation will capture his readers as if walking between the walls of waters in Exodus. This book settles the whole matters of controversy. This is an awesome book! I almost think that this is a modern-day miracle that we have an author like him and this very book.
Richard K. Min, Dallas, Texas, September 22, 1999.
And finally we now have a long-waited reprint available! (February 2006)
Book Description
Packed with hands-on instruction and step by step tutorials, the ActionScript 3 Bible is everything you need to harness the power of this amazing language. ActionScript experts Roger Braunstein and Mims Wright guide you through the in's and out's of building Rich Internet Applications with ActionScript 3. Coverage includes:
* The ActionScript 3 language - variables, datatypes, operators and expressions, functions, and more
* Object-Oriented aspects of ActionScript 3
* Working with XML
* Dealing with events
* Handling error events and making your applications fault tolerant
* Debugging ActionScript applications
* Loading external data
* Working with audio, video and graphics
* Working in binary
* Developing for Apollo
* Application deployment
And more...
Book Description
If you need a fresh breath of joy in your life, Barbara Johnson's 365 Day Devotional will help you look for "life's little sparkles," even in the midst of life's most crippling sorrows. Love and hilarity bubble through these pages in equal doses as Barbara dispenses her unique blend of wisdom and zaniness to help thousands of hurting readers learn to laugh again. This daily devotional features a scripture passage and encouraging thought all wrapped up in Barbara's trademark style of offering firsthand advice about handling life's hardest hurts, while dispensing infectious laughter and outrageous joy.
Customer Reviews:
Joy in the Morning.......2007-07-12
I've had a lot of challenges to my faith lately, and Barbara Johnson's books never cease to leave me laughing and encouraged; she is a huge blessing from the Lord! I would highly recommend this book - and all of her others as well - to those needing a laugh to start the day or to keep you going whenever. (I use this book as a devotional in the morning over breakfast.)
God is good, and that will never change; life can be very challenging, though, and reminders of God's goodness through humor and loving thoughts can be a big boost to start the day with. Highly recommended!
Great devotional!.......2005-10-17
This little devotional book is the greatest! I love Barbara Johnson anyways, but this book brings refreshment to everyday life!
Daily Splashes of Joy.......2001-05-03
I Find this book of daily reading is a great way to start my day. There is scripture and some uplifting humor in a short form for a busy day.
Book Description
Each Old Testament volume is divided into small study units that can be read and understood easily in only a few minutes a day.
Average customer rating:
- Interesting Literary Implications from Theology
- A master work
- A Standard Reference in the Field
- Increased my understanding and appreciation of God's love
- A Sociological Approach
|
The Prophets
Abraham Joshua Heschel
Manufacturer: Hendrickson Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Old Testament | Criticism & Interpretation | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Study | Old Testament | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Sacred Writings | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Commentaries | Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) | Sacred Writings | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Criticism & Interpretation | Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) | Sacred Writings | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Study | Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) | Sacred Writings | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Heschel, Abraham Joshua | ( H ) | Authors, A-Z | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
-
God in Search of Man : A Philosophy of Judaism
-
The Prophetic Imagination
-
The Sabbath
-
Man Is Not Alone : A Philosophy of Religion
-
Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the Old Testament
ASIN: 1598561812 |
Amazon.com
According to the popular definition, a prophet is one who accurately predicts the future. But in the Jewish tradition, as Abraham Joshua Heschel explains in The Prophets, these figures earn their title by witnessing the world around them with outstanding passion. Prophets are those whose "life and soul are at stake" in what they say about "the mystery of [God's] relation to man." They are "some of the most disturbing people who have ever lived," and yet they are also "the men whose image is our refuge in distress, and whose voice and vision sustain our faith." Heschel's book, one of the classic texts on the subject, contains sophisticated, straightforward discussions of each of the Hebrew prophets, the primary themes of their preaching, and comparisons of Israel's prophets to those of other religions'. Throughout, Heschel avoids the two great temptations in any discussion of prophesy: overstating the supernatural quality of a prophet's epiphany ("A prophet is a person, not a microphone"), and reducing prophesy to a merely human phenomenon. Instead, Heschel describes the prophet's peculiar status as God's spokesman in a way that does justice to its complexity: "He speaks from the perspective of God as perceived from the perspective of his own situation." --Michael Joseph Gross
Book Description
Abraham Heschel is a seminal name in religious studies and the author of Man Is Not Alone and God in Search of Man. When The Prophets was first published in 1962, it was immediately recognized as a masterpiece of biblical scholarship.
The Prophets provides a unique opportunity for readers of the Old Testament, both Christian and Jewish, to gain fresh and deep knowledge of Israel's prophetic movement. The author's profound understanding of the prophets also opens the door to new insight into the philosophy of religion.
Customer Reviews:
Interesting Literary Implications from Theology.......2007-08-01
This is one of the most interesting books I've read in my life. I am particularly interested in the relationship between the sacred and the secular and using one to illuminate the other. Most writers tend to lean too heavily on one and too heavily against the other. While Abraham Heschel is clear in his beliefs, his faith does not prevent him from thinking about the secular world in ways that enhance my understanding of both the sacred and the secular.
While these books (actually a two volume set in one cover) specifically address the Prophets of the Old Testament, Heschel constantly explores the prophet construct through virtually every useful idea in human intellectual history. This is more than a biography of the Prophets, but rather a deep examination of what the concept "prophet" means and how it compares and contrasts with other religious, ethical, spiritual, and humanistic perspectives.
If you view theology and faith through the lens of someone like Christopher Hitchens (whose current 2007 atheist manifesto and sacred attack is a bestseller now), then "The Prophets" is probably a book you wouldn't like because its foundation is folly, fatuous, and infamous. If, however, you can think about the sacred and the secular - like Fitzgerald's genius who can hold opposing ideas in his head simultaneously - you might find this one of the most interesting books you've ever read.
In the same vein of the sacred-secular contrast, the latest books by the late Philip Rieff might also be interesting to you. Check out "Charisma" and "My Life Among the Deathworks."
A master work.......2007-07-11
Heschel is undoubtedly one of the greatest interpreters of Judaism in the 20th century. Philosophically deep and yet profoundly meditative, his poetic prose makes for a genuine spirirtual masterpiece. The book appeals to a Christian as well as the Jewish audience.
A Standard Reference in the Field.......2006-02-27
A wonderful, two-volume set that has become a standard reference in the field of the "classical," literary, Hebrew prophets, their prophecies, and their personalities. Amos, Hosea, Isaiah (Isa. 1-39), Micah, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, and Second Isaiah (Isa. 40-66) are analyzed with particular care given to their humanity as they encounter God and men in assuming their respective missions.
Heschel describes his focus in writing: "What I have aimed at is an understanding of what it means to think, feel, respond, and act as a prophet (Introduction). For this Jewish rabbi and seminary professor, "the prophet is a person, not a mircrophone. He is endowed with a mission, with the power of a word not his own that accounts for his greatness--but also with temperament, concern, character, and individuality. As there was no resisting the impact of divine inspiration, so at times there was no resisting the vortex of his own temperament. The word of God reverberated in the voice of man" (Introduction). This examination of the prophets' humanity is most compelling throughout the work with the first chapter, "What Manner of Man is the Prophet?," being worth the price of the set to me.
The second volume addresses at least sixteen different aspects of the prophetic experience, among them: "theology and philosophy of pathos," "meaning and mystery of wrath," "sympathy," "ecstasy," "poetry," and "inspiration." An examination of prophets from other cultural contexts is also included.
Highly recommended to all theologically- and philosophically-minded readers who are interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the Hebrew prophets from a Jewish perspective.
Increased my understanding and appreciation of God's love.......2005-11-21
Heschel's treatise on Old Testament prophets and prophecy greatly increased, even changed, my appreciation and understanding of God. God is a loving Father whose judgment and punishment are intended to turn men back to their Creator and Savior. He is patient, quick to forgive and even quicker to relent--sparing those who turn to Him--from the judgment He proclaimed.
The 2 volumes are not "easy reading" even for those who are familiar with the Scriptures. I had to read it through twice in order to feel I grasped Heschel's insights and commentary. But the time and effort are amply rewarded when we can say, in awe, "My God, How Great Thou Art."
A Sociological Approach.......2004-07-01
If you're looking to find some reading that will stretch you limitations, this book will do nicely. First of all, this is not a commentary about the books of the prophets so don't buy it if that's what you're looking for. This book is largely a look at the sociological and psychological aspects of being a prophet.
This book challenges you to look at the world from a probable perspective of the man and not necessarily the mission, although these subjects are covered at an aggregate level.
The author transports the vivid reader into the mind of a prophet and helps one understand the frustrations, depression, and sense of injustice that the propet may have felt. The prophet is not dehumanized to demigod status like most other readings on the subject. The prophet is viewed as sympathetic to God and in tune with the message. These men feel the emotion.
What I find most appealing is that the author allows God to have emotions which I find refreshing in light of the influence that Maimonides (whom I enjoy abundantly) has had on Judaic thought.
The only negative, if any, is that this is not the most easy read, but what philosphy student likes light reading!
Books:
- The Right Attitude to Rain: An Isabel Dalhousie Novel (Isabel Dalhousie Mysteries)
- The Second Time Around: A Novel
- The Shadows of Power: The Council on Foreign Relations and the American Decline
- The Sixties: Years of Hope, Days of Rage
- The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss
- The Story of the World: Activity Book One: Ancient Times
- The Taoist I Ching (Shambhala Classics)
- The Walking Dead Vol. 5: The Best Defense
- The White Rectangle: Writings on Film
- The Witch Hunter's Handbook: The doctrines and methodology of the Templars of Sigmar (Warhammer S.)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Professional ASP.NET.2.0, Special Edition w/ CD-ROM and Online
- Dragon of the Red Dawn
- The Origin and Evolution of Larval Forms
- The Topology of Stiefel Manifolds
- Anger Busting 101: The New ABC's for Angry Men & the Women Who Love Them
- Energy Autonomy: The Economic, Social and Technological Case for Renewable Energy
- Border Terrier
- 650 Home Plans: From Cottages to Mansions
- Toyo Ito: Blurring Architecture 1971-2005
- Wildflowers of the Mountain Southwest
A Spiritual Formation Workbook - Revised edition: Small Group Resources for Nurturing Christian Growth
Learning from Jesus: A Spiritual Formation Guide
Connecting with God: A Spiritual Formation Guide (Renovare Spiritual Formation Guides)
Spiritual Classics : Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups on the Twelve Spiritual Disciplines
Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of Christian Faith
