History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Understanding the Old Testament (5th Edition)

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Understanding the Old Testament Abridged 4th edition
Understanding the Old Testament
Excellent Read!
Fleshes out the Bible
Fascinating insights on ancient biblical events!

Understanding the Old Testament (5th Edition)
Bernhard W. Anderson , Steven Bishop , and Judith Newman
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 013092380X

Book Description

Presents a study of the Old Testament by interweaving historical, archeological, literary, and religious perspectives. The book traces the story of the people of Israel from the Exodus in the time of Moses through the dawn of the Common Era. It considers the importance of literary criticism and other methods for understanding the literature of ancient Israel; treats the latest archaeological discoveries that illuminate the Old Testament period.

Customer Reviews:

Understanding the Old Testament Abridged 4th edition.......2007-01-05

I'm enjoying the read. It is slow because of the references to Bible passages, so have your Bible handy unless you have it memorized.
I would recommend this book for anyone who wishes to get the real connection between the Old and New Testaments.

Understanding the Old Testament.......2005-10-17

This is an invaluable guide to assist in understanding the Old Testament. The author provides important historical background to help the reader understand what the original authors/compilers were trying to say. I am currently using this text for my 1st year Education for Ministry class.

Excellent Read!.......2005-10-11

I have had a copy of the 3rd edition, which I have found truly helpful in understanding the OT in the context of the faith of the people. The material added in this edition makes the text even more useful. I highly recommend this to any serious student of the Bible.

Fleshes out the Bible.......2001-05-29

No question the Old Testament is a great read, but face it, the original audience for this work is long dead and buried. Anderson's standard text on the world of the Old Testament is excellent in bringing the ancient world and the context for the collection that is the Old Testament to light. Reading the Bible without Anderson you get a story about some guy named Abram who took a walk one day and had some trouble with his new neighors. Reading it with Anderson, you get a deeper understanding of where Abraham came from, where he was headed, and how the belief of early Judahism developed through and in conflict with those of the neighboring Canaanites. The agrarian focused religion of the Canaanites get's it's own hearing as a people's attempt to make sense of the life around them. "Understanding the Old Testament" then provides this level of insight and background for all the other books of the Old Testament. How and why we now have the expression of the Jewish people's understanding of God gains more texuture and depth.

Fascinating insights on ancient biblical events!.......1999-11-19

An amazing, descriptive, objective, factual read about the beliefs, people and events that went on in ancient biblical times. Some great pictures too! I was captivated and fascinated!

Joseph's Bones: Understanding the Struggle Between God and Mankind in the Bible

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I love this book
An Un-Orthodox Perspective
Powerfully Argued
accessible and well argued
stimulating and compelling

Joseph's Bones: Understanding the Struggle Between God and Mankind in the Bible
Jerome M. Segal
Manufacturer: Riverhead Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1594489394
Release Date: 2007-03-15

Book Description

It's almost impossible to think of the Bible as anything other than the expression of the religious traditions that view it as Holy Scripture. Yet given that vital parts of it were written as much as a thousand years before the emergence of rabbinic Judaism and the birth of Christianity, there is no obvious reason why this should be true. In his groundbreaking new book, Joseph's Bones: Understanding the Struggle Between God and Mankind in the Bible, philosopher Jerome Segal offers a fresh and vigorous reexamination of the oldest part of the Bible.

In Joseph's Bones, Segal asks you to imagine that you know nothing about Judaism or Christianity and one day pick up something called "The Hexateuch" (the first six books of the Bible). How would you understand the story it recounts? Who is God? And who are the Israelites? And perhaps most important, what is the relationship between God and humanity?

Segal maintains that if we approach the Bible without preconceptions, we will find something unexpected: a brilliant, sophisticated, and highly cohesive account of the human condition. He argues that the Bible reads like an existential novel about the struggle between God and mankind, and is far more sympathetic to mankind than to God.

Segal frames his analysis by considering the tale of Joseph's bones. In the closing words of Genesis, as Joseph lies dying in Egypt, Joseph has the "sons of Israel" swear that when God returns the Israelites to the Promised Land, they will take his bones with them. Some four hundred years later, as the Book of Joshua closes, the Israelites honor this commitment by returning and burying Joseph's bones in Canaan, as their ancestors had pledged.

Noting that throughout the early parts of the Bible God often seethes with anger at the Israelites, calling them "faithless" and "wicked," Segal uses the story of Joseph's faith in his people and their fidelity to him to illustrate how the Bible does not always share God's perspective on the Israelites or on mankind in general. Segal then provides a systematic reinterpretation of the Bible story and comes to see it as the people's book, written as a way to understand the human condition in a universe governed by a powerful and morally complex deity.

He contends that the Bible does not view morality as dependent on God. Rather, it understands moral truths to be objective aspects of reality that limit even God's freedom of action, though God himself resists such a notion. Segal maintains that in the great saga of mankind's struggle with God, Abraham and Moses emerge as heroes, each seeking to protect mankind from God's unpredictable and often unwarranted wrath. The book's final section explores how this rethinking of the Hexateuch transforms the story of Jesus in the New Testament in ways neither Christians nor Jews have considered.

Both a radically new way of understanding the Biblical texts and a lively examination of it, Joseph's Bones is an anomaly of Biblical interpretation: brilliant, rigorously argued, and thoroughly original. It is at once persuasive scholarship and a captivating read.

Customer Reviews:

I love this book.......2007-10-10

This book is a great and enjoyable read. I was raised Christian and an enthusiastic one at that, then went secular, then eclectically spiritual. The Bible remains a huge influence in my life but not one I have looked into much in recent years. This book turned my understanding of what it may mean upside down in a most exciting way: the idea that the first six books of the Bible is the story of a relationship with a powerful God who needed to be taught morality by the people he was protecting. I am no Biblical scholar but Tikkun magazine (where I work) recently included a very positive review of the book by highly respected scholar Jack Miles, Distinguished Professor of English and Religious Studies at the University of California, Irvine, and the author of Christ: A Crisis in the Life of God. The review can be found at www.tikkun.org and put "Joseph's Bones" in the search function.

An Un-Orthodox Perspective.......2007-09-10

Joseph's Bones
Understanding The Struggle Between GOD And Mankind In The Bible
Jerome M. Segal

Loved Of The LORD

I just finished reading this book and I thought you might be interested in another direction I invested in.
Being a believer and follower of Jesus for thirty years, reading this work was somewhat a strain to do, as Jerome Segal suggests, to set aside my beliefs and read with an open mind. This was indeed a trek in unexplored space for me. Yet another review to add to my list
I found Jerome Segal to be an astute student and scholar of the bible. His extensive knowledge and understanding of Holy writ is obviously displayed in this in-depth critical analysis and perspective.
Segal sets aside conventional, theological and accepted views and uses Scripture (Those he chose.) alone to radically present his contentions.
His analysis thru the Torah and Joshua (Hexateuch ) portrays GOD as a immature neophyte, who is omnipotent, yet not omniscience nor magnanimous.
He seems to have Yahweh looking for a mentor and has Abraham and Moses as instruments in respectably shaping GOD's character and perspective on obedience, justice and punishment...
His writing displays his belief and love for GOD and he is scholarly neutral in his position on the deity of JESUS, while at the same time suggesting that JESUS was also a part of Yahweh's evolution.
He emphasizes the Israelites carrying two arks with them one being the bones of Joseph, which seems feasible, as the bones were with them till they buried them in Shechem, It was probably more a sarcophagus being of the rank he held in Egypt.
The Ark of the covenant being the visible image of GOD's Law and Judgment and the ark of Joseph's Bones reminding them of Joseph's Love and Forgiveness.
As hard as it was to read, (because of my beliefs) I found it never dry and it kept my interest as a mystery would. Dr. Segal did an exceptional job showing JESUS and Joseph being alike in so many ways.
Even though I have never found two people agree completely on what Scripture is saying and as different as this was, I have to say that, "All and all it was a good read for understanding how others see The Word Of GOD."
Dr. D. P. Gatten D.Min. [...]

Powerfully Argued.......2007-06-02

Segal, Jerome M. "Joseph's Bones: Understanding the Struggle Between God and Mankind in the Bible", Riverhead Books, 2007.

Powerfully Argued

Amos Lassen and Literary Pride

Some of you may know that I am working on a new "queer" interpretation (for publication) on the story of Joseph and much of what I have found in my research has not really shed a lot of light on the subject. I was surprised when I found this new book by Jerome M. Segal. Although it may not shed light on the aspect I have been working on, I certainly have a lot of food for thought after having read this remarkable book.
Segal's interpretation is very, very different from the traditional way the relationship between G-d and the Israelites has been regarded. While G-d is all powerful, Segal finds that He is neither omniscient nor benevolent. We must remember that the G-d in Biblical times was a new idea and the concept of a supreme being was being formulated and humanity had not yet come to any definite way to regard Him. Segal sees G-d as not being benevolent and He appears to be somewhat immature and insecure. Writing about understanding the Bible from this point of view does not have to rely on whether the Bible is true or not or even if G-d exists. For those who are believers in G-d, this book may be hard to digest and therefore must be read with mind and eyes opened. But the book does maintan that there is the possibility that G-d was simply the evolution into a being that could indeed be worshipped.
Segal's arguments are not apart from the Bible but rather tied directly to it. What we learn is that G-d as pictured by the Bible is not the wonderful portrait we have always assumed.
This, by sheer nature of the subject, is controversial. Presently a radical interpretation of the Hebrew Bible is sure to find some who will not only disagree but who will not even consider what is written. If read carefully, "Joseph's Bones" gives a great many insights Segal bases his ideas on a very close ad detailed reading of the text and omitting theological and metaphysical assumptions that have become part of mainstream thought. Segal focuses only on the story and eschews secondary studies. His assumptions are primarily based upon interest and not validity. He uses quotations from the Old Testament and thereby maps out the arguments that follow. His thesis is not completely proven and the feeling that he did not set out to do is fairly obvious. Instead, he provides us with ideas and themes to consider--historical events and the relationship between humans and G-d that appear in the Hebrew test. Suspecting that research of this kind to be scholarly to the point that the layman cannot decipher is not the case at all. The book is extremely readable and accessible.
Segal's insight is almost beyond extraordinary. Dealing with the struggle of how man relates to G-d and vice versa is no easy task.
I believe that most of us know that the textual Bible brings about unlimited analysis. The Bible can be viewed from many different perspectives and each offers its own interpretation.
So exactly what is the point that Segal is trying to make? To me it is the issue of the two arks--one which contained the original Ten Commandments which were shattered by Moses and represents the concept of Divinity and the other which carried Joseph's bones that is an ethical system.
Segal's research comes from the Hebrew Bible from Genesis through Joshua when the people of Israel bring Joseph's remains home. By reconstructing the story of Joseph as an ethical idea, based upon the forgiveness of his brothers somewhat puts the importance of Joseph in Egypt to rest. The return of Joseph's bones to the land from whence he came redeems him from slavery just as the other Israelites had been redeemed by G-d.
Segal looks at the Torah as binding on man and G-d. The stories of Joseph form the transition between the patriarchs and slavery in Egypt. In Genesis through Joshua what s revealed is a powerful story and Segal gives it a new and original look. Like I said, it may not be complete or the answer to the mysteries of our relationship with G-d but it indeed gives us a new way to look at the issue.

accessible and well argued.......2007-05-11

Joseph's Bones offers a radically different interpretation from traditional views of the relationship between God and the Israelites (and more generally humanity). Dr. Segal presents the case that, at least initially, while God is powerful, he is not omniscient, nor particularly benevolent, and indeed, may be somewhat insecure and emotionally immature. Thus, the book is concerned with understanding the content of the Bible, rather than whether the Bible itself is true or whether God exists. Nevertheless, the issues the book raises may be troublesome for people who truly believe in God (though perhaps not impossible to accept, because, by its end, the book also raises the possibility that God may have evolved into a being that could be worthy of worship). Indeed, this book may be more difficult for true believers to dismiss than are books that outright deny the existence of God, because its arguments are so tightly bound to the Bible and therefore show that the Bible itself paints a not very pretty picture of God.
The author's case is not airtight. For example, at a few points in the text assumptions or interpretations are chosen because of their interest value rather than their validity (which is impossible to prove). That said, most of the assumptions are amply buttressed by evidence and quotations from the Bible, and the arguments that flow from them are clearly laid out. Moreover, I don't believe it was the author's intention to absolutely prove his thesis, which, in fact, may be an impossibility, just as proving any particular interpretation of the Bible may be. Instead, the author has put forth an interesting and logically plausible interpretation of the historical events, and the relationship between God and humans, that are described in the Bible. In that he has succeeded admirably.
Finally, while one might expect an extended logical argument on the interpretation of events in the Bible to result a dry scholarly work, Joseph's Bones is not. Instead, the text flows nicely, and the arguments and backing evidence are presented in a very accessible fashion. In sum, the book makes for an enjoyable and stimulating read.

stimulating and compelling.......2007-04-27

Joseph's Bones will be controversial. Most people will not be persuaded by its radical interpretation of the Hebrew Bible. However, if you can read it with an open mind, you will find it full of insights. Segal bases his interpretation on a close reading of the text, minus the metaphysical and theological assumptions that we take for granted as the legacy of mainstream Judaism and Christianity. He does not clutter his argument with secondary scholarship or jargon, but focuses tightly on the story, which he deeply appreciates and admires. His interpretation unfolds with some of the suspense of a detective novel, but the stakes are much higher.

Understanding Genesis (The Heritage of Biblical Israel)

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Very good book
Excellent Jewish insight into Genesis
Even better than his book on Exodus
Well written, describing Genesis as a remarkable document .
Sarna Offers Pretentious Presentation

Understanding Genesis (The Heritage of Biblical Israel)
Nahum M. Sarna
Manufacturer: Schocken
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0805202536
Release Date: 1970-01-13

Book Description

"This book...is designed to make the Bible of Israel intelligible, relevant, and hopefully, inspiring to a sophisticated generation, possessed of intellectual curiosity and ethical sensitivity...It is based on the belief that the study of the Book of Books must constitute a mature intellectual challenge, an exposure to the expanding universe of scientific biblical scholarship...Far from presenting a threat to faith, a challenge to the intellect may reinforce faith and purify it."--from the Introduction

Customer Reviews:

Very good book.......2004-09-13

This book does an excellent job at explaining historical and other bases of Genesis. I found the writing very approachable and practical. Compared with pure philosophy books, like "Guide for the Perplexed," this is a light read (which I mean in a good sense).

Excellent Jewish insight into Genesis.......2003-06-17

This book deals with interpretation of some of the stories in Genesis (creation, flood, tower etc). Sarna explains that these accounts were written particularly to show the superiority of Yahweh to pagan religions and not as much to simply narrate how these things happened historically. The author writes from a relatively conservative standpoint here but does not assume LITERAL interpretation of many parts of genesis - rather he sees them as being written in ways that pagan polytheists of 5000 years ago would understand and appreciate. Highly recommended for any Jew/Christian interested in the REAL interpretation of Genesis.

Even better than his book on Exodus.......2002-01-24

Sarna puts Genesis in its historical context, showing details that would have made many stories from Genesis more comprehensible to Bible-era readers. For example, today's readers may be a bit baffled by Abraham's occasional attempts to pass off Sarah as his sister. But Sarna explains that in the ancient Mideast women had the status of a "sister-wife", superior to other wives. Similarly, Sarna clarifies the Tower of Babel story, explaining how the Torah makes fun of paganism. Reading Sarna won't necessarily change your mind about large theological questions; believers will remain believers after reading him, and unbelievers will remain unbelievers. But Sarna gives background that makes the Torah come to life a bit more.

Well written, describing Genesis as a remarkable document ........2001-12-03

This book takes an exegetical approach to Genesis as a work created by writers who saw far beyond their contemporary culture to create an enduring statement about a singular God, his greatest creation (the human being) and the moral and ethical demands that God places upon us. He compares Genesis to other great creation myths, and shows two primary things; 1) that a the monotheistic belief places God above and beyond all of nature, which is radically different from other contemporaneous polytheistic religions, and 2) that there is an order, logic and morality in the world that people must follow in order to not be estranged from God and ultimately themselves and society. Law, justice, mercy, charity are values expressed in a book which was written at a time when these were radical ideas. The author's mastery of history and religion are forged into an engaging, powerful exposition of the profound meaning of Genesis and it's seminal importance in the history of human thought.

Sarna Offers Pretentious Presentation.......2001-01-02

I had just gotten through three chapters of Jack Miles "God-A Biography" when I decided that I couldn't take this guy's post-post-post graduate wording anymore. I decided to purchase Sarna's two books, "Understanding Genesis" (the title is about the only thing understandable in the book) and "Exploring Exodus". Now, I consider myself fairly advanced educationally, and have in fact graduated from an institution of higher learning. I couldn't get through Sarna's "Introduction" to "Understanding Genesis" without a sense of irritation and an attitude of "Here we go again". In fact, it made me not want to start the book (although I read several more pages and found much of the same). The bottom line is that although I agree with what he has to say, I hate the way he says it. Why is it necessary that every other word had to have at least four to five syllables? Why must a scholar have to write in a way that proves he is a scholar. It's not that I didn't understand every word he wrote... it's simply that the book is not enjoyable to read. There is too much work involved in having to decipher his $50.00 words and concepts. Let me pose this example from page 25 of the Introduction. "Truth is not exclusively coincident with scientific truth. After all the massive and imposing achievements of scientism have had their say, there must yet remain an elusive, indefinable, essence which lies beyond the scope and ken of the scientific method...for this reason, the disentaglement of literary strands does not constitute the apotheosis of scholarship...not to decry the importance of source criticism". Huh? Actually, this is one of the easier paragraphs to understand. I defy anyone who is being truthful and honest to say that they can kick back with a book like this and thoroughly enjoy the read. It is akin to a person who speaks Spanish as a first language having to translate an on-going discussion in their head. It's frustrating and not at all enjoyable. I think it show's a pretentiousness and a lack of respect to all readers who are not "Fellows" of their Ivy League schools. Mr.(oh, excuse me, Professor) Sarna lost a reader and there are two books I will be returning to the bookstore. I am positive that there will be reviewers who will read this and say that I don't know what I'm talking about, but that is only because they are trying to impress their friends with their pseudo-intellectualism.

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Learn to love the words of Isaiah
Understanding Isaiah Clarifies Isaiah

Understanding Isaiah
Donald W. Parry , Jay A. Parry , and Tina M. Peterson
Manufacturer: Deseret Book Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Customer Reviews:

Learn to love the words of Isaiah.......2004-03-27

I've read the Book of Mormon several times, but I have only read the 'Compare Isaiah' once, making an oath never to bother with them again. However, Nephi had testified many times his love for the words of Isaiah. How can Nephi say that these words are so wonderful when all I could find was confusion?

A Sunday School student had suggested this book to me and after resisting for many years I took the plunge and bought this book. I decided that I would give Isaiah one more shot.

And I am soooooo glad that I did. First of all, Nephi was right, these are wonderful words. You learn about the mission of Christ, what he has planned for the restored church and the children of Israel. You learn what certain words mean and what reference Isaiah was trying to make. I sat down and delved through this book cover to cover. I now love and have a good understanding of the words of Isaiah.

I just finished reading 2nd Nephi the other day... the entire book this time. I was actually looking FORWARD to getting to the compare Isaiah verses. I loved it!!! Also, I have found that reading other books of the Old Testament now makes a lot more sense and has more meaning for me. This book will remain in my library for years to come.

Highly recommended, even for those well versed in the Book of Isaiah. It has really added a lot of meaning to my scripture reading and has made me love the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon more because of what was written here.

Understanding Isaiah Clarifies Isaiah.......2000-02-25

I have used Understanding Isaiah as a reference book now for the past six months and I love how it teaches the wonderful truths of the love that Jesus has for all. I read through the Bible passages and try to understand, but so many times there are refernces to the way of life of the Jews that I am not famliar with and Donald Perry beautifully explains the true meaning often going with a phrase by phrase dissection of each verse. One of the best qualities of Understanding Isaiah is placing the words of Isaiah in the original poetic form. That alone reveals a beauty within the words of the great prophet. Each explanation then uncovers the facets of a glorious gem just waiting to be understood by all who will just look to be more fully persuaded to believe in their Redeemer as another great prophet said.

The Tripersonal God: Understanding and Interpreting the Trinity

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An Excellent Introductory Text for Trinitarian Theology
Understanding the Trinity

The Tripersonal God: Understanding and Interpreting the Trinity
Gerald O'Collins
Manufacturer: Paulist Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0809138875

Book Description

"Belief in the Trinity is at the heart of Christian faith and life," states eminent theologian, educator and author Gerald O'Collins. But many Christians have questions about what the Trinity is and why we believe in a Trinitarian God. Here, O'Collins explores the mystery of the Trinity in an academic, practical and prayerful way.

Writing in his characteristic clear and concise prose, O'Collins draws on three areas for reflection. First he examines the testimony to the tripersonal God in the Scriptures, both the Old Testament background and in the teachings of Paul and the gospel writers. Then he deals with patristic, conciliar and subsequent teaching about the Trinity. Finally, he looks at contemporary thinking on Trinitarian issues, including the personal existence of the Holy Spirit, naming the Trinity as Father, Son and Spirit, and images of the Trinity.

Highlights:

o A good, solid introduction to the Trinity, perfect for college courses. o The author has a wonderful reputation and name recognition. o The most up-to-date treatment of the Trinity.

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Introductory Text for Trinitarian Theology.......2007-04-15

An eminently accessible text, "The Tripersonal God" is a most excellent introductory exposition on Trinitarian theology which is a dialogue with the history of Trinitarian theology, from precursors in the Old Testament to contemporary questions. Much of the scriptural exegesis and systematizing is done in a very positivistic sense, taking details from what is directly said in scripture to build partial roots for Trinitarian Theology. As the text progresses through the conciliar period of the Church, much of the theology is presented in reaction to heretical definitions of the nature of God and His personhood. Perhaps the heart of the text is that section which discusses the fully-developed Trinitarian theology from St. Athanasias to St. Thomas Aquinas. In this section (as well as his closing chapters), O'Collins very directly discusses the central understanding of the Trinity ad extras well as ad intra.

If I could say that there is anything lacking in the text, I would say it is a conspicuous lack of material on post-Rennaisance Trinitarian theology and its strengths/weaknesses. However, this barely mars the text, for it is not meant to be a comprehensive reader but an introduction to the reality which lies at the heart of Christianity: "God is Love," a reality which is inseparable from the Trinity, a fact which O'Collins' text most definitely proclaims throughout. His astute analysis of the ad intra and ad extra realities of the Trinity make this text both enlightening and practical, for the union of praxis with the interpersonal love of the Trinity is most definitely proclaimed with force and ample reflection.

Understanding the Trinity.......2000-07-12

Gerald O'Collins, S.J., is a professor at the Gregorian University in Rome and a prolific writer. He has over 30 books to his credit. Although it's a scholarly book and written for the serious student, this book has much good interesting material. In the first section he discusses the Scriptural Roots including the Old Testament background, history of Jesus , the Trinity according to Paul, and the Trinity in the witness of Luke, Matthew, Hebrews and John. The second section concerns historical developments.The Trinity before Nicaea, then until Constantinople I, on to Aquinas and finally our modern setting. In the third and final section O'Collins discusses the personal existence of the Holy Spirit in contemporary circles, Trinitarian persons and actions and concludes with naming the Trinity and images of the Trinity. He concludes with a hymn about the Trinity. An excellent glossary is available to assist us with terms we don't understand. Detailed numbered notes provides places we may go for more information. I would imagine this book has been used or is being used in classrooms somewhere. It contains so much valuable information.

A God of Vengeance?: Understanding the Psalms of Divine Wrath

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The Psalms of Divine Wrath

A God of Vengeance?: Understanding the Psalms of Divine Wrath
Erich Zenger
Manufacturer: Westminster John Knox Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Bible & Other Sacred Texts | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0664256376

Customer Reviews:

The Psalms of Divine Wrath.......2001-08-02

Zenger approaches some of the most difficult psalms to understand: the psalms of vengeance. Like most Christans, and perhaps many Jews, I had mumbled over these psalms uncomfortably, and quickly forgot them. But this book helped me tremendously to appreciate and value these psalms, and some of them have become rather important to me. Zenger discusses the psalms as laments against violence and injustice, and he discusses how we can use these psalms in our own prayer.

A professor of Old Testament Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary wrote that this book was the "most extensive and best work that I know of on one of the most troubling dimensions of scripture... With both careful and rich exegesis of the psalms... Zenger recovers these as important liturgical and theological resources..."

If these Psalms, and the classic image of the wrathful Old Testament God, have disturbed you, and you want to integrate them productively into your spirituality, this is an excellent book for you.

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Look to the Rock: An Old Testament Background to Our Understanding of Christ
Alec Motyer
Manufacturer: Kregel Academic & Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Study | Old Testament | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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The Servant King: The Bible's portrait of the Messiah

God of Promise: Introducing Covenant Theology

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction & Commentary

The Message of the Old Testament: Promises Made

Preaching Christ from Genesis

ASIN: 0825431697

Book Description

Knowing the Old Testament is essential to understanding the New. This is a clear and helpful study of Christ's presence throughout the Old Testament.

Giving the Sense: Understanding and Using Old Testament Historical Texts

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Diverse collection of essays on OT historical narrative

Giving the Sense: Understanding and Using Old Testament Historical Texts

Manufacturer: Kregel Academic & Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0825428920

Book Description

This collection of essays covers the four major periods of Israel's history and explores the theological, literary, historical, and archaeological dimensions of each era.

Customer Reviews:

Diverse collection of essays on OT historical narrative.......2004-04-04

This is truly a diverse collection of essays. The only thing they have in common is they all address Old Testament historical narrative literature, in one way or another, and the authors approach the text from a conservative perspective.

Each chapter is written by a different scholar, and the depth and content varies from one to the next. The chapters are grouped into sections dealing with historical issues, archaeology, literary studies, and so forth. Although this probably reflects my own personal interests more than anything else, I found some of the chapters to be excellent, and others to be not so well-written. A few of the essays lacked clear organization of thought. In addition, some are cursory overviews of the material, while others make for more advanced reading. I especially enjoyed William Shea's chapter on the exodus pharaoh; Alan Ross's chapter on whether or not the Patriarchs knew the divine name; and Gordon Johnston's literary study of the book of Esther. Although Edwin Yamauchi's chapter is really not much more than an annotated bibliography, I always like reading his work. The contributions by Carl Rasmussen, Bryant Wood, and Eugene Merrill are also good, although maybe not as in-depth as I would have liked.

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An easy-to-follow reference for any practitioner or teacher of the Judaic faith and scriptures

Understanding the Hebrew Bible: A Reader's Guide
Elliott Rabin , and Eliott Rabin
Manufacturer: Ktav Publishing House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Criticism & Interpretation | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Old Testament | Criticism & Interpretation | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | 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
Theology | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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The Jewish Study Bible: featuring The Jewish Publication Society TANAKH Translation

The Bible and the Ancient Near East

Ancient Israel: From Abraham to the Roman Destruction of the Temple (2nd Edition)

Back To The Sources: Reading the Classic Jewish Texts

As a Driven Leaf

ASIN: 0881258717

Customer Reviews:

An easy-to-follow reference for any practitioner or teacher of the Judaic faith and scriptures.......2006-04-04

Very highly recommended and informative reading, Understanding The Hebrew Bible: A Reader's Guide by Elliott Rabin is an easy-to-follow reference for any practitioner or teacher of the Judaic faith and scriptures. As an informed and informative reference to many of the teachings and a significant portion of the intended meanings behind what is stated in the Old Testament, Understanding The Hebrew Bible is works to bring ease to the struggling jew's mind when studying the holy scriptures. Understanding The Hebrew Bible offers and excellent guide to what may usually require a far greater research, meaning far more time spent on the subject, allowing for an ease in the readers scheduling.

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