Shaun,
I’ve only heard of a couple of those but they sound good.  Right now I’m doing Beth Moore’s Bible Study “The Patriarchs.” Although obviously geared for women, it is a fantastic study of Genesis.  I too was raised Southern Baptist and am learning so very much about our Jewish roots and Old Testament history.  It’s very interesting.  Our study this week was focusing on the geneology of Ishmael and the start of Islam.  It talks about the importance of really showing individual Muslim followers the love of Christ by LOVING them!  Since we tend to focus on Isaac as Christians, there is so much for me to learn in this study.  Not to mention that Beth is a gifted teacher and very funny to boot!

Beth

So I’m looking at your blog with one window and I’m looking at Rob Bell’s suggested reading list in another window and I see that there are none on your list that aren’t on his.

Nice. 

I also want to read all of those books.  Tonight.

I like and admire Donald Miller’s crafting of thoughts but the thoughts themselves I’m wary of.  In Searching For God Knows What, for instance, he tells riveting three dimensional stories that sucked me in, but there were instances when I disagreed with his theology (Jesus exists primarily to love man, for instance) and was frustrated because the only thing, on the printed page anyway, to back up such bold assertions was his personal experience.  Experience is a powerful teacher but all teachers have to be questioned if they contradict other teachers (someone’s understanding of scripture, church history etc).  I wish I could read his books and then talk to him and learn from him.  Ask questions, thumb through scripture together etc. 

SG

current reading list.

ive started reading this mamoth book “the life and times of Jesus The Messiah” by edersheim.  it seems to be overwhelmingly comprehensive in the culture and context of Jesus’s teachings and events surrounding him.  a little dry but chalked full of info.  take a double dose of the blue pill before reading.

“Everlasting Man” so far, it is my FAVORITE chesterton book. 

also on my list of current reading (for the 4th time) is “theology and sanity” by frank sheed.  probably the most boring title for a book ever penned, (when you tell people it sounds like “theology insanity” which would be a good title.) but it is my all-time fav theology book.  it is the book i read most on the throne. (aside from the LOTR books) you have to hunt it down at a Catholic book store.  it isnt sold at your local testamint and olsteen outlet. 

Frank Sheed was one of the leading Catholic apologist during C.S. Lewis’ time. 

i am raiding phil’s library to see if he has any of these books you listed. 

thanks for the list. looks cool

Seth

Wow, thanks.  Great info.

Going back to Rob Bell’s book, Velvet Elvis.  He lists several sources for all of his great historical information in the end notes section. 

The one on Jewish historical tradition is actually not a book, but a web site: http://www.followtherabbi.com
I have checked it briefly and it has a LOT of free resources and info- looks fantastic!

Also, another interesting source is in regards to the Roman culture also a big part of Jesus’ time.  He recommends: Christ and the Caesars by Ethelbert Stauffer.

Hope that helps!

...and then trace the tradition backwards… Wow!…

Sorry about the superfluous wow.  It just wasn’t right

I’ve gained an interest in Church history, and going back to the roots of the faith I claim to have.  One book that’s been recommended to me is “Back to Jerusalem” by Brother Yun (I think).  Would you by chance be able to post your notes from your studies here (or elsewhere)?

Shaun,

I can’t recommend any specific book off hand, but let me suggest a study beginning with modern Judaism going backwards.  It really helps in getting an understanding of the Bible.  When you can recognize the stages of Jewish development the context of the text opens you to a whole different world of understanding.  The reason I say begin with Modern Judaism is many of the same foci are important today and if you can have a Jewish person explain it in their understanding and then trace the tradition backwards… Wow!

Randy beat me to the punch here on The Gifts of the Jews.  That’s the only book I’ve read about Jewish history outside of the Bible.  I found it really helpful and it brought me back to the Bible many times to sort out the context of both books.  Anyway, looks like a formidable list.  Have fun!

Glenn

p.s. I thoroughly enjoyed your Good and bad naked post.  Keep up the great writing!

Thanks for both of those suggestions.

SG

Shaun, you should consider “The Gifts of the Jews” : How a Tribe of Desert Nomads Changed the Way Everyone Thinks and Feels (Hinges of History) by Thomas Cahill

It is a fascinating book written by a tremendous author.

Randy

Shaun, I’ve read 2 of the books on your list: Father Abraham, and Jesus the Jewish Theologian. I plan on reading the rest of the books.

I look at this as a re-education process, or maybe this is the New Reformation. Those who are into Reformed Theology seem to be STUCK in the 1500s and they totally ignore their Hebrew roots. If we want to truly reform the Christian Faith, we need to go all the way back to our Hebraic roots. We’ve turned men like Calvin into little “gods"--and we spout their words like they are “gospel” but what about the words of the Prophets? What about the words of the Torah?

I also recommend that anyone wanting to explore their Hebraic roots, visit Israel. I just made my 2nd visit this past fall. Get a good tourguide--stay away from the official “church sites” and come with a teachable spirit, so that you are open to getting a “spiritual adjustment” in your understanding of scriptures. So much of what we know is from Greek mindset...in a sense I feel like I’ve been brainwashed for much of my Christian life. I’ve been a good evangelical, but clueless as to my “roots.”

There is a website, The Restoration Foundation, whose stated purpose is to restore the Hebraic foundations of the Christian faith. Their magazine archive is available and its full of incredible insight that you will find nowhere else. Check it out:

http://www.restoremagazine.org/issues.htm

Mjrjolt
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