In the Shadow of the Temple: Jewish Influences on Early Christianity

During most of the last twenty years of the twentieth century, a professor of church history from the Norwegian Lutheran School of Theology (Oslo) made an in-depth analysis of the Jewish roots of Christianity and gradually assembled his findings into a highly readable, fairly comprehensive introductory book on the subject. Professor Oskar Skarsaune's In the Shadow of the Temple (Temple) (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2002) is an outstanding contribution to this important area of historical inquiry. Professor Skarsaune's Temple was meticulously researched and tirelessly annotated, and the results are a first-class, reader-friendly scholarly resource capable of edifying both the Ph.D. and the interested layman. Temple's 444 pages are divided into three main sections and an eighteen-page epilogue. Each of these four large parts are divided into several chapters, and further subdivided into subsections of chapters, very much like a textbook. Temple's resemblance to a textbook ends there, however, as Skarsaune's tone lacks any trace of the pedant's and is instead almost conversational, much like an experienced enthusiast sharing exciting past discoveries with an audience of relative newcomers. And what a wide-ranging list of discoveries Skarsaune has to share! Many who thought they had an adequate familiarity with earliest Christianity and late Second Temple Judaism will be both humbled and enriched by Temple. This is because throughout Temple Skarsaune skillfully reviews and sheds light on a host of important historical, geographical, political and religious issues and events occurring over the several centuries that immediately precede and follow what was long considered the most important event in recorded history--the advent of Jesus Christ. This book would make a valuable addition to anyone's library, particularly a Christian's. An outstanding scholarly effort.

One of the best books on the subject of Jewish Christianity to be found. Please understand that this book is not a revisionist version of historical theology, but rather a faithful nicene interpritation that seeks to demonstrate that Christianity is inherently more Jewish in its flavor than many would care to admit, even though such an interpritation is in direct line with patristic theology and liturgical practice, as the liturgies of the east and west are blends of temple and synagogue worship to greater or lesser degrees. I would also suggest that Skarasune's Incarnation Myth or Fact (Concordia Scholarship Today) would be a great place to start on these questions. Jean Danielou'sThe Theology of Jewish Christianity: A History of Early Christian Doctrine Before The Council of Nicaea is a more technical appraisal of teh same material, with the smae conclusions. I have found it quite useful. Enjoy!

Skarsuane provides the reader with insights into the Jewish background of early Christianity, even Gentile Christianity. It is not an overstatement to call his work exhaustive, as he covers all the bases in this 455 page work. There are 21 chapters divided into 4 parts.1.judaism and hellensim 2.Politics: jews and the roman empire3. geography: the land of israel and the diaspora 4. jerusalem: teh city of the temple 5.how many "judaisms"? 6.jesus with judaism 7. the early jerusalem community of Christians 8.mission to the gentiles and the torah etc........Skarsaune is very thorough!I would also highly recommend Jean Danielou's "Theology of Jewish Christianity". It is out of print, but possible to find and it is worth the hunt!The price is also very cheap for such a work. You will be hard-pressed to find a book more detailed and readable than this one. Enjoy!

This book, by veteran early-church historian Oskar Skarsaune, presents a wealth of information on early Judaism, the New Testament, and the Early Church. It's easy to read and each chapter comes with a list of suggestions for further reading. Most surprising to some readers will be that so much of what some consider "Gentile" about Christianity is at heart Jewish - including even the doctrine of the Incarnation, often held to be a pagan import. This is a must read for anyone interested in Jews, Judaism, or Christianity.

This book is a true gem on the subject of HOW the Early Church was a real daughter of the Ancient Synagogue. Author Prof. Skarsaune is an expert on Christian origins, early Judaeo-Christianity and Jewish-Christian relations in Antiquity. In his rich and fascinating book Skarsaune gives a detailed account of the Jewish religious environment of the Second Temple Period and First Century and how this environment had a profound influence on the Christian Beginnings of the Church of Jewish and gentile believers in Jesus. Personally, I was again very much surprised by the deep roots of the Faith, Worship and Liturgy of the early Church in the Jewish religious soil of the Old Testament. It is a great book with well-documented sources. It can very well be used as an original and practical inspiration for present-day renewal in Christian worship and faith practices. Warmly recommended!