The Problem Of Blasphemy The Fourth Gospel And Early Jewish Understandings

This doctoral thesis provides evidence that during the later part of the first century, certain Jewish Christians, who produced and propagated the Fourth Gospel, were perceived to be blasphemous and therefore "cut off" (karet) from the synagogue as reflected in John 9:22, 12:42, and 16:2. This study reviews recent research on blasphemy, offers analysis based on hundreds of ancient Jewish texts, and examines seven Jewish traditions pertaining to blasphemy, including cursing God, naming The Name, and sinning with a high hand. A composite portrait of blasphemy is sketched and compared with the theological claims of the Fourth Gospel. Three theological claims of the Fourth Gospel stand out as potentially blasphemous: Jesus is equal with God, Jesus and the Johannine Community constitute the New Temple, and Judean religious leaders are not of God. The perception of blasphemy and the inability to tolerate it explains why some Jewish Christians could not remain in the synagogue.

The T&T Clark Encyclopedia of Second Temple Judaism provides a comprehensive reference resource of over 600 scholarly articles aimed at scholars and students interested in Judaism of the Second Temple Period. The two-volume work is split into four parts. Part One offers a prolegomenon for the contemporary study and appreciation of Second Temple Judaism, locating the discipline in relation to other relevant fields (such as Hebrew Bible, Rabbinics, Christian Origins). Beginning with a discussion of terminology, the discussion suggests ways the Second Temple period may be described, and concludes by noting areas of study that challenge our perception of ancient Judaism. Part Two presents an overview of respective contexts of the discipline set within the broad framework of historical chronology corresponding to a set of full-colour, custom-designed maps. With distinct attention to primary sources, the author traces the development of historical, social, political, and religious developments from the time period following the exile in the late 6th century B.C.E. through to the end of the Bar Kokhba revolt (135 C.E.). Part Three focuses specifically on a wide selection of primary-source literature of Second Temple Judaism, summarizing the content of key texts, and examining their similarities and differences with other texts of the period. Essays here include a brief introduction to the work and a summary of its contents, as well as examination of critical issues such as date, provenance, location, language(s), and interpretative matters. The early reception history of texts is also considered, and followed by a bibliography specific to that essay. Numerous high-resolution manuscript images are utilized to illustrate distinct features of the texts. Part Four addresses topics relevant to the Second Temple Period such as places, practices, historical figures, concepts, and subjects of scholarly discussion. These are often supplemented by images, maps, drawings, or diagrams, some of which appear here for the first time. Copiously illustrated, carefully researched and meticulously referenced, this resource provides a reliable, up-to-date and complete guide for those studying early Judaism in its literary and historical settings.

The gospel of John’s “from above” orientation transforms our human “from below” assumptions and habits. It draws us into union with God and into unity with one another. It communicates who Jesus is, in both intimate and profound dimensions. The book of John shapes Christian identity, invigorates worship, and implants eternal hope. “John’s gospel defies description,” marvels Swartley, professor emeritus at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. “It soars like the eagle, links heaven and earth, and both comforts and convicts the human heart. Its Christology is rich, with a plethora of titles for Jesus-even the divine eternal I AM.” Though commentaries on the book of John abound, this volume follows the unique Believers Church Bible Commentary Series format, providing sections on The Text in Biblical Context and The Text in the Life of the Church. According to Swartley, this format serves well “the interests of seminary as well as other graduate students, and pastors especially.” Volume 26 in the Believers Church Bible Commentary series. Free downloadable supplement available here.

Arguing that the thought-world of the Gospel is Jewish, not Greek, and that the text is composed over an extended period as the evangelist responded to the changing situation of the community, this book offers a partial answer to a key question: how did Christianity emerge from Judaism?

'The Criticism of the Fourth Gospel" presents eight lectures in which the author debates the authenticity of the Fourth Gospel, pointing out that the relations between the teachings of St. John, St. Paul, and the teachings of Jesus Christ are not thoroughly examined.

Through an examination of a broad range of contentious imagery in art, this book questions the status of blasphemy in a world ever more divided in its views of what is acceptable, and aims to provide a vantage point from which to view the interrelations between religion, politics and the visual arts.