Turbulent Times: Josephus and Scholarship on Judaea in the First Century CE

(Hardback)

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How do you contend with Josephus's interpretation of events when undertaking historical inquiry Taking as a test case the presentation of Judaea in the first century CE, McLaren argues that existing scholarship fails to achieve conceptual independence from Josephus. It simply repeats Josephus's presentation of a society engulfed in an escalating turmoil that allegedly culminated in the revolt of 66-70 CE. A new strategy is offered here by applying a case-study approach and formulating open-ended questions. In so doing, McLaren calls for an entirely fresh appraisal of the situation in Judaea and other areas where Josephus serves as a major source.

Author Bio

James S. McLaren is Professor in the School of Theology at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia.