Passion, Vitality, and Foment: The Dynamics of Second Temple Judaism

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

In the past, Old Testament scholars have characterized Hebrew religious practices of the postexilic period as a time of priestly legalism. Viewed in this way, the developments of this period paled in light of the First Temple period. However, as the essays in this collection demonstrate, the postexilic period was actually an age in which "it all came together," an age of robust religious vitality that gave birth to Rabbinic Judaism and early Christianity. The contributors to Passion, Vitality, and Foment focus on the range of religious advances in this time period, from the Sabbath and the synagogue to the vitality of feminine spirituality, wisdom traditions, and apocalyptic visions, all of which demonstrate the richness of Second Temple Judaism. Lamontte M. Luker is Professor of Hebrew Scriptures at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina. Contributors: Niels-Erik A. Andreasen, Andrews University; Jon Berquist, Chalice Press; Toni Craven, Brite Divinity School, TCU; Kathe Pfisterer Darr, Boston University School of Theology; John C. Endres, S.J., Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley; Walter Harrelson, Vanderbilt Divinity School; Leo G. Perdue, Brite Divinity School, TCU; Paul L. Redditt, Georgetown College; Will Soll, Sanford-Brown College and Eden/Webster Library of Webster University and Eden Seminary; and Marti J. Steussy, Christian Theological Seminary

Reviews

"This important collection of essays was produced by formal doctoral students of Walter Harrelson at Vanderbilt University. The essays presented here are meant to underscore the religious vitality of the period. Luker and his colleagues are to be commended for this stimulating set of essays to honor their mentor. While demonstrating the vitality of Second Temple Judaism, the essays also give evidence to the vitality of scholarship in this area of study." -Carl D. Evans, University of South Carolina, Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Spring 2004 -- Carl D. Evans
"A brilliant collection of essays representing the most recent advances in scholarship...a must for any theological bookshelf." -- Thomas Smothers * Blurb from reviewer *
"This is a rich collection of essays on various features of Judaism during the period of the Second Temple." -- James L. Crenshaw * Blurb from reviewer *
"Scholars and lay readers alike will find here lucid, up-to-date, theologically vibrant explorations of major issues that deserve careful attention in the community of faith. This book deserves a place on the shelf of all serious students of the Bible." -- Samuel E. Balentine * Blurb from reviewer *
"This anthology, one of the better contributions to this growing field, comprises ten essays dedicated to Walter Harrelson and includes an eleventh article penned by Harrelson himself."--Dan Clanton, Jr., Iliff School of Theology, Denver, CO, for Review of Biblical Literature, March 2003 -- Dan Clanton, Jr. * Blurb from reviewer *
"Ten former doctoral students of Walter Harrelson here publish essays that celebrate the contributions of their beloved teacher. At the same time these women and men explore from a variety of methodological perspectives the vital ferment in early Second Temple Judaism, which Harrelson has emphasized, early and late. In many senses theirs is a victory celebration since Harrelson's passion for this period is now recognized, somewhat belatedly, as perceptive and correct. The book comes with its own dessert: an essay on this period by Harrelson himself."--Ralph W. Klein, Christ Seminary-Seminex Professor of Old Testament, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago -- Ralph W. Klein * Blurb from reviewer *
"This rich collection of essays on various features of Judaism during the period of the Second Temple attests to its remarkable vitality and to the manner in which students of Walter Harrelson at Vanderbilt University acquired his passion for the biblical text. What a worthy tribute to a deserving mentor, who is appropriately allowed the last word to reflect on the major concerns of Jewish thinkers in the Persian era and beyond."--James L. Crenshaw, Robert L. Flowers Professor of Old Testament, Duke University -- James L. Crenshaw * Blurb from reviewer *
"These essays, each tuned to the latest work in Second Temple studies, are a fitting tribute to the distinguished career of Walter Harrelson, who long before many others discerned the importance of this part of the biblical canon. Scholars and lay readers alike will find here lucid, up-to-date, theologically vibrant explorations of major issues that deserve careful attention in the community of faith. This book deserves a place on the shelf of all serious students of the Bible, not only because it makes good on Harrelson's passionate investment in his studies and his students, but also because it invites the rest of us to draw on the dividends of that investment."--Samuel E. Balentine, Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, Richmond, VA -- Samuel E. Balentine * Blurb from reviewer *
"A brilliant collection of essays representing the most recent advances in scholarship, which challenge key traditional interpretations of the Second Temple period. A must for any theological bookshelf."--Thomas Smothers, Donald Williams Professor of Old Testament, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, retired -- Thomas Smothers * Blurb from reviewer *
"Passion, Vitality, and Foment: The Dynamics of Second Temple Judaism is a fascinating and informative selection of original essays by learned contributors about religious advances that occurred during the period of Judaic history commonly referred to as the post-exilic (586 B.C. to 210 C.E.) "Second Temple"."--Bookwatch, May 2002. * Bookwatch, The *

Author Bio

Lamontte M. Luker is Professor of Hebrew Scriptures at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina.