Early Christian Thought in its Jewish Context

The theme of this volume is that of continuity and discontinuity between early Christianity and its Jewish parent. The formation of Christian thought in the context of its Jewish beginnings is the focus of much debate and controversy. These essays cover the historical and social background of Palestine and the Diaspora; the main components of the New Testament canon and early non-canonical writings, examining their relationship to the Jewish tradition; and central themes including monotheism and Christology, apocalyptism, ethics, and martyrdom. The concise treatments, with their helpful bibliographies, by an international team of experts will be of interest and value to teachers and undergraduate students of the New Testament and Christian origins. It puts an alternative complexion on the relationship between Judaism and the convictions of the early Christians, and will stimulate discussion.

"It provides an excellent overview of what New Testament scholars are saying about this crucial topic. It could ably serve as a primer in Early Christian Thought." Phillip B. Munoa, Christian Scholar's Review, "The variety of themes and the well-known scholars give us a useful overview of the current discussion on the relationship of early Christianity to Jewish tradition." Jens Schröter, Religious Studies Review, "This collection will benefit students of the New Testament in the U.S. by drawing attention to the work of an important, but all too frequently neglected scholar." O. Larry Yarbrough, Jrnl of Church & State, " Early Christianity in Its Jewish Context ... does consolidate in a single, convenient source a particular range of perspectives on the state of the many different dimensions of question of the Judaic context of early Christianity with these responsible, sound contributions from current scholarship. That initself is a noteworthy contributiuon; Professor Hooker is amply honored by these essays, and the editors are to be congratulated for having orchestrated such a strong Festschrift." A.K.M. Adam, Anglican Theological Review, "...a well-planned collection reflecting an attempt to cover the major topics of early Christianity in its relation to Judaism. This collection...is highly valuable." Martin Olsthoorn, The Catholic Biblical Quarterly