Thom reviewed How The Bible Became Holy by Michael L. Satlow
Review of 'How The Bible Became Holy' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
This author set out to show how people went from a predominantly oral tradition (of one or many gods) to the primarily scripture driven churches of today. In this, he was completely successful.
Chapters are linear in history, each reflecting on the religious tradition and other events of the time frame. Relevant figures and events are mentioned in context, which can leave some sections sparse. Extensive end notes and bibliography can lead to more detail.
Things I learned include the three different versions of Hanukkah, the study of scriptural history by Alexandrian emigres, and the Rabbinic tradition that arose from the Pharisees and Sadducees. Like Zealot, this book also touched on the difference between Paul's direction and that of the Judeans. I plan to dig more into that eventually.
It did take me a bit longer than Zealot to read, and was not as accessible. Recommended to the Biblical scholar …
This author set out to show how people went from a predominantly oral tradition (of one or many gods) to the primarily scripture driven churches of today. In this, he was completely successful.
Chapters are linear in history, each reflecting on the religious tradition and other events of the time frame. Relevant figures and events are mentioned in context, which can leave some sections sparse. Extensive end notes and bibliography can lead to more detail.
Things I learned include the three different versions of Hanukkah, the study of scriptural history by Alexandrian emigres, and the Rabbinic tradition that arose from the Pharisees and Sadducees. Like Zealot, this book also touched on the difference between Paul's direction and that of the Judeans. I plan to dig more into that eventually.
It did take me a bit longer than Zealot to read, and was not as accessible. Recommended to the Biblical scholar and other historians. 3½ stars.