Book Description

Gerbern Oegema has long been drawn to the noncanonical literature of early Judaism literature written during the time between the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament (300 b.c.e. 200 c.e.). These works, many of which have been lost, forgotten, and rediscovered, are now being studied with ever-increasing enthusiasm by scholars and students alike. Although much recent attention has been given to the literary and historical merits of the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, and other deutero- and extracanonical writings, Early Judaism and Modern Culture shows that it is also important to study these literary works from a theological perspective. To that end, Oegema considers the reception of early Jewish writings throughout history and identifies their theological contributions to many issues of perennial importance: ethics, politics, gender relations, interreligious dialogue, and more. Oegema demonstrates decisively that these books more than merely objects of academic curiosity have real theological and cultural relevance for churches, synagogues, and society at large today. Through engaging words, Gerbern Oegema invites his readers to appreciate the vibrant and advanced world of the early Jews and how they have left us insights and visions for modern culture. James H. Charlesworth Princeton Theological Seminary In an era when biblical theology is commonly approached from a narrow canonical perspective, Oegema s demonstration of the theological and historical significance of the noncanonical writings of ancient Judaism is refreshing and important. John J. Collins Yale Divinity School