Monday, June 08, 2009

sitting at the feet of Rabbi Jesus

Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg's Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus: How the Jewishness of Jesus Can Transform Your Faith, is a marvellous read. I like it in that it is both theologically sound and written to help us live out the faith that is ours in Jesus.

Originally, a blogger friend put me on to this book. At first I was hesitant; so many books I want to read, and I've never heard of these authors. And while the title seemed largely acceptable and interesting, it did make me wonder just where the authors wanted to take the readers. After some deliberation, I decided to give it a chance, and it is truly to my profit that I have.

After reading it through the first time, I was not only struck anew and afresh with the Jewishness of our Christian faith, but I was appreciative of where the authors actually did take me. In a thoughtful way, they navigate the reader through the gospels and Jesus' life in regard to key themes, and how Jesus is the fulfillment of the old covenant.

So I'm glad now I decided to read this book, and actually reread it. This book is truly a keeper.

Spangler is perhaps to some extent the writer, and Tverberg is the teacher. Lois Tverberg is a scientist, and was a professor for some time until she decided to make the study of Jesus as a Jew, and what that means to our faith, her full time pursuit and work.

I much appreciated the careful writing, along with the end notes which show the work of one who thinks through everything with painstaking care. And a big plus for me as well is that the book is written clearly for all the church, so that nonscholars along with scholars can appreciate it. In fact it is really written for those who may never care to read a scholarly book, yet want to learn more of what it means to follow Jesus. It is evident that the authors themselves have this as the goal for their own lives.

I intend to write a formal book review, and would like to have a weekly interactive study from the book. I would highly recommend that you get a copy, and then we can start working through it, probably no sooner than August and no later than September.

What thoughts come to mind that you would like to share?

Posts referring to this book.

13 comments:

preacherman said...

I cant wait to hear your book review. I would have loved to have sit at the feet the the Rabbi. The stories, mircles, watching him pray. Powerful

Ted M. Gossard said...

Kinney,
Yes, I'll be posting it soon. Hopefully in a day or two.

Writing a good book review is challenging, though it won't be that terribly hard on this one, since there is so much to say on it, and good. What is difficult is saying it well, and getting across the essence and beauty of a book. (yes, I think books are beautiful, or can be! and particulary so when on Jesus and the truth as it is in Jesus)

Anonymous said...

tell deb, that it was good to hear from her.

Anonymous said...

the study sounds good...i hope to participate.

Ted M. Gossard said...

nAncY,
I just told her.

Sounds great! It will be a great study together. Hope we get a few more on board.

Tremonti said...

Ted,

"I much appreciated the careful writing, along with the end notes which show the work of one who thinks through everything with painstaking care. And a big plus for me as well is that the book is written clearly for all the church, so that nonscholars along with scholars can appreciate it."

I have to echo you here that this is exactly what i think about the book as well. If there was any book that i would recommend to anyone talking about the Jewish context of Jesus this is the book i would point to. It was an enjoyable read! I did my own review at my blog http://mycreedjon.blogspot.com/2009/04/sitting-at-feet-of-rabbi-jesus-review.html but Im looking forward to what you have to say as well. I really love reading book reviews.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Thanks, Tremonti. I'm caught short on time this morning due to a minor emergency here at home (inside the toilet!). But I look forward to reading your review as well.

Hard to write a review that will do the book justice, and not bury the reader with too many words, and thus discourage many from reading it.

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

just ordered the book

Ted M. Gossard said...

Great, nAncY. I look forward to the exchange with you, over it!

nannykim said...

Sounds good---I think I will check it on Amazon

Ted M. Gossard said...

Nannykim,
I know you would like it. The authors write well in more ways than one. And Lois Tverberg has done extensive work on this subject.

Crowm said...

I hope to join you for the study Ted. It sounds like an interesting read.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Crowm,
I look forward to it. I think it's important for us who by our tradition have largely missed the Jewishness of our Scripture, and of Jesus himself. This book helps us take those findings and bring them into our lives. It would be great to have you.

And good to hear from you again! I know you've been busy.