Archaeology, History, and Society in Galilee: The Social Context of Jesus and the Rabbis
"Horsley's greatest strength as a scholar is his ability to translate difficult concepts into social theory and models...New Testament and rabbinic scholars must read the archaeological literature and engage in a dialogue with archaeologists. Horsley has begun this important process, and for this we are all in his debt. Further, Horsley writes in a vivid and compelling style, and his extensive notes make this semi-popular book useful for college, seminary or even graduate study." —Eric M. Meyers, reviewing for Biblical Archaeology Review, July/August 1997 (Eric M. MeyersBiblical Archaeology Review)"Archaeology, History and Society in Galilee is a fascinating, well-documented account of recent archaeological developments in Galilee." —The Very Rev. Charles U. Harris, reviewing for The Living Church (The Very Rev. Charles U. HarrisThe Living Church)"...uniquely valuable...thought-provoking...The book is the most comprehensive and thorough survey of relevant scholarship that I have yet seen...his critique methods of contemporary scholarship is profound. This is a book that no one seriously interested in Jesus studies or Galilean history should ignore." —Thomas R. W. Longstaff, Religious Studies Review, July 1997 (Thomas R. W. LongstaffReligious Studies Review)"This book is a welcome addition to the growing literature on the history and culture of Galilee...He challenges the accepted theories, reinterpreting the evidence and offering a new understanding of the rural people of Upper and Lower Galilee...Recommended for upper-division undergraduates, graduate and seminary students, and professionals in the field." —L. A. Sinclair, Carroll College, reviewing for CHOICE, July 1997 (L. A. Sinclair, Carroll CollegeCHOICE)"Using recent findings in Jesus studies, rabbinic studies, and archaeology, [Horsley] offers a new understanding of Galilee as the historical and social context of Jesus and the rabbis." —Theology Digest, Fall 1997 (Theology Digest)"Horsely offers New Testament scholars a wealth of well-digested information on the latest archaeological information." —Journal for the Study of the NT (Journal for the Study of the New Testament)"...a fascinating critique of contemporary theories regarding the beginnings of Christianity and of rabbinic Judaism...There is a good deal to be savoured in this book, and all splendidly documented. Its contribution is greatly to be welcomed and deserves to be given the most serious attention." —Prof. James D. G. Dunn, University of Durham, reviewing for Service International De Documentation Judeo-Chretienne (Prof. James D. G. Dunn, University of Durham)"Few stones are left unturned as Horsley assesses, evaluates, or probes the social, political, economic, cultural, and religious background to Jesus and the rabbis in Galilee...Horsley has succeeded in his primary goal of provisionally engaging scholars from various fields in an inter-disciplinary dialogue centered around the Galilee. Although many of his specific interpretations will no doubt be disputed, [the book] asks penetrating questions that give scholars pause to reflect upon their paradigms of religion and society, provides a challenge to make explicit their operative models of the ancient world, and invites alternative interpretations— interpretations, however, that will be judged by standards that include the literary evidence and material remains. As such, the book deserves a careful reading by scholars in the fields of archaeology, rabbinics, and early Christianity." —Jonathan L. Reed, reviewing for Journal for the Study of Judaism (Jonathan L. Reed)"Horsley provides helpful models for the use of social sciences for the study of ancient Galilee" — Journal of Jewish Studies"Archaeology, History & Society in Galilee constructs bridges of communication and engagement between the fields of archaeology and history focusing on a new understanding of Galilee...a masterpiece of scholarship, completely accessible to the non-specialist general reader." —The Midwest Book Review (Midwest Book Review)"...this impressive synthesis of what can (and cannot) be known and said about the history, politics and people of Galilee provides illuminating background information and critical cautions for students of the New Testament." —America, March 8, 1997 (America: The National Catholic Weekly)"Horsley's greatest strength as a scholar is his ability to translate difficult concepts into social theory and models...New Testament and rabbinic scholars must read the archaeological literature and engage in a dialogue with archaeologists. Horsley has begun this important process, and for this we are all in his debt. Further, Horsley writes in a vivid and compelling style, and his extensive notes make this semi-popular book useful for college, seminary or even graduate study." —Eric M. Meyers, reviewing for Biblical Archaeology Review, July/August 1997 (Sanford LakoffBiblical Archaeology Review)"Archaeology, History and Society in Galilee is a fascinating, well-documented account of recent archaeological developments in Galilee." —The Very Rev. Charles U. Harris, reviewing for The Living Church (Sanford LakoffThe Living Church)"...uniquely valuable...thought-provoking...The book is the most comprehensive and thorough survey of relevant scholarship that I have yet seen...his critique methods of contemporary scholarship is profound. This is a book that no one seriously interested in Jesus studies or Galilean history should ignore." —Thomas R. W. Longstaff, Religious Studies Review, July 1997 (Sanford LakoffReligious Studies Review)"This book is a welcome addition to the growing literature on the history and culture of Galilee...He challenges the accepted theories, reinterpreting the evidence and offering a new understanding of the rural people of Upper and Lower Galilee...Recommended for upper-division undergraduates, graduate and seminary students, and professionals in the field." —L. A. Sinclair, Carroll College, reviewing for CHOICE, July 1997 (Sanford LakoffCHOICE)"...a fascinating critique of contemporary theories regarding the beginnings of Christianity and of rabbinic Judaism...There is a good deal to be savoured in this book, and all splendidly documented. Its contribution is greatly to be welcomed and deserves to be given the most serious attention." —Prof. James D. G. Dunn, University of Durham, reviewing for Service International De Documentation Judeo-Chretienne (Sanford Lakoff)"Few stones are left unturned as Horsley assesses, evaluates, or probes the social, political, economic, cultural, and religious background to Jesus and the rabbis in Galilee...Horsley has succeeded in his primary goal of provisionally engaging scholars from various fields in an inter-disciplinary dialogue centered around the Galilee. Although many of his specific interpretations will no doubt be disputed, [the book] asks penetrating questions that give scholars pause to reflect upon their paradigms of religion and society, provides a challenge to make explicit their operative models of the ancient world, and invites alternative interpretations— interpretations, however, that will be judged by standards that include the literary evidence and material remains. As such, the book deserves a careful reading by scholars in the fields of archaeology, rabbinics, and early Christianity." —Jonathan L. Reed, reviewing for Journal for the Study of Judaism (Sanford Lakoff)"Archaeology, History & Society in Galilee constructs bridges of communication and engagement between the fields of archaeology and history focusing on a new understanding of Galilee...a masterpiece of scholarship, completely accessible to the non-specialist general reader." —The Midwest Book Review (Midwest Book Review)