Searching for the Messiah: Unlocking the "Psalms of Solomon" and Humanity's Quest for a Savior

The concept of a messiah, a savior, has its roots in the writings of ancient Judaism and early Christianity, evolving from an anointed leader to a universal savior. In Searching for the Messiah, an award-winning historian of religion examines the role of a "messiah" in Western culture, from its pre-Christian roots to modern interpretations of a savior. He reveals how this collective search for messiahs throughout modern human history has been fundamentally flawed, and how Jesus himself rejected the idea of an external fixer, instead formulating his teachings to focus on the role of the individual, their choices, and their actions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2020
Publisher: Pegasus Books

The search for a messiah has been a prevalent theme in Western culture, spanning from its pre-Christian roots to contemporary interpretations of a savior. Throughout history, individuals have yearned for a messiah, whether it be a religious figure like Jesus, a political leader, or even in popular culture. This longing becomes particularly intense during challenging times when people feel powerless and desperate. The concept of a messiah, or a savior, has its origins in the writings of ancient Judaism and early Christianity, evolving from an anointed leader to a universal savior. In his book, Searching for the Messiah, renowned historian of religion David Wilson delves into the role of a "messiah" in Western culture. He explores the historical context, from the pre-Christian era to modern interpretations. Wilson highlights the significance of a little-understood pre-Christian text, "The Psalms of Solomon," which laid the foundation for messianic expectation just before the birth of Jesus. These psalms, written by a devout 1st-century BCE Jew who witnessed horrific atrocities under brutal Roman rule, challenge us to contemplate the nature of a messiah and their expected roles. During his lifetime, Jesus encouraged his followers to seek "the messiah within" through his parables. Later, Paul transformed the concept of "the messiah" to "the Christ" when presenting his message to Gentiles rather than Jews. Jesus, no longer a Jewish messiah, became a Hellenistic divine avatar. In Searching for the Messiah, Wilson exposes the flaws in the collective search for messiahs throughout modern human history. He emphasizes that Jesus rejected the idea of an external fixer and instead focused on the individual's role, choices, and actions. Through his teachings, Jesus sought to empower individuals to make a positive impact on the world and shape their own destinies. This book offers a profound exploration of the enduring fascination with messiahs and their impact on Western culture, challenging readers to reflect on the nature of salvation and the role of the individual in shaping the world.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 170 x 238 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781643134505