The Age of the Parakletos: A Historical Defense of Rabbinic Knowledge

This book explores the history of the Bible, Christianity, Rabbinic Judaism, and theological-political thought in the West, arguing that the biblical text can be read as a theological-political narrative about a god who strives to be recognized. It reconstructs the history of the conversation around this narrative from the fourth century BCE to the Middle Ages, distinguishing between two strands of the conversation—the Christian and the Rabbinic—that carried the narrative through the Middle Ages. It also introduces a reading of the biblical narrative that takes seriously the difference between the two creation stories and considers them as referring to two distinct divinities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 124 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

This comprehensive work delves into the rich tapestry of the history of the Bible, Christianity, Rabbinic Judaism, and theological-political thought in the West. Its three-fold purpose is to unveil a profound understanding of the biblical text as a theological-political narrative centered around a god who ardently seeks recognition from a group of people. Moreover, it reconstructs the historical conversation surrounding this narrative, spanning from the fourth century BCE to the early Middle Ages, highlighting its profound dependence on social and political contexts rather than solely theological notions. By distinguishing between two primary strands of the conversation—Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism—this book sheds light on why the latter provided a more advanced interface with political reality than the former.

In its exploration, the book introduces a unique reading of the biblical narrative that recognizes the distinctiveness between the two creation stories found in the Book of Genesis. It proposes that these stories refer to two separate divinities, each with its own unique characteristics and roles. Through this lens, the book unveils an overarching narrative about the god Yhwh, who endeavors to establish himself as the sovereign ruler of Israel by asserting his identity as the same god as Elohim, the benevolent creator of the perfect world.

This profound interpretation of the biblical text offers a fresh perspective on the rich tapestry of religious and political history, shedding light on the complex interplay between faith, ideology, and societal dynamics. It provides valuable insights into the development of religious thought, the evolution of Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism, and the broader context of theological-political discourse in the West. Whether one is a scholar, student, or simply interested in exploring the depths of human spirituality and its historical manifestations, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complex and fascinating world of religious history.

Weight: 367g
Dimension: 228 x 160 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793655035