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Rating: 
Summary: Great introduction to the ancient world
Review: I used this text for the first time with my students in the Fall semester of 1999. Not only did I enjoy reading the text, but the students found it to be accessable and understandable. The ancient world came alive, not only for me, but also for my students. A great introduction to the ancient cultural surroundings of the New Testament.
Rating:
Summary: Great introduction to the ancient world
Review: I used this text for the first time with my students in the Fall semester of 1999. Not only did I enjoy reading the text, but the students found it to be accessable and understandable. The ancient world came alive, not only for me, but also for my students. A great introduction to the ancient cultural surroundings of the New Testament.
Rating:
Summary: Best overview of Palestine culture I have read
Review: This book is an excellent and extremely readable guide to the culture of 1st century Palestine. It clarifies the context in which Jesus conducted his ministry, identifying the dominant power structures which contrasted to his own kingdom "community." The book approaches its subject from a sociological perspective, identifying the dynamics within four social domains -- kinship, politics, economics and religion. These categories made the subject matter come alive. The content was more readable and relevant than any previous book on 1st century Palestine culture I had read. The book's usefulness is enhanced by the charts generously interspersed throughout the text. Occasional comparisons between the ancient world and modern society helped to clarify key points. Each chapter also contained a brief section entitled "Applying the Perspectives," which posed pertinent and thought-provoking questions about the implications of the content -- how it provides insight into interpretation of one of Jesus' teachings and how that insight might be applied to our own day and time. Dr. Hanson and Dr. Oakman should be applauded for making such rich content accessible and understandable to today's reading audience. This book would be valuable to a wide variety of readers -- it is challenging enough for seminary students and pastors but free of the academic gobbledygook that could make it intimidating or "not worth the time" for "non-professionals." As a lay person who seeks a deeper understanding of the Jesus story and how it applies to contemporary issues, I am grateful for this excellent resource.
Rating:
Summary: the "one-stop-shop" for social science and the Gospels
Review: Wow. I've read a bunch of books in this area and, having read this one, I wish I had just read this one first and saved myself a lot of time. This book presents a thorough yet accessible view of Palestinian society at the time of Jesus, covering the major social structures in the areas of family, politics, economy, and religion. For me, the book's key feature was its wonderfully clear organization, but I also appreciated the concise writing and illuminating examples. I was also impressed by the authors' affirmative efforts to point those interested in further information and research in the right direction, including reference to a website building on their work. A wonderful overview and fine piece of work.
Rating:
Summary: the "one-stop-shop" for social science and the Gospels
Review: Wow. I've read a bunch of books in this area and, having read this one, I wish I had just read this one first and saved myself a lot of time. This book presents a thorough yet accessible view of Palestinian society at the time of Jesus, covering the major social structures in the areas of family, politics, economy, and religion. For me, the book's key feature was its wonderfully clear organization, but I also appreciated the concise writing and illuminating examples. I was also impressed by the authors' affirmative efforts to point those interested in further information and research in the right direction, including reference to a website building on their work. A wonderful overview and fine piece of work.
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