The Gospel According to Moses: What My Jewish Friends Taught Me About Jesus

Rating:
Summary: This is a book that makes one think!
Review: As one who has spent many countless hours delving through very profound books on Theology and the Holy Scriptures in an attempt to better know God, Christ and the Holy Spirit, I frequently become rather complacent in my faith. But this complacency does not mask questions in my mind that I can't seem to put to rest. I have turned to books that propose to answer these FAQs but I have found some of the explanations rather favoring a particular denominational approach or at least non convincing. I recently read Athol Dickson's "The Gospel According to Moses." It makes no claims as to answering these questions that I have. BUT somehow it does provide the explanations that I seek to several of my questions. The author's thinking is so very logical, so profound and so in line with most of my evangelical views. I learned so much from this book.It made me think, question and wrestle with religious concepts as I have never done before. His most perceptive and most Biblical view on "Why Bad things happen to Good People" is just one example of a very thought provoking and assuring discussion held on one of these questions. This book tends to bring one to the conclusion that the evangelical Christians and our Jewish brothers and sisters are truly akin in many of our beliefs. Although differences do occur, Dickson quietly seems to call us to celibrate that which binds us NOT what rends us assunder. This is not an easy read BUT it is one of the most thought provoking, assuring works that I have ever read. I would strongly recommend this book to all.

Rating:
Summary: A Must Read
Review: Athol Dickson has a way with words and questions that within a few pages of this book will leave you speechless. He knows how to get to the heart of issues that have been argued and avoided by Christians for centuries. From the beginning Dickson is honest with the reader. He also clarifies that this text is written from a Christian perspective, and tackles subjects and gives perspectives that are hotly debated in both Christian and Jewish camps. The author also admits that this text has been read and reread to avoid any misrepresentation of the Jewish culture, and that he in no way is trying to proselytize.

In reality, this book does three things: it brings to life the culture and perspective of Jews of Christians and Jesus, it creates links from the Old testament to New testament (from the Ancient Jewish faith to the "New Covenant" - Christianity), and it unpacks some of the most difficult questions Christians never ask, because they may be afraid of the answers. What is so wonderful about this author is that the amount of time and knowledge is evident. Great care and detail have gone into each explanation, yet the narrative is such that you feel like you are on a journey with him as he engages with people at Chever Torah.

A word of caution. This book is not a light read; it certainly is no Max Lucado for the soul. If you are not prepared to have your mind stretched, about half way through your eyes will not keep up with your brain. Athol will unreservedly question, unashamedly challenge, and tactfully answer some wonderful and difficult to understand topics. Read cautiously, and with an open heart and mind. If you are like me, in the end you will see more things that need adjusted than you previously thought.

This book will be a resource for me for years to come. Thanks Athol! Your work is very evident and is greatly appreciated.

Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: Athol Dickson has a way with words and questions that within a few pages of this book will leave you speechless. He knows how to get to the heart of issues that have been argued and avoided by Christians for centuries. From the beginning Dickson is honest with the reader. He also clarifies that this text is written from a Christian perspective, and tackles subjects and gives perspectives that are hotly debated in both Christian and Jewish camps. The author also admits that this text has been read and reread to avoid any misrepresentation of the Jewish culture, and that he in no way is trying to proselytize.

In reality, this book does three things: it brings to life the culture and perspective of Jews of Christians and Jesus, it creates links from the Old testament to New testament (from the Ancient Jewish faith to the "New Covenant" - Christianity), and it unpacks some of the most difficult questions Christians never ask, because they may be afraid of the answers. What is so wonderful about this author is that the amount of time and knowledge is evident. Great care and detail have gone into each explanation, yet the narrative is such that you feel like you are on a journey with him as he engages with people at Chever Torah.

A word of caution. This book is not a light read; it certainly is no Max Lucado for the soul. If you are not prepared to have your mind stretched, about half way through your eyes will not keep up with your brain. Athol will unreservedly question, unashamedly challenge, and tactfully answer some wonderful and difficult to understand topics. Read cautiously, and with an open heart and mind. If you are like me, in the end you will see more things that need adjusted than you previously thought.

This book will be a resource for me for years to come. Thanks Athol! Your work is very evident and is greatly appreciated.

Rating:
Summary: A Must Read
Review: This book is both beautifully written and extremely insightful. For Christians, it presents ideas that are refreshing; you're not likely to think of God in quite the same way again. For Jews, the book offers insights into the "Jewishness" of Christianity, as well.

Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: This is a great book for any Christian who is interested in knowing more about Christianity's Jewish roots. Recurring themes and phrases from the Torah (Old Testament) as well as quotes from early Jewish writings and commentaries are compared to what Jesus taught and New Testament writers wrote. This book is not for the new Christian, but for the mature Christian who wishes to delve more deeply into understanding her faith. This is not an easy, summer read, but a book which will give you food for thought and leave you hungry for more of the Lord.

Rating:
Summary: The Gospel is for Jews and Christians and Everyone
Review: This morning, I have just completed reading "The Gospel According to Moses" ... I pulled an all-nighter with this one! I am a born again, spirit filled Christian who has been doing some introductory reading on the Jewish roots/Jewishness of Christianty, Messanic Judaism, history of the Bible (both "Old" and "New" Testaments) and how it was written, and similar topics. Therefore, when I read a preview of this book in a catalog, I jumped at the chance to buy it and was not disappointed! Here are some talking points: (1)If you are a Christian who has always asked yourself "Why is it that Jews do not accept Jesus as Messiah?" and "And what, if anything, can and should I do about it?", this book will answer such questions. (2)If you are Jew who has always wondered, "Why is it that Christians believe on Jesus as Messiah?" and "What is the meaning of this "Trinity" thing?" your questions may also be answered. (3)If you are a Christian or a Jew seeking to learn more about what the "Scriptures" known to Jesus and Paul (titled by Christians as "The Old Testament" but by Jews as The Torah, The Prophets (ex. Isaiah), The Writings (ex. Psalms) said about The Christ, the author will illustrate these for you in colorfully fascinating detail. (4) For Christians needing insight about the horrors Jews have historically suffered at the hands of Christians in the name of Jewish acceptance of the gospel, the author provides a brief but sobering summary of this dark part of our collective history (ex. - The anti-Semitic content of some of the writings of Martin Luther are clear and without dispute). The implications are that if we Christians were to seek out, understand and repent for the part we have played in the oppression of the sons/daughters of Abraham and Jesus, we could wrap this thing on earth up and return with our Jewish brothers and sisters to the Lord today. With this understanding, you will be able to understand with greater empathy what doctrine Jews do not believe and why...with more clarity what doctrines Christians and Jews actually believe in common. (5) For Jews, you will learn that there is a community of Christians seeking to reconcile with you as brothers...Christians who are also seeking to learn what you already know as the jumping off point to increased relationship man to man, and man with God. I do not believe that Jews need to fear they will be "converted" by this book (as there is no "Jews for Jesus" focus, for example), but I believe that Jewish thought and questioning regarding the 2000 year assertion that Jesus is Messiah will be provoked (which may be fear-provoking to some). Therefore, I would be interested to read the reaction of the Jewish community to this piece. (6) For Christians, the material presented in this book may be unfamiliar to you if you have not had exposure to the parallels between the two faiths (ex. the Talmud and its teachings)... but meet the challenge of this piece as a jumping off point anyway, because you will desire to learn more. As I read this book, I found myself laughing and crying out loud at the divine wisdom of God as the author did his human best to explain how God has revealed Himself both to the Jews, who are the sons and daughters of God first brought into Covenant with Him by the faith of Abraham (see Genesis Chapter 12) as well as the Gentiles (all of us who are not Jews) who are the sons and daughters of God brought and "grafted" into Covenant with God by the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (see Romans Chapter 11). Clearly, the Spirit of God has granted revelation knowledge to Mr. Dickson that must be shared with all. Buy, read and be blessed!