Rating: 
Summary: For Jews as well as Christians
Review: Ever wonder how "a Pharisee of the Pharisees" who could boast that he never once violated any of the customs or traditions of his people as long as lived could found a religion the ended the Law of Moses? Well, he didn't. Mark Nanos explains Romans from its contemporary context as opposed to the post Reformation context that most theologians prefer. He helps the reader to see beyond the perceptions of modern Judaism and Christianity. He puts forth the view of synagogue goers of the late Second Temple Period. The issues in Romans are germane to their times, not 1500 C.E.
Rating:
Summary: For Jews as well as Christians
Review: Ever wonder how "a Pharisee of the Pharisees" who could boast that he never once violated any of the customs or traditions of his people as long as lived could found a religion the ended the Law of Moses? Well, he didn't. Mark Nanos explains Romans from its contemporary context as opposed to the post Reformation context that most theologians prefer. He helps the reader to see beyond the perceptions of modern Judaism and Christianity. He puts forth the view of synagogue goers of the late Second Temple Period. The issues in Romans are germane to their times, not 1500 C.E.
Rating:
Summary: Finally! We're back to the basics.
Review: Finally! This is simply a great book. Contextually sound, theologically based, and historically appropriate, this book peels back the layers of Romans and breaks it down into its simplest terms. The LCD (Least Common Denominator) is the focus of this study (The Shema) and if your eyes remain focused, the contradictions simply dissolve. If every Christian was to read this book and act according to the understanding that comprises these pages we would be united and the internal strife would end (1 Cor. 1:10-13). At the same time if the Hebrew people would read this text, they might not have the animosity they do toward Christianity, provided we live up to our end of the bargain. If you read this book and don't come away with appreciating the Hebraic roots of Christianity and a thirst for more, then your heart is hard. I don't give many 5 star ratings!
Rating: 
Summary: "difficult to read"
Review: It was said of Paul that he wrote some things difficult to understand which some "twisted" to their own distruction. Well, I wouldn't say Mark Nanos twisted anything, but it sure was a difficult book for me to read. Mark did an excellent job of documenting his research and supporting his conclusions which I thoroughly enjoyed when I finally figured them out. Furthermore, I think his controversial positions deserve serious consideration & adjustment in the thinking of many , if not most, conservative Christians & evangelicals. My only suggestion is to shorten the sentences & organize the thoughts that have been penned a bit more concisely. Again, I was awed by the research & insight but distracted & sometimes left wondering where he started in a sentence (or thought) soley because of his writing style. Sometimes less is more. Is it just me?
Rating:
Summary: Excellent but difficult read
Review: Nanos is unequalled in his ability to write and back up his thoughts with proof. He has a twist in this book, from a Jewish perspective, he attempts to show how Paul is writing to Jews and Romans to consider one another as brothers, to emphasize toleration. Nanos' thesis is that Paul was writing a correction to both, neither should think more of themselves than what they should. It was not the Jews who thought too much of themselves, it was he Romans who were thinking they were more than just simple Christians. His reference to Romans 9 is very insightful. It is a difficult read, written mostly to a more educated audience, however, it is a good tool for anyone who has a desire to understand the depth of scripture from a Jewish perspective. If only all christians would remember that the early church was originally all Jewish until the conversion of the Samaritans. The core of Paul's work was done in synagogues and Jews were among the converts throughout Europe and Asia Minor. Nanos goes a long way to reveal a much needed dialog between Christian and Jew. Christian roots, Jewish ideas, a need for understanding.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent but difficult read
Review: Nanos is unequalled in his ability to write and back up his thoughts with proof. He has a twist in this book, from a Jewish perspective, he attempts to show how Paul is writing to Jews and Romans to consider one another as brothers, to emphasize toleration. Nanos' thesis is that Paul was writing a correction to both, neither should think more of themselves than what they should. It was not the Jews who thought too much of themselves, it was he Romans who were thinking they were more than just simple Christians. His reference to Romans 9 is very insightful. It is a difficult read, written mostly to a more educated audience, however, it is a good tool for anyone who has a desire to understand the depth of scripture from a Jewish perspective. If only all christians would remember that the early church was originally all Jewish until the conversion of the Samaritans. The core of Paul's work was done in synagogues and Jews were among the converts throughout Europe and Asia Minor. Nanos goes a long way to reveal a much needed dialog between Christian and Jew. Christian roots, Jewish ideas, a need for understanding.
Rating:
Summary: excellent approach to scripture
Review: Nanos pulls from the history, the culture, the Greek language, and even the archaeology to bring a "fresh" interpretation of a mysterious book to our time. In doing so, he comes closer to putting us into the minds of Jewish Christians living in the 40s, 50s than most commentators. Nanos' thesis is that Paul is rebuking Gentile Christians for being arrogant about their grace-oriented lifestyle, and that the weak and the strong in Romans aren't Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians (as interpreted for, goodness, 1900+ years?), rather non-Christian Jews and Jewish/Gentile Christians. The Christians are the "strong" because they rely on God's grace, the Jews "weak" because they rely on the law. However, the term "weak" is not necessarily prejorative. In fact, Nanos states that the weak are stumbling *because* of the arrogance of the strong regarding violating the Law. The Christians are chastized in the letter, not exalted, and the Christians are asked to be more "Jewish", or at least, Noachidic. The Jews are still considered brethren, the calling of God is irrevocable, the seed of Abraham is the branch which sustains the Church, and "all Israel will be saved" (pas Israel sothesetai). Nanos backs all this up. This is a challenge to 'Replacement Theologians,' as Replacementers rely on this letter for much of their arguments. I also found Nanos' comments on the Shema and its role in the Gospel enlightening.
Rating:
Summary: excellent approach to scripture
Review: Nanos pulls from the history, the culture, the Greek language, and even the archaeology to bring a "fresh" interpretation of a mysterious book to our time. In doing so, he comes closer to putting us into the minds of Jewish Christians living in the 40s, 50s than most commentators. Nanos' thesis is that Paul is rebuking Gentile Christians for being arrogant about their grace-oriented lifestyle, and that the weak and the strong in Romans aren't Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians (as interpreted for, goodness, 1900+ years?), rather non-Christian Jews and Jewish/Gentile Christians. The Christians are the "strong" because they rely on God's grace, the Jews "weak" because they rely on the law. However, the term "weak" is not necessarily prejorative. In fact, Nanos states that the weak are stumbling *because* of the arrogance of the strong regarding violating the Law. The Christians are chastized in the letter, not exalted, and the Christians are asked to be more "Jewish", or at least, Noachidic. The Jews are still considered brethren, the calling of God is irrevocable, the seed of Abraham is the branch which sustains the Church, and "all Israel will be saved" (pas Israel sothesetai). Nanos backs all this up. This is a challenge to 'Replacement Theologians,' as Replacementers rely on this letter for much of their arguments. I also found Nanos' comments on the Shema and its role in the Gospel enlightening.
Rating:
Summary: A very different message
Review: Paul's letter to the Romans has turned out to be one of the most misunderstood books in the Bible. His words have been interpreted in such diverse ways as to launch various religious movements and spawn new theologies that are completely contradictory to the message that Paul intended. One such example would be "Replacement Theology." Such ideas are based in part on anti-Semitism, which in turn, is based in part on a misunderstanding of Paul's words. The author notes that Paul is not well liked. "Jews often perceive him as a traitor, or worse. Christians often consider him arrogant and manipulative, at the very least, and among scholars and those sensitive to the integrity of the Jews and Judaism his perceived disregard for and betrayal of his Jewish heritage and the Jewish people is justifiable cause for suspicion." Mark Nanos "locates in the author of Romans a very different Paul: a thoroughly Jewish Paul, functioning entirely within the context of Judaism, giving priority to Israel..." With this mindset, "The Mystery of Romans" starts to reveal a message different from what history and Christianity has perhaps taught us. "The Mystery of Romans" is a fascinating book based on brilliant scholarship. There are extensive footnotes throughout. One of the most rewarding chapters, Chapter Three, asks and answers the question: "Who were the 'weak' and the 'strong' in Rome?" It was this chapter alone that opened up a new understanding of Romans for me personally. Every once in a while you come across a book that you wish every Christian would read. This is such a book. - Ronni
Rating:
Summary: One of 10 best Paul books of last 5 years
Review: That's it--simple--one of the best 10 books on Paul of the last 5 years.
| 
