Comments on: Book: The Crucified Rabbi, by Taylor Marshall

By: Lucy

Lucy — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:35:55 +0000

This was a fantastic book! I never realized how much of Catholic Tradition is carried on from the Jewish tradition.I bought two books, one to keep, the other to share. :)

By: Matthew Warner

Matthew Warner — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 03:52:25 +0000

Bill, I won’t pretend to speak for Taylor Marshall, but I would say that by “Rome” he means the entirety of historical Christianity including, of course, all of those rites in communion with Rome.

By: Bill B (AKA Theocoid)

Bill B (AKA Theocoid) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:59:19 +0000

Hi, Matthew.

No, I haven’t, but here’s the claim in his own words: “This is the early Christian ecclesiastical narrative and I hope to remind Christians that their origins are both Jewish and Roman—consequently Christianity is best expressed in Roman Catholicism with its Jewish inheritance of liturgy, sacrifice, art, priesthood, and ritual.”

On his blog, he actually emphasize “Roman,” so I don’t think I’m misunderstanding his claim. I will have to read the book, but the claim itself, unless he considers “Roman Catholicism” to include all rites in communion with Rome, seems to downplay the enormous influence that Hellenism and eastern Christianity had on the Church. I guess you’d be in a better position to say whether the book actually makes that argument.

By: Matthew Warner

Matthew Warner — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:11:07 +0000

Bill – did you read the book? In which ways is he overstating the Roman influence? Roman influence on what?

By: Bill B (AKA Theocoid)

Bill B (AKA Theocoid) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:53:19 +0000

The book does sound intriguing, but I think he’s overstating the Roman influence. Early Christianity was influenced laregly by Jewish and Hellenistic culture. The Latin aspect really doesn’t get heavy until the 5th century. There’s plenty of Catholic culture in the east. I think Maronite and Chaldean Catholics would find his claim about the Roman Catholicism rather surprising. It certainly plays down the importance of the eastern Fathers in the devleopment of dogma.

By: Susan Fox

Susan Fox — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:59:36 +0000

I ordered the book. Thanks for the info. We are finishing the Bishops’ Catechism for Americans in our book discussion group and if this book is as interesting as it sounds, I will recommend it to follow. The idea that he has written books to continue the discussion of early Christianity is intriguing. I liked the words, “Follow Moses to Rome.” Blessed be God forever.

By: Ian

Ian — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:47:03 +0000

I really want to read this book! I am not Catholic but have a great appreciation for the work the Catholic church has done in the area of LIFE!

Back to the subject of this post: Something we Christians miss out on because we do not have a proper understanding of the Jewish faith is the eternal reality of Christ as an earthy King. We rely heavily on our knowledge of Christ as our heavenly King but totally miss the former point!

Anyway, great blog. Lot’s of good materials.