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{en} Judaism in the First Centuries of the Christian Era: The Age of Tannaim (1927-1930) is a book by George F. Moore.

Abstract

Moore's classic study of Judaism in the first two centuries of the common era. Hugely influential through most of the 20th century, this is Moore's attempt to define "normative Judaism" from a History of Religions perspective. Unlike many Christian authors at the beginning of the 20th century, Moore let Jewish sources speak for themselves and did not Christianize them. Much more sympathetic and positive about Judaism than Schurer, Moore interpreted Judaism in the light of Tannaitic sources, particularly the midrashim. He has been criticized for ignoring the halakah of the Mishnah as well as reducing Judiasm to a "normative" status. Moore investigates not only the historical issues, but also provides an in-depth examination of Jewish theology, ethics and piety, and ritual observances. A remarkable achievement in synthesis, especially since Moore wrote before the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Ronald Ruark, University of Michigan

The work of Moore had a great impact also in Pauline Studies. He considered Paul's statements about the law to be a complete misrepresentation of the true Jewish position. Grace is operative in Judaism, no less than in Christianity.

Editions

Published in Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1927 / 2nd ed. 1930 / 3rd ed. 1932.

Reprinted in Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1967; New York, NY: Schocken Books, 1971; and Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1997.

Table of contents

External links

• Google Books