Jewish Origins of Christianity Collection (2 vols.)

Although the roots of Christianity run deep into Hebrew soil, many Christians are regrettably uninformed about Jewish origins. This volume delineates the link between Judaism and Christianity, between the Old and the New Testament, and calls Christians to reexamine their Hebrew roots so as to effect a more authentically biblical lifestyle.

As an introduction to the world of Hebrew thought, Our Father Abraham is biblical, historical, and cultural in nature. At the same time, the writing is personal and passionate, reflecting Marvin Wilson’s own spiritual pilgrimage and his extensive dialogue with Jews. The book develops a historical perspective on the Jewish origins of the church, sets forth the importance and nature of Hebrew thought, discusses how the church can become more attuned to the Hebraic mind-set of Scripture, and offers practical suggestions for interaction between Jews and Christians.

The study questions at the end of each chapter enhance the book’s usefulness as a text and also make it suitable for Bible study and discussion groups. All Christians—and Jews too—will profit from Wilson’s sensible treatments of biblical texts, his thorough understanding of both the Christian and the Jewish faith, and his honest historical analysis of the general failure of the Christian church to acknowledge and understand its relation to Judaism.

In this very readable sequel to his popular book Our Father Abraham—which has sold more than 70,000 copies—Marvin Wilson illuminates theological, spiritual, and ethical themes of the Hebrew Scriptures that directly affect Christian understanding and experience.

Exploring Our Hebraic Heritage draws from both Christian and Jewish commentary in discussing such topics as thinking theologically about Abraham, understanding the God of Israel and his reputation in the world, and what it means for humans to be created in God’s image. Wilson calls for the church to restore, renew, and protect its foundations by studying and appreciating its origins in Judaism.

Designed to serve as an academic classroom text or for use in personal or group study, the book includes hundreds of questions for review and discussion.