Archaeology, History, and Society in Galilee: The Social Context of Jesus and the Rabbis [Paperback]

Richard A. Horsley (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1563381826 | ISBN-13: 978-1563381829 | Publication Date: November 1, 1996

In this book Richard Horsley attempts to construct bridges of communication and engagement between the fields of archaeology and history focused on a new understanding of Galilee. He contends that neither the material nor the textual remains from Galilee can be adequately understood without consideration of the prevailing patterns of power relations in Galilee, Palestine, and the Roman Empire. He also uses recent work in the wider field of anthropological archaeology to reconfigure and reinterpret key findings of archaeological excavations in Galilee. Chapter by chapter Horsley constructs a picture of social relations Galilee that is based upon and helps explain both the artifacts and texts, and that takes fully into consideration the changing historical circumstances between the time of Jesus and the rabbis. Chapter 1 sketches the history of Galilee from biblical times through late antiquity; chapter 2 examines the character of the cities constructed during the lifetime of Jesus and their economic and cultural impact on the people; chapter 3 challenges archaeological and textural interpretations that tend to assume a "“market” model of economic life in Galilee; chapters 4 and 5 portray the villages of Upper and Lower Galilee respectively, exploring the numerous indications of conflicts between the villages and cities in the first century; chapter 6 reviews archaeological reports on synagogue buildings in Galilee with attention to date, architectural style, and décor; chapter 7 reexamines the evidence for the relative use of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek in Galilee. Here, then, is an accessible new picture of Galilee that sheds light on the social context in which Jesus and the rabbis lived and functioned. Richard A. Horsley is Professor of Classics and Religion at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and author of Galilee: History, Politics, and People published by Trinity Press.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Horsley's greatest strength as a scholar is his ability to translate difficult concepts into social theory and models...New Testament and rabbinic scholars must read the archaeological literature and engage in a dialogue with archaeologists. Horsley has begun this important process, and for this we are all in his debt. Further, Horsley writes in a vivid and compelling style, and his extensive notes make this semi-popular book useful for college, seminary or even graduate study." —Eric M. Meyers, reviewing for Biblical Archaeology Review, July/August 1997 (Eric M. Meyers Biblical Archaeology Review )

"Archaeology, History and Society in Galilee is a fascinating, well-documented account of recent archaeological developments in Galilee." —The Very Rev. Charles U. Harris, reviewing for The Living Church (The Very Rev. Charles U. Harris Living Church, The )

"...uniquely valuable...thought-provoking...The book is the most comprehensive and thorough survey of relevant scholarship that I have yet seen...his critique methods of contemporary scholarship is profound. This is a book that no one seriously interested in Jesus studies or Galilean history should ignore." —Thomas R. W. Longstaff, Religious Studies Review, July 1997 (Thomas R. W. Longstaff Religious Studies Review )

"This book is a welcome addition to the growing literature on the history and culture of Galilee...He challenges the accepted theories, reinterpreting the evidence and offering a new understanding of the rural people of Upper and Lower Galilee...Recommended for upper-division undergraduates, graduate and seminary students, and professionals in the field." —L. A. Sinclair, Carroll College, reviewing for CHOICE, July 1997 (L. A. Sinclair, Carroll College Choice )

"Using recent findings in Jesus studies, rabbinic studies, and archaeology, [Horsley] offers a new understanding of Galilee as the historical and social context of Jesus and the rabbis." —Theology Digest, Fall 1997 (Theology Digest )

"Horsely offers New Testament scholars a wealth of well-digested information on the latest archaeological information." —Journal for the Study of the NT (Journal For The Study Of The New Testament )

"...a fascinating critique of contemporary theories regarding the beginnings of Christianity and of rabbinic Judaism...There is a good deal to be savoured in this book, and all splendidly documented. Its contribution is greatly to be welcomed and deserves to be given the most serious attention." —Prof. James D. G. Dunn, University of Durham, reviewing for Service International De Documentation Judeo-Chretienne (Prof. James D. G. Dunn, University of Durham )

"Few stones are left unturned as Horsley assesses, evaluates, or probes the social, political, economic, cultural, and religious background to Jesus and the rabbis in Galilee...Horsley has succeeded in his primary goal of provisionally engaging scholars from various fields in an inter-disciplinary dialogue centered around the Galilee. Although many of his specific interpretations will no doubt be disputed, [the book] asks penetrating questions that give scholars pause to reflect upon their paradigms of religion and society, provides a challenge to make explicit their operative models of the ancient world, and invites alternative interpretations— interpretations, however, that will be judged by standards that include the literary evidence and material remains. As such, the book deserves a careful reading by scholars in the fields of archaeology, rabbinics, and early Christianity." —Jonathan L. Reed, reviewing for Journal for the Study of Judaism (Jonathan L. Reed )

"Horsley provides helpful models for the use of social sciences for the study of ancient Galilee" — Journal of Jewish Studies

"Archaeology, History & Society in Galilee constructs bridges of communication and engagement between the fields of archaeology and history focusing on a new understanding of Galilee...a masterpiece of scholarship, completely accessible to the non-specialist general reader." —The Midwest Book Review (Midwest Book Review, The )

"...this impressive synthesis of what can (and cannot) be known and said about the history, politics and people of Galilee provides illuminating background information and critical cautions for students of the New Testament." —America, March 8, 1997 (America: The National Catholic Weekly )

"Horsley's greatest strength as a scholar is his ability to translate difficult concepts into social theory and models...New Testament and rabbinic scholars must read the archaeological literature and engage in a dialogue with archaeologists. Horsley has begun this important process, and for this we are all in his debt. Further, Horsley writes in a vivid and compelling style, and his extensive notes make this semi-popular book useful for college, seminary or even graduate study." —Eric M. Meyers, reviewing for Biblical Archaeology Review, July/August 1997 (, Biblical Archaeology Review )

"Archaeology, History and Society in Galilee is a fascinating, well-documented account of recent archaeological developments in Galilee." —The Very Rev. Charles U. Harris, reviewing for The Living Church (, Living Church, The )

"...uniquely valuable...thought-provoking...The book is the most comprehensive and thorough survey of relevant scholarship that I have yet seen...his critique methods of contemporary scholarship is profound. This is a book that no one seriously interested in Jesus studies or Galilean history should ignore." —Thomas R. W. Longstaff, Religious Studies Review, July 1997 (, Religious Studies Review )

"This book is a welcome addition to the growing literature on the history and culture of Galilee...He challenges the accepted theories, reinterpreting the evidence and offering a new understanding of the rural people of Upper and Lower Galilee...Recommended for upper-division undergraduates, graduate and seminary students, and professionals in the field." —L. A. Sinclair, Carroll College, reviewing for CHOICE, July 1997 (, Choice )

"...a fascinating critique of contemporary theories regarding the beginnings of Christianity and of rabbinic Judaism...There is a good deal to be savoured in this book, and all splendidly documented. Its contribution is greatly to be welcomed and deserves to be given the most serious attention." —Prof. James D. G. Dunn, University of Durham, reviewing for Service International De Documentation Judeo-Chretienne (, )

"Few stones are left unturned as Horsley assesses, evaluates, or probes the social, political, economic, cultural, and religious background to Jesus and the rabbis in Galilee...Horsley has succeeded in his primary goal of provisionally engaging scholars from various fields in an inter-disciplinary dialogue centered around the Galilee. Although many of his specific interpretations will no doubt be disputed, [the book] asks penetrating questions that give scholars pause to reflect upon their paradigms of religion and society, provides a challenge to make explicit their operative models of the ancient world, and invites alternative interpretations— interpretations, however, that will be judged by standards that include the literary evidence and material remains. As such, the book deserves a careful reading by scholars in the fields of archaeology, rabbinics, and early Christianity." —Jonathan L. Reed, reviewing for Journal for the Study of Judaism (, )

"Archaeology, History & Society in Galilee constructs bridges of communication and engagement between the fields of archaeology and history focusing on a new understanding of Galilee...a masterpiece of scholarship, completely accessible to the non-specialist general reader." —The Midwest Book Review (Midwest Book Review, The )

About the Author

Richard A. Horlsey is Professor of Classics and Religion at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. He is author of Galilee: History, Politics, People; Archaeology, History, and Society in Galilee: The Social Context of Jesus and the Rabbis; and editor of Paul and Empire: Religion and Power in Roman Imperial Society, all published by Trinity Press.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Trinity Press Int'l (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563381826
• ISBN-13: 978-1563381829
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #881,678 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Bible and Scientific Discoveries, August 9, 2000

By 

Darryl Boyd (USA San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Archaeology, History, and Society in Galilee: The Social Context of Jesus and the Rabbis (Paperback)

The history and scientific answers are found and talked about in Richard Horsley's newest book. Richard Horsley confronts contoversial biblical figures such as Jesus and the rabbis. In the Gosples and the Talmud(Jewish Oral Tradition) discuss the differences between the teaching of Jesus, and the Jewish religion and Oral Tradition summitted by Moses. The Gosples portray the Jewish religious attorities as hypocrites, liers, greedy, and lost without G-d.

In return the Jewish point of view concerning Jesus is equally worthy of being looked into. Judaism, and it rabbis rejects Jesus as the Messiah, Son of G-d, High Priest, final sacrific, and G-d in the flesh. In fact many rabbis have incouraged isolation between the Jews and gentile Christians.

But in spite of the "rivalry between the two relgious traditions the one question remains is; is it true? Did the Jews and Christians come up whith away to trick the word? Did Jesus really walk the face of this Earth? What about the Jewish rabbis? Were they around in the days of Jesus, or is this one great big hoax. Richard Horshley attempts to crush all doubt concerning this ancient biblical oddicy.

6 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Thank You Very Much, But That's More Than I Wanted To Know., June 29, 2001

By 

The Rev. Dr. Daniel J. G. G. Block - See all my reviews

This review is from: Archaeology, History, and Society in Galilee: The Social Context of Jesus and the Rabbis (Paperback)

Jammed with excruciating details, Professor Horsley has expanded what might have been an enthralling monograph into a boring book. The text is appropriate for New Testament scholars, Biblical archeologists, and serious students of nascent rabbinical Judaism. However, for those of us, who are merely ordinary mortals, the text is simply burdened with too much repetitive minutiae.