A collection of three key "lost" books of the bible, offering insight into the origins of early Christianity.
In the early days of the Christian faith there were many writings, only some of which became part of the canonical Bible. But what of the other books, known as apocryphal texts...which of those are worth reading? One of the most influential and well-known of these apocryphal texts is The Books of Enoch, a collection of three ancient Hebrew texts that contain teachings about angels, demons, the great flood, as well as mystical prophecies.
This collection also includes two other important apocryphal books. The Book of Jasher, meaning “upright” or “righteous” describes the world’s creation up until Moses’ death and is referenced throughout the Hebrew bible. The Book of Jubilees is an ancient Jewish religious text that offers a retelling of the books of Genesis and Exodus.
Compiled together for modern readers, these three apocryphal texts offer insight into the origins of early Christianity. Readers will discover new details, narratives, and perspectives that will interest, and even challenge, modern readers. Together, these books provide a historical framework for readers interested in expanding their knowledge of biblical heritage.
Robert Henry Charles (1855–1931) was an Irish biblical scholar and theologian. He left parochial work in 1889 to devote himself to biblical research and became the greatest authority of his time in matters of Jewish eschatology and apocrypha. He became a canon at Westminster Abbey in 1913 and archdeacon there in 1919. His books include Eschatology (1913, 2nd ed), Between the Old and New Testaments (1914), and his edition of The Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament. (1913). He is known particularly for English translations of apocryphal and pseudepigraphal works, and editions including Jubilees (1895), the Book of Enoch (1906), and the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs (1908) which have been widely used. Among his other publications are The Apocalypse (1920), Divorce and Nullity (1927), and The Resurrection of Man (1930). He was educated at the Belfast Academy, Queen's College, Belfast and Trinity College, Dublin. He gained a D.D. and became Professor of Biblical Greek at Trinity College.
When I first received this but I couldn’t wait to die then and read all the strange and mystical things I’ve heard about being in this book I was surprised when I got to the second book Jasher in red so many things I already knew or knew about these books are really good I am not a person into religious studies and have a big interest in ancient texts and these apocryphal tales we’re right up my alley I truly enjoyed them and think anyone with a passing interest in our most ancient history and or religious studies will enjoy them. It is a definitely interesting read I also think those who are in to stories about demons the Nephilim and things of that nature what also enjoyed the books of Enoch maybe not jubilee but definitely the first three books which are the books of Enoch. I find stuff like that so very interesting so was happy to receive the sp arc who is even happier to read it and now recommend it. I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
The Book of Enoch: In my opinion not a book for new believers. In some editions a non canonical book, but included in certain Bibles, such as the Ethiopian one. The book of Enoch is right up there with Genesis, Daniel and Revelation and when the Holy Spirit reveals Scripture and correlation to you, it will blow your mind!
The Books of Enoch by R.H. Charles is an Excellent translation for curious readers. I do think it is a good idea to read texts around an analyzing the topic to get a broader picture of why this text matters within religious studies.
No clue how to rate without more historical context. Some could have legitimate value, or all could be invented for the unknown multiple author's personal agendas. Listened to as presented by LibriVox.
This works has to be in The Bible. It is probably one of the, if not the most significant ancient texts we have. The truth it bears is hard to accept but the truth remains the truth. We can only accept or reject.
Fascinating view of an alternate Judaism and work up of the Hebrew ancient oral tradition distinct from the JEDP with Ezra as the great redactor version of the texts that we have