Restoring Abrahamic Faith attempts to set forth in a clear and engaging style an exposition of the ancient Hebrew Faith as revealed in the Hebrew Bible, with a particular emphasis on Abraham, Moses, the Torah, and the Prophets. Restoring Abrahamic Faith offers a compelling proposal for the 21st century, namely a return to the "ancient paths" of the Hebrew faith with Abraham, the first Hebrew, as a prime model. As such it is foundational to the origins of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the three great Abrahamic Faiths that subsequently developed in different directions. Abrahamic Faith takes one back to the beginnings, and thereby offers a perspective that is as fascinating as it is valuable for anyone interested in the biblical tradition.
Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he has taught since 1989. He previously held positions at Ambassador College (1968-70 while a student), the University of Notre Dame (1979–85), and the College of William and Mary (1985–89).
One of my favorite anthropological religious texts; Tabor is a acclaimed scholar and his analysis of Saul of Tarsus continues to be one of the most concise works of religious history. Starting with the Jesus dynasty I have read all of Tabors works and truly believe he is one of the most informed scholars on the subject of Pauline Christianity. As a religious studies major I can only hope to aspire to be as forth coming and clear in my own papers. Every book and scholarly paper this man writes is accreditation to modern religious studies! He strives to remain unbiased and true to the historical context of every attribute of early Christianity. He is an absolute pleasure to hear in audio form and my only complaint is that he did not record other texts in audio form himself aside from the “The Jesus Dynasty.”
Unfortunately I have to purchase a second copy of this text as my signed original has been lost in a move. This guy is my absolute favorite author of religious papers and books!
I had reached some of the same conclusions about Judaism and Christianity. After studying Jesus' message and life, I became aware he taught about the kingdom on earth. I saw the Greek philosophy in in John and Paul and others. What is still not reconciled in my mind is how accurately the prophets spoke for God. All of my life, I have received guidance, insights, and visions that I believe to be valid. They are different by far from those of fundamentalists and what they think God tells them. Are some people, like Jack Nicholson said, not ready for the truth? I write on my blog only what I feel led to write, and it flows out of my fingertips effortlessly. What I write is not what most Christians would appreciate, yet I count myself as a follower of the Nazarene. I am thankful for Dr. Tabor's book, and very glad I read it. I may have to read it again.
I have been a follower of Dr Tabor for severl years now and find his insights into biblical history to be extraordinary. In this short book he takes his academic hat off and reveals what he truly believes in the religious sphere. It will definitely cause one to think. It is not for the faint of heart though as he points out that in his opinion many religions today have lost sight what he believes is the true abrahamic faith. Whether you accept his arguments or not, it is definitlely worth reading to see where he is coming from.
Dr. Tabor is excellent in walking us through biblical history. I just about have all of his books. Please this book is a spiritual awakening of what we all forgot the root. My Christians family need to reexamine what is the root of the teachings old and new testament. Once again thanks
Distinctly contrast to the views of Christianity and Messiahs.
Illuminating in seeing different perspectives from the Christianity concepts of the Messianic principles and the ultimate second coming. The ultimate teachings of Jesus of hope and peace being put in the perspective of earthly achievement by humanity as a whole.
This is one of four books I have read of Dr Tabor (along with his blogs), I find them informative, objective and more importantly, believable. The Latest book "Paul and Jesus" also fits into this catorgory. I can recommend James books to any one as I am that is interested in biblical history and biblical interpretation, even if these topic are of no interest, they are still a good read.
The only book of James that I do not have in my library is "Why Waco" but I borrowed it from the library and read it, and there is a space for it besides these other books of James Tabor and Those of Marvin Meyer.
With my beginning stages of Young-onset dementia, I am doing good to remember the fact that I read a book, let alone be able to articulate my past thoughts about it. I will try to find the book & refresh my thoughts, then remember to come back here and document them.