The Crucified Rabbi: Judaism and the Origins of Catholic Christianity

The Origins of Catholicism #1

by Taylor R. Marshall

Is Catholicism inherently Anti-Semitic? Do the Hebrew Scriptures accurately predict Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah? How does Jewish thinking presuppose devotion to Mary? Is the Catholic Church a fulfillment of historic Israel? How did the Israelite identity of the twelve Apostles influence the early Church? How do Jewish water rituals relate to Catholic baptism? Is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass a Passover meal? Should the Catholic priesthood conform to the priesthood established by Moses? How has the Jewish Temple influenced traditional Christian architecture? Does the Pope wear a yarmulke? These and other questions are answered in this book.?

Genres: Catholic, Theology, Religion, History, Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Taylor Marshall reads, reads, and reads. And then he writes.

He is the President of the New Saint Thomas Institute.

Dr. Marshall earned BA in Philosophy from Texas A&M University, an MAR in Systematic Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary, a Certificate in Anglican Studies from Nashotah Theological House, and an MS in Philosophy from the University of Dallas.

He completed a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Dallas with the thesis “Thomas Aquinas on Natural Law and the Twofold Beatitude of Humanity.”

He lives in Colleyville, Texas with his wife, Joy, and eight children.

Reviews

[Jeff Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book I recently read is by another Catholic blogger Taylor Marshall. The Crucified Rabbi: Judaism and the Origins of Catholic Christianity is I believe his first book with another book coming out later this year. I started reading his blog back before he came into the Catholic Church. At one time he was an Episcopal priest and the book starts off with a chapter on his conversion. The subject of Judaism in relation to the Church was one of the things that got him to think more deeply on the Catholic Church and how it effected his conversion was an interesting story in and of itself.

The brunt of the book though is about Jesus, the Church and its relationship to Judaism. I really enjoyed the writing style and the series of short chapters that build upon themselves and presents the information in a coherent manner. While I was aware of some of the information contained within, I learned a lot more on the subject about all the parallels between Catholicism and Judaism. Topics such as Old Testament Jewish Vestments and Catholic Vestments, Temple/Cathedral, Synagogue/Parish, Jewish/Catholic feast days, were all very interesting and along the way there is solid theology and apologetics on Jesus along with a detailed list of the prophesies that Jesus fulfilled. It really is amazing all of the parallels and more than just a introduction to the subject.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to his next one.

[Thadeus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book that connects Judaism and Catholicism. More of a history lesson than for spiritual growth, but I think it hits the target for the purpose it was written.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a joy to read. Each chapter takes one aspect of each religion and describes their origins and differences. We learn of Old Testament "priesthood" and its ties to the head of the household, and its motivation for the eventual title of "Father" in the Church. We learn of the holy ark of the Synagogue as the predecessor of the Catholic Church's tabernacle. We learned of Jewish Nazarites and Catholic consecration. Judaism and Catholicism are more interconnected than it seems, and it's because the early church stems from Judaism itself.

I'd expected more about Jesus fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies, but it includes a list in the back of all the ways that he does. There are brief mentions throughout, too, that point to Jesus's connection to the prophets and the Jewish Law.

I'd always wondered why Christians don't celebrate Jewish holidays, and this further solidified that we should.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a frequent reader of Dr. Marshall's blog, Canterbury Tales. the "Crucified Rabbi"explores and explains the Jewish roots of Catholicism. For a long time I have found the connections between Judaism and Catholicism to be interesting and beautiful. This book covers a lot of ground without getting bogged down in minutia. At the same time it does have depth. Enough depth that I think I will have to read it again in the future to glean even more from it.The great thing about this book is that it is written in a manner accessible to anyone. One need not be an "intellectual" or Bible scholar to understand this book.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great comparison of Judaism and Christianity. Most people think that the differences a too great, but in actuality, the two religions are more alike than realized.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually my second time reading this.

[E.G. Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle of this book is: "Judaism and the Origins of Catholic Christianity," which pretty mych says it all.

As an author of Biblical Fiction, I have done a tremendous amount of research into the Jewish faith and the way of life during the era in which Christianity set down its roots. This research has left me with a great appreciation of Jewish beliefs and spirituality.

Taylor Marshall's goal is to lay the two faiths, Judaism and Catholicism, side-by-side and examine the similarities. We all know that the roots of Christianity were nutured in Jewish soil, so to speak. He shows how the one grew out of the other and the ways in which Catholicism still retains that unique character.

The book is clearly written in defense of the Catholic form of Christianity, but that shouldn't put off the curious reader who comes from the Reformed branch of the church.

[Joseph Raborg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and Brief

Like many good religious works, this book follows holy simplicity. Taylor Marshall compares and contrasts Judaism and Catholicism to show how Judaism contains the roots of many Catholic beliefs and practices. A good book to read with much surprising information.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take for granted Christianity’s inseparable connection to Judaism, but what does it mean, beyond knowing that Jesus was Jewish and died during Passover? The Crucified Rabbi is the first volume of a Catholic history trilogy, and examines the close links between the early Christian church and those of Judaism. That they abound shouldn't be surprising, given that the early Christians were Jewish. I had no idea, however, how much Jewish heritage had been passed through the Catholic tradition.

Taylor Marshall opens with the obvious, Christianity’s central claim that Jesus was the Jewish messiah. His arguments probably won’t turn any practicing Jews into Messianics but after that things get more interesting. Subsequent chapters address shared elements of the two religions. Some ties are easier to see than others, like related holidays, prayer hours, and vestments. Others will be a harder sell for the author, though his arguments are certainly interesting. Take for instance the idea that Jews were predisposed to Marian worship because of traditional devotion to the Queen Mother; this strikes me as problematic given that 1st century Jews were long removed from their monarchy. In the same vein is the teaching that the Ark of the Covenant was a antecedent to Marian worship, because Mary like the Ark hosted the spirit of God.

In addition to examining their shared religious history, Marshall reviews the political relationship between the Catholic church and the Jewish people; things were not always so cozy. Though Catholic scholars have a long history of appreciating the Torah, the Church and its people have branded themselves with the mark of Cain many times, especially during the Crusades. I did not realize how aggressively John Paul II pushed for reconciliation with Jews, I suspect the book is written in the same spirit. Though heavily footnoted with biblical and Vatican references, the book is on the light side, but an easy introduction to how much of early Christianity was simply Judaism in an altered context.

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally read non-fiction or religion (except my Bible), but my dad made me promise to give this one a shot. It was actually super interesting to trace Catholic beliefs and traditions back to the original Jewish traditions. I'm not sure how someone from another faith (especially Judaism) would view it, but I found it fascinating and made many things that I was taught as a child in Catholic schools make a lot more sense. The writing is super clear, simple, and brief, making it a quick read if that's your thing. It does not go deeply into a lot of historical perspective, but focuses instead on the the actual faith-based beliefs of each religion. I'd go elsewhere for that, but this was a good, brief overview.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend of mine lent this book to me, and I'm very grateful that he did. Marshall's explanations of the connections between Catholicism and Judaism are clear and engaging; as a Christian not intimately familiar with either Catholic doctrine or some of the less common practices of Judaism, I felt that I walked away with a greater appreciation and deeper understanding of both. Marshall also didn't fall into the trap of some authors of his genre and make his explanations too heavy handed: he taught me without painstakingly forcing me to his conclusions.

I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

[Cameron M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor Marshall has written a phenomenal book that is very readable, approachable, and at the same time highly intellectual and coherent. Books like this and Brant Pitre's "Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist" will help Catholics (and Jews!) understand how Catholicism really and truly is the fulfillment of the covenant that Christ established.
This is a very informative book and would benefit any Christian to understand the Jewish roots leading to Christianity. It is a must read and I highly recommend it.

[Andrew Stout · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of fascinating parallels in belief and practice between Judaism and Catholicism. I don't think that Marshall always succeed in showing how the parallels are actually legitimate transformations of the Old Covenant into the New Covenant. One significant exception to this weakness was the chapter on baptism - a wonderful study of the way that the ritual washings of the Old Covenant find their fulfillment in Christ and act as types for the baptism of the New Covenant.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent synopsis of the Jewish roots of Catholicism. The author is clear and concise, and backs up the claims he makes with factual evidence. It's a good book to read if you're just curious, and it's also a good book to read if you want to delve a little deeper (is Catholicism true?).

[Carl Hostetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and illuminating perspective on the continuity of the Catholic Church with traditional Judaism.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read that shows the development of Catholic practices from roots in the Jewish faith.

[Khris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoughtful discussion of the Jewish roots of many Roamn Catholic traditions.

[1catholicsalmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author provides Catholics with the minutiae of our faith, the where's, why's and how's of Catholisism. It has clarified the inextricable link with Judaism. Just fantastic.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a blend of both Jewish and Christian theology/perspective. I found the "point of view" to be creative and compelling.

[Cliff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book that looks at the Jewish roots of various Christian (Catholic in particular) rituals, practices and beliefs underlying them. I'm not entirely sure if this knowledge is more than academic to most people. For the most part, it was for me. But it's engaging enough that it's certainly not boring.

[Girlbartending · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

Mostly excellent connections demonstrating Jesus being the fulfillment of our Salvation History as well as the roots of many Catholics traditions. Some are a bit stretched however.

[John Dembowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different from Pitre, in that the focus was more on the continuity of Judaism into Catholicism as opposed to messianic fulfillment vs expectations. Granted he listed 300+ prophecies that Jesus did fulfill in the appendix. Very instructive, clear, and enlightening.

[Tom Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Research made an easy read

Dr. Marshall has done all of the leg work, and has then written this information in a way that is easy to grasp. It still holds the monumental truths, but digestible for the common man.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding review of both the similarities between Judaism and Catholicism and the scriptural passages that point to Jesis, The Crucified Rabbi, as the Messiah.

[Elizabeth P · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had some good information. I just wish that it was more engaging.

[David Vermont · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Must-Read if you are interested in religion and history.

[Lanette Kauten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm rating it for what it is, but I personally found it too basic.

[David Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good insight

It was just the right amount of understanding and the perfect amount of insight. Not overly theological or to philosophical. It was well written and easy to understand.

[Rachael Malfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read and I learned so much about my own faith. Worth reading and highly recommend to others.

[Tony Piazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful Read

A very enjoyable and insightful examination of the Jewish religion and how in some instances it formed the basis of the Catholic faith.