Over the past couple of years, I have developed a deeper interest in early Christian history, and even more, pre-Christian history. I have enjoyed digging into the beliefs and events surrounding the communities at Qumran, where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered, and other events and occurrences during the late second temple period of Jewish history.
As a result, I read the book of 1 Enoch, and other period literature, as well as some more contemporary accounts of this time period. Most recently, I finished reading The Watchers In Jewish and Christian Traditions.
I found it to be very interesting and thought provoking. The concept of the Watchers comes from a brief statement found in Genesis 6, about the sons of God and the daughters of men. This small portion of Scripture has produced volumes of historical speculation and study, including 1 Enoch.
I feel that this is based on a faulty interpretation of this passage, and that the information contained in this short excerpt from Genesis 6 has been taken to mean something that it does not. My own views notwithstanding, I have enjoyed studying what other interpretations have been over the centuries. The Watchers is a great overview of that course of study. Each chapter is written by a different scholar, and provides an overview of the concept of “watchers,” the offspring of the sons of God and daughters of men, throughout these various periods of Jewish and Christian history.
While it is somewhat academic, and the need to stay focused while reading is great, it is a very informative and enjoyable series of essays. Each chapter gives some great insight into the centuries both immediately before and after the time of Christ, and how the thought, lived and believed.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book; however, I do not recommend it for the causal reader for two reasons. First, I believe it to be based, as I said, on a faulty interpretation of the passage in Genesis. And second, because unless you have an interest in the second temple period, or the early Jewish influence on Christianity, you probably won’t find this very enjoyable. If you do enjoy this period of Jewish and Christian history, then you may gain a lot from reading The Watchers.
Ratings & Details For The Watchers In Jewish And Christian Traditions:
- Genre/Style: Religious History
- Purpose/Premise: 8 of 10 stars
- Spiritual Content: 6 of 10 stars
- Readability/Flow: 6 of 10 stars
- Cover: 8 of 10 stars
- Overall Rating: 6 of 10 stars
Question: Have you ever read much history of the late second temple period? If so, what fascinates you the most about this era? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
I received this book free from Fortress Press as part of their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.