John J. Collins Livres

The book presents a fresh analysis of the Dead Sea Scrolls, arguing that the sect associated with them originated later than previously believed and was not limited to Qumran. John J. Collins deconstructs the concept of "the Qumran community," suggesting that the sectarian documents reflect a broader movement throughout the region. He explores key texts like the Community Rule and the significance of the Teacher of Righteousness within the Essene movement, ultimately concluding that Qumran was just one settlement of a much larger community.

The collection features recent articles by a bestselling Old Testament professor, delving into a variety of topics such as the Bible's cultural impact and significant themes like messianism, revelation, and natural theology. With an engaging writing style, the author provides insightful perspectives that enhance understanding of the Hebrew Bible and its relevance today.

The 4th edition of this critical textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to the Hebrew Bible, catering to motivated students with various backgrounds. It builds on decades of teaching experience and expands beyond historical criticism to address contemporary questions relevant to today's learners. This edition is known for its reliability and accessibility, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and those seeking deeper understanding of biblical texts.

The book offers a nostalgic exploration of three historic communities through a collection of rare vintage photographs spanning from the late 19th century to the late 20th century. Featuring images from local families and archivists, it highlights the development of churches, schools, and significant historic homes, as well as the transportation systems that influenced the region. Additionally, it delves into the connection between the Caldwells and Grover Cleveland, providing insights into the people and events that shaped the area's history.

The 4th edition of this textbook offers a compact format enriched with student-friendly features, addressing contemporary issues such as patriarchy, the environment, and race. It extends beyond traditional historical criticism, making it particularly relevant for today's students seeking to understand complex social dynamics within the context of the subject matter.

Waterford Crystal is the first ever fully illustrated history of Ireland’s most iconic cut-glass manufacturer, its name synonymous with high-end glassmaking throughout the world. Former Waterford glass cutter and local historian, John Hearne, explores how the art of glassmaking first arrived in Waterford at the turn of the sixteenth century. Hearne reveals how Waterford Crystal developed as a brand under the guidance of skilled artisans and shrewd business leaders with an eye for ingenuity.  Waterford Crystal also examines the brand’s failures—dubious accountancy practices that led to a long and bitter strike in 1990; the avarice and self-aggrandisement that ultimately led to the company’s demise in 2009. Preserving the memory and legacy of Waterford Crystal for future generations of glassmaking, Hearne pays tribute to some of the finest artisans Ireland has ever produced.

John J. Collins may well be the single most influential scholar of the Old Testament and Hebrew Bible alive. He is well known, his work much respected, and he possesses an encyclopedic mind like few others. Collins does here what he generally does best: He surveys an enormous amount of literature, both primary and secondary, summarizes it masterfully, and then forcefully articulates his own thesis.-Matthias Henze, Isla Carroll and Perry E. Turner Professor of Hebrew Bibleand Early Judaism, Rice University

The nature and origin of Jewish mysticism is a controversial subject. This volume explores the subject by examining both the Hebrew and Aramaic tradition (Dead Sea Scrolls, 1 Enoch) and the Greek philosophical tradition (Philo) and also examines the Christian transformation of Jewish mysticism in Paul and Revelation. It provides for a nuanced treatment that differentiates different strands of thought that may be considered mystical. The Hebrew tradition is mythical in nature and concerned with various ways of being in the presence of God. The Greek tradition allows for a greater degree of unification and participation in the divine. The New Testament texts are generally closer to the Greek tradition, although Greek philosophy would have a huge effect on later Christian mysticism. The book is intended for scholars and advanced students of ancient Judaism and early Christianity.

The Dead Sea Scrolls include many texts that were produced by a sectarian movement (and also many that were not). The movement had its origin in disputes about the interpretation of the Scriptures, especially the Torah, not in disputes about the priesthood as had earlier been assumed. The definitive break with the rest of Judean society should be dated to the first century BCE rather than to the second. While the Scrolls include few texts that are explicitly historical, they remain a valuable resource for historical reconstruction. John J. Collins illustrates how the worldview of the sect involved a heightened sense of involvement in the heavenly, angelic world, and the hope for an afterlife in communion with the angels. While the ideology of the sect known from the Scrolls is very different from that of early Christianity, the two movements drew on common traditions, especially those found in the Hebrew Scriptures.