"Bissell finds that the story of the apostles is the story of early Christianity: its competing versions of Jesus's ministry, its countless schisms, and its ultimate evolution from an obscure Jewish sect to the global faith we know today in all its forms and permutations. In his quest to understand the underpinnings of the world's largest religion, Bissell embarks on a years-long pilgrimage to the supposed tombs of the Twelve Apostles"--Dust jacket flap.
The story of Twelve Apostles is the story of early Christianity: its competing versions of Jesus’s ministry, its countless schisms, and its ultimate evolution from an obscure Jewish sect to the global faith we know today in all its forms and permutations. In his quest to understand the underpinnings of the world’s largest religion, Tom Bissell embarks on a years-long pilgrimage to the apostles’ supposed tombs, traveling from Jerusalem and Rome to Turkey, Greece, Spain, France, India, and Kyrgyzstan. Along the way, Bissell uncovers the mysterious and often paradoxical lives of these twelve men and how their identities have taken shape over the course of two millennia. Written with empathy and a rare acumen—and often extremely funny—Apostle is an intellectual, spiritual, and personal adventure fit for believers, scholars, and wanderers alike.
This Handbook presents the first wide-ranging survey on biography in Antiquity from its earliest representations to Late Antiquity. It offers in-depth readings of key texts and diachronic studies, examines biographical depictions in different textual and visual media, and deals with the reception of ancient biography across multiple eras.
Many people both religious and non-religious misunderstand Judaism. This is partly because of its evolutionary variety. But the Biblical story is quite clear in describing the Primal Temple Judaism of Moses and the great patriarchs who believed and practiced it before him. I bring to my readers an historical appraisal of this core Judaism, faithful to the Old and New Testaments. Both were produced entirely by Hebrew writers in their conversation with God. Abraham’s Covenant with God for the proclamation of Messianic atonement and redemption to provide happiness to all nations was the mission. God bless Israel and establish her firmly in the final completion of this task in her homeland.
Depicting the lives of the saints in an array of factual and fictional stories, The Golden Legend was perhaps the most widely read book, after the Bible, during the late Middle Ages. It was compiled around 1260 by Jacobus de Voragine, a scholarly friar and later archbishop of Genoa, whose purpose was to captivate, encourage, and edify the faithful, while preserving a vast store of information pertaining to the legends and traditions of the church. In this translation, the first in English of the complete text, William Granger Ryan captures the immediacy of this rich work, which offers an important guide for readers interested in medieval art and literature and, more generally, in popular religious culture. Arranged according to the order of saints' feast days, these fascinating stories are now combined into one volume. This edition also features an introduction by Eamon Duffy contextualizing the work.
A profound and moving journey into the heart of Christianity that explores the mysterious and often paradoxical lives and legacies of the Twelve Apostles—a book both for those of the faith and for others who seek to understand Christianity from the outside in. “Expertly researched and fascinating… Bissell is a wonderfully sure guide to these mysterious men.… This is a serious book about the origins of Christianity that is also very funny. How often can you say that?” —The Independent Peter, Matthew, Thomas, John: Who were these men? What was their relationship to Jesus? Tom Bissell provides rich and surprising answers to these ancient, elusive questions. He examines not just who these men were (and weren’t), but also how their identities have taken shape over the course of two millennia. Ultimately, Bissell finds that the story of the apostles is the story of early Christianity: its competing versions of Jesus’s ministry, its countless schisms, and its ultimate evolution from an obscure Jewish sect to the global faith we know today in all its forms and permutations. In his quest to understand the underpinnings of the world’s largest religion, Bissell embarks on a years-long pilgrimage to the supposed tombs of the Twelve Apostles. He travels from Jerusalem and Rome to Turkey, Greece, Spain, France, India, and Kyrgyzstan, vividly capturing the rich diversity of Christianity’s worldwide reach. Along the way, he engages with a host of characters—priests, paupers, a Vatican archaeologist, a Palestinian taxi driver, a Russian monk—posing sharp questions that range from the religious to the philosophical to the political. Written with warmth, empathy, and rare acumen, Apostle is a brilliant synthesis of travel writing, biblical history, and a deep, lifelong relationship with Christianity. The result is an unusual, erudite, and at times hilarious book—a religious, intellectual, and personal adventure fit for believers, scholars, and wanderers alike.
Delve into the life and ministry of Apostle Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, and witness the transformation of a humble fisherman into a pillar of the early Christian Church. This book offers an in-depth exploration of Peter’s journey from his calling by Jesus, through his moments of weakness and doubt, to his bold proclamation of the Gospel and ultimate martyrdom. Experience the power of redemption and the steadfast faith that defined Peter’s legacy. Perfect for Bible scholars and lay readers alike, "Apostle Peter: The Climax of Hope" provides valuable insights and inspiration for your spiritual journey. Discover how Peter’s life exemplifies the grace and mercy of Jehovah, and how his unwavering hope can encourage believers today. Join us as we uncover the profound lessons from Peter’s life that continue to resonate through the ages, illuminating the path of faith and devotion.
