Palestine in the Time of Jesus : Social Structures & Social Conflicts by K. C. Hanson, Douglas E. Oakman Paperback w/CD - 256 pages Augsburg Fortress Publishers; Bk&CD-Rom edition (June 15, 2002) ISBN: 0800634705 Click to buy:

From the back cover: "Through a judicious use of the social sciences, Hanson and Oakman's enormously helpful volume explains in a readable way the primary social institutions and structures of ancient Palestine, with a view to how they are reflected in and shaped the early Jesus movement.

"After an overview of social analysis and of the ancient Mediterranean worldview, the core of the book systematically presents major domains and institutions of family, politics, and economy, always with reference to specific biblical and other ancient texts. In a concluding chapter, the authors explore Palestine's religious institutions, especially Herod's Temple system and Jesus' relation to it. The wealth of archaeological date, documentary data, and analysis is enhanced by extensive charts, diagrams, study questions, glossaries and suggested readings."

Our comments: Excellent! Worth the price of the book just for the glossaries.

10/08