The Lost Bible: Forgotten Scriptures Revealed - Hardcover

Porter, J. R.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1903296196 ISBN 13: 9781903296196

Publisher: Duncan Baird Publishers, 2001

Synopsis

An eye-opening introduction to the wealth of sacred Jewish and Christian writings, that were not included in the Bible. The Lost Bible presents an astonishing range of powerful and beautiful works not included in the Bible. The writings included claim to be the very words of famous kings, prophets and patriarchs, shedding light on such fascinating enigmas as the lost Revelations and the missing childhood of Christ. In spite of their exclusion from the Jewish canon, these scriptures continue to inspire and influence. For each scripture discussed, an enlightening introduction and commentary is followed by a translated extract in clear up-to-date language.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

Highly accessible and superbly illustrated, this book presents an astonishing range of powerful and beautiful writings, rich in character, incident, spiritual profundity and literary merit. In the centuries around the beginning of the Common Era, the Jewish people drew spiritual inspiration from hundreds of sacred stories, not just those that make up the Hebrew Bible we know today. Early Christianity also possessed a wealth of writings considered authoritative; many of these did not become part of the New Testament, although they remained popular among believers and were important in spreading the faith. After the Jewish and Christian canons were established, many of these works disappeared into obscurity, some of them suppressed by prominent figures within the burgeoning Christian Church. Some writings were entirely lost, while others survived in translations; some were widely known, while others circulated only among small groups and sects. But many continued to animate and influence the faithful, and provided a rich source of popular legends and traditions. With deft and profound scholarship, the late Professor Roy Porter presents the general reader with a selection of these extraordinary and beautiful works, assessing their context, character and importance. More than 100 text extracts are presented and discussed, ranging from what are claimed to be the very words written by Eve herself to a treasury of legends that include the strange miracles and violent outbursts of the boy Jesus. Each entry consists of an introduction and an enlightening commentary, alongside the translated extract in clear, up-to-date language.

About the Author:

J R Porter is Professor Emeritus of Theology at the University of Exeter and a former Fellow of the Oriel College, Oxford. He served for twenty years as a member of the General Synod of the Church of England. His other books include The New Illustrated Companion to the Bible (DBP, 2003) and Jesus Christ (DBP, 2001). He lives in London.

About this edition

• Publisher: Duncan Baird Publishers
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 1903296196
• ISBN 13: 9781903296196
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256