Judaism and the Gentiles

Donaldson has taken on an immense task surveying Jewish Salvation and Gentile Universalism through a broad sweep of literature and continually testing his conclusions against the text. I find this to be the most complete collection of relevant documents and quotations I have ever encountered. This volume deserves to be in every university and seminary library and on the shelf of every scholar whose research touches on this critical developmental period for both Judaism and Christianity.

~Victor Matthews, Professor of Religious Studies and Associate Dean, College of Humanities and Public Affairs, Missouri State University

Comprehensive in scope, discriminating in judgement, and arresting in detail, Donaldson’s survey is like no other. His meticulous, often original, consideration of the evidence for Jewish views of Gentiles is now not only the place to start thinking about this important theme, but also the place to linger. An outstanding and lasting work of scholarship.

~Steve Wilson, Former Professor of Religion and Humanities, Carleton University

This major study convincingly shows that second-temple Jewish tradition comprised a variety of views about the religious status and possibilities of Gentiles, that there was notable Gentile interest in Jewish religion, that many Jews welcomed this interest, and that a hope for an eschatological conversion of Gentiles was entertained widely. The itemized analysis of literary and inscriptional texts will enable students and scholars to verify matters for themselves; and Donaldson’s careful conclusions are cogent and balanced. It is a noteworthy contribution, important for all serious students of ancient Judaism and Early Christianity.

~L. W. Hurtado, Former Professor of New Testament Language, Literature & Theology, University of Edinburgh

This timely and fascinating book challenges the stereotypical and unfavorable portrayal of Judaism as a particularistic religion and therefore inferior to Christianity, which is seen as a universal religion. Through his detailed presentation and meticulous analysis of the primary sources for early Judaism from the biblical period to the Bar Cochba rebellion in 135 CE, Donaldson shows that Judasim was just as inclusive and open to other nations as was Christianity. Donaldson’s book will have a major impact on the understanding of early Jewish attitudes to non-Jews and will be of interest to scholars, students, and any readers interested in the formative period of Western civilization.

~Adèle Reinhartz, Professor of Classics and Religious Studies, University of Ottawa