Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Aquila Pacis · 08-17-2005, 06:40 PM

There are heaps of books on Jesus, but are there any good, i.e. (text-)critical, monographical books (or articles) about the supporting actors and their roles?

I'm especially looking for literature on Pontius Pilate, Judas Iskariot, Simon Peter and John the Baptist.

I'm not interested in books that deal with these four on a faith-basis and that only analyze these characters' actions/words based on that "truth" or on a pro-Christian, semi-scientific premise.

I'm more into hard facts, i.e. an unclouded look at the "original" sources. Anyone with recommendations?

Thx. AP

Peter Kirby · 08-17-2005, 06:51 PM

I have a book The Immerser but haven't read it yet. There's been a small spate of books on John the Baptist lately.

I noticed a book on Pontius Pilate on Amazon but haven't got it.

Hyam Maccoby wrote a book Judas Iscariot and the Myth of Jewish Evil.

I have over a dozen books on the apostles, purchased when I thought I might write a critical overview of the traditions about the apostles. None of the ones I have are critical. (Is there interest in this?) Let me know if you find one.

best wishes,
Peter Kirby

Layman · 08-18-2005, 09:30 AM

Historian Michael Grant did a "biography" of Peter, Saint Peter: A Biography.

It was okay.

Toto · 08-19-2005, 01:33 AM

The Legend of Saint Peter by Arthur Drews, translated and annotated by Frank R. Zindler.

Very good.

Toto · 08-19-2005, 01:43 AM

The late Michael Grant's Saint Peter: A biography gets mixed reviews on Amazon.

Layman · 08-19-2005, 02:52 PM

One possibility the thread-starter might be interested in is J.P. Meier's third volume in his A Marginal Jew series: Companions and Competitors. Although Jesus is the focus of the series, in this volume Meier does attempt to determine what we can know about the other players.

Toto · 08-19-2005, 03:14 PM

Companions and Competitors (A Marginal Jew: Rethinking the Historical Jesus, Volume 3) - searchable on Amazon.

Quote:

In this volume, Meier focuses on those around Jesus: the crowds, the disciples, the 12, his Jewish competitors, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Essenes, the Samaritans, the Scribes, the Herodians, and the Zealots. This volume concludes with an integrative chapter focusing on how Jesus' Elijah-like prophetic ministry and the identity he created for his movement set him apart from those around him.

Chris Weimer · 08-21-2005, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toto

The Legend of Saint Peter by Arthur Drews, translated and annotated by Frank R. Zindler.

Very good.

From what I understand it has its bits about Mithraism very confused.

08-17-2005, 06:40 PM	#1
Aquila Pacis Junior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: de Posts: 64	Books on the NT's supporting cast There are heaps of books on Jesus, but are there any good, i.e. (text-)critical, monographical books (or articles) about the supporting actors and their roles? I'm especially looking for literature on Pontius Pilate, Judas Iskariot, Simon Peter and John the Baptist. I'm not interested in books that deal with these four on a faith-basis and that only analyze these characters' actions/words based on that "truth" or on a pro-Christian, semi-scientific premise. I'm more into hard facts, i.e. an unclouded look at the "original" sources. Anyone with recommendations? Thx. AP

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08-17-2005, 06:51 PM	#2
Peter Kirby Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: the reliquary of Ockham's razor Posts: 4,035	I have a book The Immerser but haven't read it yet. There's been a small spate of books on John the Baptist lately. I noticed a book on Pontius Pilate on Amazon but haven't got it. Hyam Maccoby wrote a book Judas Iscariot and the Myth of Jewish Evil. I have over a dozen books on the apostles, purchased when I thought I might write a critical overview of the traditions about the apostles. None of the ones I have are critical. (Is there interest in this?) Let me know if you find one. best wishes, Peter Kirby

08-18-2005, 09:30 AM	#3
Layman Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,635	Historian Michael Grant did a "biography" of Peter, Saint Peter: A Biography. It was okay.

08-19-2005, 01:33 AM	#4
Toto Contributor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 40,549	The Legend of Saint Peter by Arthur Drews, translated and annotated by Frank R. Zindler. Very good.

08-19-2005, 01:43 AM	#5
Toto Contributor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 40,549	The late Michael Grant's Saint Peter: A biography gets mixed reviews on Amazon.

08-19-2005, 02:52 PM	#6
Layman Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,635	One possibility the thread-starter might be interested in is J.P. Meier's third volume in his A Marginal Jew series: Companions and Competitors. Although Jesus is the focus of the series, in this volume Meier does attempt to determine what we can know about the other players.

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