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A Crisis of Exile: A Brief Survey of the Development of Monotheism in Ancient Israel

A Crisis of Exile delves into the biblical, archaeological, and historical records to uncover what the religion of Ancient Israel was really like. Moreover, it reveals how the Babylonian Exile became the catalyst for propelling the Israelites into monotheism.

 

Book Summary

The concept of one God, or monotheism, is a basic fundamental part of our religious culture and beliefs today. However, it hasn’t always been that way as the worship of many gods is well documented throughout history. In fact, the historical narrative of the early Israelite people proves even they went wayward and worshiped other gods. Yahweh was only a single God on the pantheon.

The people of Judea had watched their northern kinsmen be dragged off to exile by the Assyrians in 721 BCE. In 586 BCE, they too have experienced the embarrassment of military defeat and the humiliation of exile. The Babylonians are taunting them, asking for songs of the Holy City. The Judeans must have asked themselves, “How could this have happened?” “Why did this happen?” and most importantly, “What do we do now?”

These questions are at the heart of Dr. Brian Schumann’s new book, The Crisis of Exile. This book delves into the biblical, archaeological, and historical records to uncover what the religion of Ancient Israel was really like. Moreover, it reveals how the Babylonian Exile became the catalyst for propelling the Israelites into monotheism.

While a great tragedy, the Babylonian Exile was absolutely critical in the development of the present day Judeo-Christian religions due to its effect of true monotheism taking hold among those exiled Israelites. This period of Exile in Babylonia is marked by a resurgence in the Jewish tradition, as the exiles looked back to their origins in an effort to understand why they are in this crisis. And more importantly, how to avoid it again in the future.

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About the Author

Brian Schumann grew up on a small farm in Maryland. Upon graduating high school, he served in the US Navy. Once his enlistment was complete, Brian began genuinely seeking his role in God’s world and pursuing a religious education. A recent graduate of seminary, Brian Schumann did his PhD work studying the archeology, history, and culture surrounding Ancient Israel. His specific focus was on the religions of Israel and the surrounding nations. An accomplished preacher, Brian is now embarking on a new journey of printed evangelism.

Today, Brian explores his Christian faith through both 1st Century Jewish and 21st Century American lenses. Together they are important perspectives, since Christianity was born from the great Jewish religion and applications of the Christian faith need to be relevant to today’s world. An earlier preacher and Youth leader, he now shares his spiritual journey through online and printed media.

Brian is active in his local community by volunteering for such groups as a homeless shelter and battered women’s shelter. His highlight is serving as “Coach Doc” for the local high school football team as he strives to be a mentor and positive role model for young people. He and his wife live in Virginia with their four-legged “children,” Asha, Krachen, and Patches.

For more information, visit the website: http://www.drbrianschumann.com/

 

Also, please visit his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/brianschumannbooks

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