It’s been nine years since I first read scripture with an open heart and an open mind. My only desire was to understand the history contained there in and G-d’s desire for man. I never set out for the drastic change in my life that has resulted. My research forced me to rethink my entire belief system; contemplate Who G-d is.
It was only after drawing my own conclusions that I discovered James Tabor. Although Mr. Tabor’s research has been much more exhaustive and from a scholarly base, we have derived similar conclusions. I hope reading this book will give you a better understanding of what I believe and why.
Jim Adams
Angels Camp, CA
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My girlfriend and I went to Israel a couple of weeks ago. I decided to take your book with me to read it together. We read your book aloud to each other while in the Promised Land, while laying in the park on the Shabbats, and we finished it in the plane on the way back home. Both of us were astonished by this book! I have to admit, this is one of the best books I have ever read in my whole life! It was encouraging for me to see that the way of the Torah is the best Way! This book gave me a broad overview of what true faith is!
I am not exaggerating when I say that we keep talking about your book. We were wondering if the book is available in other languages also, because many of our beloved ones are not so good in English. There is definitely a need for this book in our surroundings!
I recommend this book to anyone who loves YHVH, wants to commit his/her way in all honesty to Him, and who is even willing to let go of the many false doctrines that are penetrating our thinking so often. This book, although it deserves one of the best places on my bookshelf, will not be there so much, because I will lend it to anybody who is dear to me.
Thank you so much!
Bart Vangronsvelt
Belgium
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Restoring Abrahamic Faith is easily the best book I’ve read in the last five years. When Nehemia Gordon highly recommended this book I just had to get it, no regrets there. When it came in the mail I just couldn’t put it down. I read it in record breaking time; it riveted me and I just had to keep reading it till I was finished. I then immediately loaned it to my wife and ordered more books for my Bible study group.
I highly recommend this book; there is so much wisdom here. One word of caution though; if you’re comfortable where you’re at then this book may not be for you. Furthermore, if you’re into church dogma and man’s traditions then this book is definitely not for you. However, if you’re a “Truth seeker” and feel a longing for the less traveled “ancient paths” then get this book now! It has positively changed my life like no other; I think my wife would agree.
This is a very stimulating read, definitely thought provoking and jam packed full of scriptures that I somehow never even knew existed. To wear out a phrase as of late this is definitely “change you can BELIEVE IN!” On a scale of one to ten (ten being the best) I would give this about twenty-five for so many reasons. I believe so much in this inspired work that I’m currently considering how to better help support this effort.
Simply put, if you prayerfully desire the “faith of Abraham” perhaps you too should “LEARN the faith of Abraham” and if it’s really for you too?
I can never thank James Tabor enough for sharing his thoughts but more importantly for sharing “Yehovah’s Almighty Word!”
Steve J
Montgomery, AL
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As a very new student (just commenced second semester of part time studies) of both religion and the bible, I must first thank Dr Tabor’s The Jesus Dynasty for whetting my appetite for biblical studies. I admit to being quite perplexed at the beginning and wondering what I was doing. I had already received my copy of Restoring Abrahamic Faith, but had not yet read it. I needed that “something” extra to help me along. From the first, Restoring Abrahamic Faith had me locked in. I then read it a second time just to be sure. As a student new to religion, this book has gone a long way to dispelling some of those “what the” queries I was having.
Cissy Parker
Canberra, Australia
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A book really isn’t worth reading if it doesn’t challenge you, change you, and strengthen you. With such a criterion, it is often hard to find a good book these days. I have found in James Tabor’s Restoring Abrahamic Faith a work that indeed lives up to the challenge. First, I was very appreciative at the immense reverence Dr. Tabor has for the Tanakh and his quoting of it are clearly in context. As a pastor, I often struggle with some of the institutionalizing that has become the Church and so I appreciated an honest effort at getting to the text of the Tanakh without pretense and prejudice. It is sad to say, but too often in the Church and in Academia, the truth isn’t what is really sought after (dare I say, the truth is often feared or covered up). Thus, towing the party line, maintaining the status quo, and seeing and saying only what you are supposed to see and say rule the day. Thankfully, Dr. Tabor defies the tradition and manages to speak from the heart, tell it as he sees it with a bold freshness, and all the while maintaining an exceptional scholarly tone. Over and above it all, the two main reasons I found Dr. Tabor’s book worth multiple readings were (1) the places where it challenged me enough to change my mind and (2) the places where it challenged me enough to verify and reinforce my existing understanding. The book is absolutely a genuine, honest manifesto regarding Biblical faith and a pleasure to read.
The Rev. Dr. Chad Foster
Murray, KY
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I’m now on my second reading. I would like to recommend to a reader please take your time and ponder on the Scriptures which are the very essence of the book as far as I’m concerned. Approach your reading with a mind of one seeking the knowledge and wisdom that truth brings into one’s life. Before reading this book I was beginning to have many questions about what I considered to be issues within the New Testament and thing’s that just didn’t line up with the Old. Dr. James Tabor’s book contains the answers to those questions which gave me such peace once I saw what the scriptures have been relaying to me all along and as a man with scales on his eyes I just didn’t see the answers. I know that I can’t show my friends what this book can and therefore rather than making a feeble attempt at explaining I give them a copy of the book, explanation complete. My prayer is that each and every person who reads this book comes with a mind to learn and accept the truth.
Tony A. Puleo
Lutz, FL
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As for me, your book was timely. Having been raised and ‘educated’ in the teachings of Christianity, I realized that in time, that too many of my deeper questions went unanswered. Therefore, instead of “walking” in faith by belief, I found myself “walking” primarily in “faith” alone according to Christian teachings. This was not fulfilling. I didn’t know why.
Then your book “crossed my path”. At first, I was hesitant to read it, fearing it might cause confusion. But I knew (somehow) that scripture had a deeper truth. What I needed was a “key” to help me overcome my pre-conceptions. That “key” is your book.
Since finishing it (which opened my mind to press forward), I went on and learned some basic Hebrew, purchased a Tanach, and with the various audio rabbinal teachings available, my “re-learning” process began to “quickly” reveal the answers I seek.
When I was ready, I then read The Jesus Dynasty which helped to explain with validation many of the unanswered questions I once had. Again, this book was “timely”.
So I offer you and your potential reader’s this. The Book Restoring Abrahmic Faith is a KEY to help point a person with unanswered questions in the right direction.
Thank you Dr. Tabor for writing and publishing this “mind-opening” book. It is the instrument that has help me find my path.
Sincerely,
Tom Dickman
Beaverton, OR
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In my search to connect to God, to have a relationship, I have read many books over the years. However, it is in this book that I have found a clear and simple, yet profound message of connection to the Divine by returning to the old path, the Abrahamic Faith. I found the book to be like a map for a searching soul, taking one from the start point to the end in a way one can follow. Thank you for taking the time to share your personal “manifesto.”
Gisela Ortiz, Charlotte, NC
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I am almost finished Restoring the Abrahamic Faith. When I heard about it I felt compelled to read it and now I understand why. It is the most powerfully revealing book, written with such insight and understanding of Jewish history and the Bible. I was “messianic” for 15 years. I have read and gathered information over almost 3 years after gradually letting go of being “Jewish and messianic, a completed Jew”. This book amazingly has all the key historical and biblical information in one place , and is written in such a heartfelt manner. I am in awe and I was deeply moved by reading sections of this book.
Miriam Fauth
Columbia, SC
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Your book, Restoring Abrahamic Faith, is beautiful and moving. An understanding of the Torah, The Prophets and the Writings, is fabulous and enlightening. I have read it more than once and have shared it with my friend who is a retired ordained minister. It answers a number of questions I have had since a child raised in a fundamentalist environment. While I believe that Jesus was the fulfillment of the promises of God and that he was the Messiah, I have no problem with your analysis and wonderful description of the God of Abraham, my God, whom I love and worship. The fundamental teachings of the Torah, The Prophets and The Writings as described in your book have added to my faith and my understanding. Thank you, James
Gary Kaye Hardley
Dade City, FL
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James Tabor’s latest book is a rare and systematic overview of the scope of the plan of God, and of man’s part in it. I like the term “Abrahamic Faith” because it separates from sectarian prejudice and gets down to the fundamental concept of finding God. It is not influenced by Islam, Christianity or even the events of Mt. Sinai because those factors appeared much later.
Because of Abraham’s logical approach, he determined the identity of the true God and proceeded to proclaim Him to the world without reservation. Countering the organized religion of his day, he sought – and found God. If Abraham could see beyond the all-pervading idolatrous influence of his day to find God, then anybody can. It doesn’t matter what background or mindset we come from, if one earnestly seeks to find God and to be led by Him, he will discover Him and learn His way..
The book amply demonstrates that we can approach God directly, without any external agency.
Wayne Simpson
Sapulpa, OK.
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I have known James Tabor and followed his work for over two decades. He has been a friend of the Biblical Heritage Center and recommended our information. James is one of the true scholars that has practiced the BHC Primary Guideline for as long as I have known him — “Our beliefs must open enough to include all of the facts; open enough to be tested; and, flexible enough to change when new facts are discovered.” This has placed him in the middle of some heated debates over the years. It is my priviledge to recommend his latest book.
Jim Myers
Biblical Heritage Center
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I have just finished Restoring Abrahamic Faith. I’m not sure that my words will convey how profoundly your book has reached me. You have put into words something that I have “felt” and understood but didn’t have words or ways to convey what I felt and understood. I was raised in the Episcopalian tradition and have attended many other main line churches in my lifetime but I have always “talked to God.” Your book has given me a new understanding of what Biblical Faith is. A new pathway has opened for me through your words and I can’t wait to see where it takes me. Perhaps I need to learn Hebrew…
Lori Bollinger
Executive Assistant
Trinity Church in the City of Boston
trinitychurchboston.org
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First let me say-wow! And then, thank you so much! It’s been a long time since I’ve been this delighted with reading a book on the topic of religion. You’ve referenced so many of my treasures–first and foremost of which is Rabbi Jacob Emden’s letter–that it was like reading a collage of dozens of things I’ve written about in my personal quest for truth. I don’t know that you and I are going to agree on absolutely everything. I think my views go further than yours when it comes to Christianity and Islam (which I regard as twin miracles). But maybe someday our ideas will move a little closer when we have a chance to compare reasons for differences in perspective. I’m firmly of the belief that we all draw conclusions based upon what we’ve learned.
Nonetheless, the book is fabulous! It’s written extremely well–clear, concise, and it’s an easy, yet scholarly read, well documented with sources. I’ve used many of the proof texts you refer to in order to demonstrate the subordination of Jesus to God, to show his upholding of the entire Torah and how his followers understood his teachings in the classic messianic sense — i.e., that of a king, a descendant of David, who would sit upon his throne and rule in accordance with the Laws of the Torah, as stated in the Torah’s job description for kings in Deuteronomy 17:14-20.
As for Christianity, I can’t imagine how any thinking Christian could disagree with your conclusions. I believe that thinking Christians can not possibly fail to see the obvious conflicts with what they are taught versus what’s actually in the Book they read and study daily.
Miriam Levinson, Philadelphia, PA
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My position on the subjects discussed in Restoring Abrahamic Faith are very similar if not identical, developing very close in time to the author’s own views, although I consider myself to be an Ebionite and radical Torah observant monotheist. The key word perhaps is radical, and we Ebionites tend to take the sledge hammer approach. In addition, my writing style is most likely a blow to the English language. Although I wanted to see Dr. Tabor pinned down in his personal religious stance as my first motivation to read Restoring Abrahamic Faith, I found much more. Instead of a sledge hammer he uses a framing hammer to clearly and methodically construct his understanding of faith in God and the pure sense in Torah observance. Dr. Tabor did not need to convince or “convert me.” But the book is a revelation in showing me that a movement can be promoted in a way that almost anyone is able to read and consider without scaring or insulting them. The book has made me reconsider my own writing approach (scaring and insulting!) more than once in order to adopt a more kinder, gentler approach. I have recommended his book to persons in my own family, even those growing up with essentially the same views as Abrahamic Faith. To his credit and my embarrassment, I think this book is a little easier and more pleasant to follow. And if it works in enlisting more people in the quest to be partners with YHWH in tiqqun `olam (correction of the world), then yasher ko’akh! If I could afford it, I would go round handing out copies of Restoring Abrahamic Faith to anyone who would read it.
Shemayah
Paqid
Ebionite Jewish Community
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According to the biblical prophet Isaiah, God told ancient Israel to “Look to Abraham”. Tabor’s, Restoring Abrahamic Faith, recently released in a thoroughly revised edition, examines the core principles of a faith based solely upon the Biblical texts. I first encountered these teachings, now nearly 15 years ago, in the first edition which was then a 48 page treatise on the same subject, by the same name. At the time, it caused me to re-examine what I believed and fueled my quest for the authentic religion of the Bible.
James Tabor’s, Restoring Abrahamic Faith sets forth in clear and unambiguous language the faith of all the ancients–from Noah and Enoch who “walked with God”, to Abraham, Moses, David and all the prophets. I would encourage all who desire to follow God to read this book.
The book claims, and then sets out to show that this ancient way is essentially unchanging and that it can be discerned from the pages of the Hebrew Bible, or Protestant Old Testament. The book is logically arranged into chapters that outline the three foundational concepts of Abrahamic Faith: Knowing God, Following the Way of God, and Participating in the Plan of God. Each of these concepts is fully explored in the book.
What was the faith of Abraham and what must one do to be like Abraham a “friend of God”? All who are in pursuit of righteousness and who seek God, should read this book.
Ross K. Nichols
RootsofFaith.org
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We wish every Christian would read Dr. James Tabor’s new book, Restoring Abrahamic Faith. It’s an updated, expanded version of a remarkable long pamphlet of the same name, which we first read almost 15-years ago. We loved it in its first incarnation–we read and re-read it, and kept it as a desk-reference–and we’re delighted that it’s finally coming out as a book. Dr. Tabor, an old friend, is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the author of The Jesus Dynasty, a scholarly but internationally acclaimed best-seller, and, well, James is a star, and you really should just look at what he’s been up to. . .
Michael Dallen, Director and Founder of The First Covenant Foundation
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I just completed your scholarly, superbly annotated Restoring Abrahamic Faith and I found it profoundly moving on a personal level. While I have held many of the same views for some time, you summarize them in a comprehensive yet succinct and accessible manner. You then take them a step further and explain the call to all nations to live the WAY of TORAH in the interest of creating a better world, and to bring about God’s will on earth. I do not think this has ever been done as clearly and meticulously as you have done it. THANK YOU!
As a biblically-interested, “fallen-away” Catholic, your book is especially fascinating to me because both my parents were from Rome. My father was from Trastevere where his family lived for generations. Since this was the Jewish Ghetto during the Middle Ages and beyond, I have often wondered if perhaps my father’s family might have been Jewish and converted to Christianity early on (See Popes from the Ghetto by Joachim Prinz). You allude to this in your book. However, even if this is not the case, I am drawn like many others to the call of TORAH.
You have fulfilled your mission by bringing this urgent message to the world and in my view you may consider it one of the crowning achievements of your career!
Patricia Brill, Los Angeles, California
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Just finished RAF today. I just have to tell you, this book is one of the best written, most concise books I have ever read. It is so clear and to the point. You don’t beat around the bush or sugar coat anything, and you are able to thoroughly explain from the Tanach everything you write. I am going to order more copies…I have a few people that are right on the verge; well, let me put it this way, their hearts are now open to hearing the Truth. And this is what this book is about…the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth! You have given me the support to believe what I know to be true, and not to be ashamed. Thanks you so much for this.
Amy Oz, San Francisco, California
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I have just finished your book on the Restoration of Abrahamic Faith and found it substantiates and clarifies most of the historical and religious information I have read about from other scholars. However, I hasten to add that your information is less intimidating and more balanced than others. I especially read the last two chapters with great interest as they cleared up several issues that have gone unanswered for many years. Your knowledge of the OT and NT are interwoven in this book so as to convince me that Abraham’s relationship with God is what we should have been seeking down through the ages. I want to congratulate you on this work as I feel it is more informative than the The Jesus Dynasty as good as it was. I find your writing very encouraging, especially if one has an open mind to both the historical and Biblical findings… Thanks for your efforts in the field of scholarship.
Stan, Atlanta, GA
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After having now read your book, ‘Restoring Abrahamic Faith’, it sort of feels like my search of wanting to learn more about Jesus the man, what he did on earth and what he actually believed has now come full circle. . . . My search was initially inspired by my first trip to Israel while still in the Navy nearly twenty years ago and one of the first books I read was ‘Jesus A Life’ by A.N. Nelson which got me intrigued about wanting to learn more about Jesus the historical figure to help me settle some things that I held within my own mind about what I had learned about Jesus from all my Christian teachings. Now my undertaking of nearly 20 years which gave me more of an understanding of not only who Jesus was as a person, but what he was made to become by Paul, the early Christians and the Romans themselves. And so your book regarding restoring a more fundamental faith that is the foundation of what Jesus believed and what he preached really hit home for me, brought me some inner peace and a closure of sorts to my search for understanding more about Jesus. But now it also brings to me a new challenge of how to worship God properly, seek his guidance, and basically develop a personal relationship with God. I imagine there are places for people like me that have always been Christians through and through that have come to some sort of realization as I have but it is certainly not an easy task to share ones new assessment with other Christians most of whom will hold steadfastly to their beliefs in Jesus and what they believe they understand of it all. So this is quite a quandary you’ve stirred up (in a way). Your book has done an exceptional job at bringing it all together though I must wonder how your average Christian will react to it. For me it took my own curiosity and inquisitiveness that started me on my nearly 20 year search for some truth and I don’t see many everyday Christians doing that. I gotta give you credit though you seem to have hit the mark and at least to me, a person whom questions almost everything, you seem to be the one lone person that I am aware of that has put it all together with such realistic, reasonable, and rational explanation. I appreciate your efforts and I wish more people would come to the hard reality of what you seem to know and understand so clearly. I still believe Jesus was truly a special person and held fast to his Abrahamic faith and obviously his life has had a major impact on the world in which we live and so I will always hold him close and be staggered about what he accomplished, but I will now carry a new understanding of what he was preaching and what it is all about. That is the coming Kingdom of God.
Curt Roberts, Smithfield, VA
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I recently finished your book Restoring Abrahamic Faith, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. As it is your manifesto, it was more like reading a personal letter from you where you pour out your heart as well as your passion for YHVH and His ways. This fact alone gave the book a strength it might not have had if you had employed a strictly theological approach. It is readily apparent that your thoughts and opinions are derived from a real relationship with YHVH and not just years of being an armchair theologian. Your experience in these matters lent an authoritative voice to the book that is both comforting and enlightening. Although the scope of some of the topics was very cosmic and epic, you carefully laid out your thoughts in such an organized and simple manner so that even someone with little understanding of the Old Testament could grasp what you were saying. The book is deceptively simple, yet loaded with deeper meaning when you meditate on it further. I will definitely be continuing my studies on this subject, but your book has given me a strong foundation on which to stand. More than ever before, I look forward to learning about YHVH and His ways.
Jonathan Gaskill, Vancouver, WA
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I am thoroughly enjoying your book RAF. It simplifies the facts in such a way that it’s a pleasure to read. If only I was ready for this years ago. I do believe it is inspired by the Spirit of HaShem. The truth it provides is great. As I read it – my insides get charged. I was looking for a spiritual pick me up and I found one while reading RAF. I know this may sound like a commercial but its fact.
Ronnie Fulcher, Canton, MS
