Josephus and the Theologies of Ancient Judaism

Though considered one of the most important informants about Judaism in the first century CE the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus''s testimony is often overlooked or downplayed. Jonathan Klawans''s Josephus and the Theologies of Ancient Judaism reexamines Josephus''s descriptions of sectarian disagreements concerning determinism and free will the afterlife and scriptural authority. In each case Josephus''s testimony is analyzed in light of his works'' general concerns as well as relevant biblical rabbinic and Dead Sea texts. Many scholars today argue that ancient Jewish sectarian disputes revolved primarily or even exclusively around matters of ritual law such as calendar cultic practices or priestly succession. Josephus however indicates that the Pharisees Sadducees and Essenes disagreed about matters of theology such as afterlife and determinism. Similarly many scholars today argue that ancient Judaism was thrust into a theological crisis in the wake of the destruction of the second temple in 70 CE yet Josephus''s works indicate that Jews were readily able to make sense of the catastrophe in light of biblical precedents and contemporary beliefs. Without denying the importance of Jewish law-and recognizing Josephus''s embellishments and exaggerations-Josephus and the Theologies of Ancient Judaism calls for a renewed focus on Josephus''s testimony and models an approach to ancient Judaism that gives theological questions a deserved place alongside matters of legal concern. Ancient Jewish theology was indeed significant diverse and sufficiently robust to respond to the crisis of its day.