Temple Mysticism: An Introduction

TitleTemple Mysticism: An Introduction
Publication TypeBook
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsBarker, Margaret
Number of Pages194
PublisherSociety for Promoting Christian Knowledge
CityLondon
Abstract

According to Margaret Barker's groundbreaking theory, temple mysticism underpins much of the Bible. Rooted in the cult of the first temple in ancient Judaism, it helps us to understand the origins of Christianity. Temple mysticism was received and taught as oral tradition, and many texts were changed or suppressed or kept from public access. Barker first examines biblical texts: Isaiah, the prophet whom Jesus quoted more than any other in Scripture, and John. Then she proposes a more detailed picture, drawing on a wide variety of non-biblical texts. The resulting book presents some remarkable results.