Peter's halakhic nightmare
Book Description
This scholarly exploration delves into one of the most pivotal moments in early Christian history, examining Peter's transformative vision in Acts 10 through a fresh psychological lens. When Peter receives the divine command to eat animals traditionally considered unclean, the experience unfolds as what the author identifies as a "transgression anxiety dream," a naturalistic phenomenon that Luke incorporates into his narrative with remarkable sophistication.
Rather than viewing this vision as a simple abolition of Jewish law, Moxon reveals how Luke employs psychological realism borrowed from Greco-Roman biographical traditions to create a more nuanced spiritual message. The vision becomes a powerful tool for exposing prejudice and inconsistency within religious practice, challenging readers to examine their own patterns of separation and disgust that may hinder spiritual growth.
The analysis demonstrates how Luke maintains respect for Jewish tradition while addressing the deeper psychological barriers that prevent genuine spiritual openness. Through careful examination of the ironic contrast between Peter's hesitation and the genuine piety of Cornelius, the Gentile centurion, the book illuminates how our spiritual nightmares often reveal more about our internal conflicts than external religious requirements.
For readers interested in the intersection of psychology and spirituality, this work offers valuable insights into how ancient texts address the universal human tendency to create artificial barriers in our spiritual journey.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~18 hours)
📄 Length: 638 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Antike
- ✓ Explore Law (Theology)
- ✓ Explore Bibel
- ✓ Explore Traum
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Bibel Apostelgeschichte 10,1-11,18
- ✓ Explore Criticism, interpretation
- ✓ Explore Bible
