Review: The Two Ways: The Early Christian Vision of Discipleship from The Didache and The Shepherd of Hermas ed. by Veery Hulraatt, with forward by Rowan Williams

Synopsis: How did earliest Christians receive and understand the teaching of Jesus and the apostles? These writings, among the earliest used in training new disciples, show a clear, vibrant, practical faith concerned with all aspects of discipleship in daily life—vocation, morality, family life, social justice, the sacraments, prophesy, citizenship, and leadership. (From the online description)

Review: This book is composed of three parts – the Introduction, Selections from the Didache, and Selections from the Shepherd of Hermas. The Introduction is a fascinating take on early Christians and why they were so revolutionary. Rowan Williams’ introduction is perhaps the main reason to purchase this book. With deft insight, he explains why and how the early Christians were able to believe the radical (for them) ideas preached by a Jewish Carpenter. In particular, it is his idea that God’s love is radical because it does not require something in common with the beloved to exist. God’s love is because God IS love. This idea is how we, as Christians, are able to love anyone.

As for the Didache and The Shepard of Hermes, I did not like them. I say that, however, with firm acknowledgement that this is a subject opinion. Indeed, it would be impossible to be objective. Both were written almost two thousand years ago, indeed for an audience vastly different then the modern reader. To critic is unfair. The Didache seems harsh and the Shepherd vague and philosophical.

There are many Early Christian Writings, most of which are rich in meaning and insight. These two might be such for you. This book would be an excellent introduction to both of these works. As for me, I did not gain from the writings, but did from the introduction and so am thankful I read this book. 

Note: I received this free from LibraryThing's Early Review Program in exchange for my fair and honest opinion

Bookmarks: 3 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-87486-739-8
Year Published: 2018
Date Finished: 7-15-2018
Pages: 75