Source: Margaret Barker, Temple Theology: An Introduction (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2004), 13–32.
1. Temple Theology Lost World.mp4
Unveiling the Temple of Creation.pdf
Lost_Temple_Theology_and_Christian_Origins.m4a
This topic based on Margaret Barker's Temple Theology. It explores the profound significance of the Jerusalem Temple in understanding early Christianity. It argues that the temple was not merely a building, but a representation of creation and the dwelling place of God, whose theology deeply influenced the beliefs and practices of Jesus and his followers. The study meticulously examines various aspects of the temple, such as the Holy of Holies, the veil, and priestly rituals, drawing on biblical accounts and extra-biblical texts like the Book of Enoch and the Dead Sea Scrolls to reconstruct a more complete picture of temple theology. Ultimately, the study contends that understanding the temple is crucial for grasping the origins and core tenets of Christian faith, including concepts like the Messiah, incarnation, atonement, and the nature of the divine.
The Jerusalem Temple stands as a familiar cornerstone of biblical history, a place of sacrifice, prayer, and divine presence. We know its dimensions, its history of destruction and rebuilding, and the lineage of the priests who served there. But this common understanding, derived primarily from the Bible, is like a detailed architectural plan that's missing the building's soul.
Crucial theological beliefs about the nature of creation, resurrection, and even incarnation were deliberately omitted or censored from key biblical texts. Our primary sources offer the structure but withhold the spirit, often as a result of ancient theological power struggles, such as the Deuteronomist historian’s systematic censorship of temple traditions. This leaves a void where the Temple's core theology should be.
What if the most radical ideas of early Christianity weren't new at all, but were rooted in a "secret tradition" from the Temple itself? This post will explore the most impactful of these forgotten beliefs, revealing a world of meaning hidden just beneath the surface of the scriptures we thought we knew.
What the Bible tells us about the temple focuses almost exclusively on "externals." We read extensively about administration, security, priestly families, and the management of funds. Yet, the texts are largely silent on the core beliefs of the priests and the meaning behind their rituals.