I don’t remember where I first encountered Asch. It was around 2012, when I ordered The Nazarene on Kindle and read it. I’ve since re-read it 3 more times, I found it so moving. Similarly with The Apostle, and Mary. Who would have thought an early 20th century observant Jewish author would write a series of well-researched fictional books (historical novels), together referred to as the “founders of Christianity” series. Unknown to most, Asch was well versed in what’s called “The Oral Tradition” or the Aggadah of the Jews. He used this knowledge to great effect in weaving many hundreds of stories of peoples and communities in first century Palestine - into these three magnificent books.
Historical novels, as a genre of course, vary widely in their faithfulness to history and accuracy. It is my clear impression that these are highly accurate and consistent with historical events; they are certainly consistent with both the Old and the New Testaments. The particular skill of Asch is to conform Biblical and historical events into the everyday lives of individuals (both historical and fictional) as they actually lived at this critical period of history. Many of the eternal elements of human nature are portrayed - credibly and beautifully.
I have come away with some important understandings which ring so very true. In large part, that’s because Asch wrote with a dedication to accuracy. His understanding arose not only from study of Torah (“The Law”) but also from tradition whose history was woven into every aspect of his own life, from birth through childhood and adulthood in Jewish ghettos in Poland. He has given me understanding far beyond the bare bones version I had from reform Jewish/secular upbringing.
The most powerful understanding I have from these three monumental books derives from the ancient Hebrews’ expectation of the Messiah. There is much discussion throughout these books as to the nature of the Messiah: was He to be temporal or secular? Of this world or the Kingdom of Heaven? A revolutionary or savior? For the Jews alone or for the gentiles as well?
In ways I find myself unable to yet articulate, I have some sense of the earliest cleavages which took place between Observant Jews and “Messianists” in Jesus’ time. There were many divisions between Jews already in existence. The divisions were both worldly (whether and/or how to defeat Roman occupation) and spiritual (those “strong in the law” vs. “unclean” Jews who failed to adequately observe the many, many burdensome strictures of the law). Divisions between Pharisees and Saducees were a continuous undertone.
Among these disputes, and woven throughout all three books, is the question of whether the Messiah was only for the Jews or for the gentiles as well. This was an especially divisive question among the most religious Jews of all schools of thought. One view said that strictly following Torah (the Law) kept Jews pure and at a safe distance from the “abominations” of the gentiles - idol worship, child sacrifice, prostitution/sexual perversions, etc. Since the Jews, they said, submitted to the burdens imposed by the law, they were “entitled” to the Messiah. Among other viewpoints (beyond the scope here), was the notion that the Jews’ observance of the law, was merely God’s way of using the Jewish people as the soil in which the Messiah might be born. These ideas are fleshed out repeatedly in all the books, and I find, very thought provoking.
The Apostle, the story of Saul, then Paul of Tarsus, is especially revealing of all the subtleties which lead to the great historical division between Christians and Jews. I have to say the totality of having read these books - again, many of the events take place in the mundane, everyday lives of the characters set in that time and place - has profoundly revised my understanding of history.
I should add another of Asch’s unique gifts. He writes in great detail, often including the physical setting of various scenes. In doing so, better than any writer I have encountered, Asch very artfully presages (sets the stage) for what is developing. Many times, though I already knew the grand historical events which are generally known to have occurred, I had a downright mystical sense (with chills at times) that it happened just as Asch set it forth in the 20th century. All the roots of human nature we observe today (among both the sane and the louder insane), were clearly at work in the characters living in first century Palestine. Because of Asch’s art, in them we can see ourselves and many elements of where we came from - biologically, ethnically, culturally, religiously, spiritually.
In other words, these three books are a tour-de-force covering how Christianity arose from Judaism. If you’re interested in this subject, I know of no better, more accurate/insightful, entertaining, thought-provoking way of delving into it. These books are truly breathtaking and worth the significant time investment, The return may be a new, parallax world view along with profound, quiet, pure enjoyment.