The Earliest Christian Hymnbook

Nearly two millennia ago a gifted poet in the Middle East composed the earliest Christian hymnbook, and this anonymous Odist became the early poet laureate of Christianity. That the earliest followers of Jesus wrote poetry, hymns, and odes is evident already in the New Testament. This volume is a translation of The Odes of Solomon, a collection of early Christian hymns or odes dating from the 2nd Century; some are obviously Christian, others perhaps Jewish. The beauty of these poems is a tribute to the depth of spirituality in early communities of Christians, some of whom were perhaps also Jews or converted Jews. Professor Charlesworth offers an informative and insightful introduction and a translation of this work that is both engaging and true to the original languages. Having studied the Odes since 1966, Charlesworth believes the Odes express unique spiritual truths. Invaluable as a resource for scholars and students of the religious literature of the period, the richness and spirituality of the Odes will also appeal to a wider audience. An Index of Ancient Sources also provides the reader with easy access to the wide range of references in the notes.

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