Annette Yoshiko Reed's scholarship delves into Second Temple Judaism, early Christianity, and Jewish-Christian relations in Late Antiquity. Her work deeply explores the theological and historical currents that shaped these cultures. She investigates the origins of Jewish angelology and demonology, as well as the complex history of "Jewish-Christianity." Reed is dedicated to uncovering the intricate connections and mutual influences between Jewish and Christian communities during a pivotal era in the formation of Western religions.
This book will appeal to readers interested in the history of human reflection on demons, angels, and other transmundane powers, as well as the different ways in which ancient cultures imagined the cosmos. It also speaks to the diversity of ancient Judaism as reflected in 'pseudepigrapha' and the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Focusing on late antiquity, the author explores the complexities of Jewish-Christianity by examining overlooked texts and traditions. By engaging with Jewish studies, the book challenges contemporary perceptions that separate Christianity from Judaism, highlighting the intertwined nature of their historical development. Reed's analysis offers a fresh perspective on the cultural and religious dynamics of the period, enriching the understanding of both faiths.