Biblical scholar

Reading the Book of Enoch unleashes a new understanding of early Christianity and one that is uncannily relevant to the late twentieth century. Though neglected and almost forgotten by the Church for almost fifteen hundred years, the Book of Enoch was one of the most important writings of the pre-Christian period, and was kept and used by the early Church. It represents supremely the mystical element in the Judaeo-Christian tradition, with strange and powerful symbolism, and heavenly visions of the last judgement. Its treatment of the problem of evil, of humankind’s relationship with the creation, of the role of the expected Messiah and of other key themes in Judaism and Christianity challenges many traditional assumptions and throws dramatic new light on our understanding of Jesus and his message. The Lost Prophet is an exciting and thought provoking book which should be read by everyone interested in the foundations of Christianity.

Professor Philip Davies, University of Sheffield

First published in 1988 by SPCK. Republished June 2005 by Sheffield Phoenix Press. New ISBN: 1905048181