4This is no fundamentalist work harking back to the idea that "the oldest is the purest." Rather it is recognition that the Old Testament has a complex heritage and that those who shared this heritage did not share the same beliefs or scriptures--amongst these people were the first Christians. In her exploration of temple theology, Margaret Barker finds clear references and beliefs in fundamental Christian concepts such as atonement, creation, and covenant. This is a thorough and fascinating exploration of the theology of the original Jewish Temple.