Rendering Divine Names on Coins
Images from Antiquity to Modern Times
- History & Biography
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2019
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Publisher's Description
After Jesus glanced at the temple coin, he said, "Render to Caesar." This book's title and theme are based upon Jesus' command to give allegiance to both the state and God. Coauthor David Bentley is the historian-theologian who reads and translates the coins' messages. Coauthor Brad Yonaka is the geologist-scientist who finds the copper, silver, and gold coins which are on display in nearly one hundred photo-figures throughout the text. Our God is represented by the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam); his divine name has appeared on coins since biblical times. Even the most theologically astute readers will be surprised by our introduction of Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila as "tabernacle-makers" not "tent-makers." Greek and Roman gods and goddesses, a few ancient Persian empires, the Islamic caliphs, and Qur'anic messages are present in this book. Each stamped their impressions on civilization. When Lincoln added "In God We Trust" during the Civil War, was it as Jesus commanded, a combination of honoring divine and governmental authorities? Or was it a counterfeit trust in dead presidents or self?
Endorsements (2)
“What is most striking about this book is the realization that all through history coins have unique stories to tell. They teach us about what people believed, especially their search for the divine, but also what they thought about themselves and the meaning of government. In this quest, some leaders blatantly deified themselves. The authors choose a topic, such as Gnosticism, Manichaeism, or Islam, give the context, and tie it in with a coin produced at the time. One hundred photo-figures throughout the text make the stories that much more interesting. This book will enhance mutual understanding among people of different faiths and give opportunities for Christian witness.”
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