The Legislative Themes of Centralization

"Jeffrey Audirsch is a fresh voice in a long-standing, and sometimes stale, conversation, providing some refreshing perspectives on a difficult and demanding subject. He doesn't reflect any hubris implying a final solution to the larger complex topic, but he reflects a consistent focus and a clarity of purpose aimed at moving the discussion forward, demonstrating an encouraging flexibility in reading and interpretation, an inviting contrast to the rigidity often characterizing both conservative and nontraditional scholarship in the area."

--Walter E. Brown, New Orleans, LA



"Audirsch has completed a very credible investigation of Deuteronomy's centralization motif. Drawing from several critical methodologies, this work isolates and investigates key passages and then moves this field of research forward. Those considering serious study of this topic should be pleased and well served by Audirsch's contribution."

--Archie England, New Orleans, LA



"Jeff Audirsch has made a significant contribution to bridging the understanding of the role of the book of Deuteronomy in the legislation of the Pentateuch and its role in shaping the exilic and post-exilic community of ancient Israel. By highlighting the function of the five key themes of Deuteronomy, namely idolatry, tithing, festivals, judiciary leadership, and the priesthood, Audirsch has shown how Deuteronomy functioned as the pivotal point positionally in the unified structure of the Enneateuch of Genesis through Kings."

--R. Dennis Cole, New Orleans, LA



"In The Legislative Themes of Centralization, Audirsch examines five legislative themes related to the centralization of the cult in Deuteronomy 12-18 using an integrated methodology that does justice to both diachronic and synchronic perspectives. These themes include: the abrogation of idolatry, tithing, the Passover and festive calendar, judiciary officials, and the priesthood. I highly recommend Audirsch's work to any scholar interested in the Enneateuch, in general, and the book of Deuteronomy, in particular."

--Jeremy Thompson, Bellingham, WA