Profile
Barrie with noted Israeli archeologist, Avnor Goren, at the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue in Cairo, Egypt.
Barrie Wilson, PhD. Professor, Humanities & Religious Studies, York University, Toronto
Barrie specializes in early Christianity and Second Temple Judaism - the 1st century BCE (BC) and first two centuries CE (AD). Important new finds have come to light - the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Gnostic writings - that have revolutionized our understanding of this important era. This exciting time period saw the development of many Judaisms and Christianities. Both religions were in flux during this period - both reacted to the destruction of the Jewish Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE (AD). Both also had to develop their identity in the midst of strong cultural pressures from surrounding Hellenistic culture with its worship of Dionysus, Isis and Mithras.
Current Research
HOW JESUS BECAME CHRISTIAN
From Jewish rabbi and messiah-claimant to a Gentile God-human, within only 100 years!
Members of the Jesus Movement under Jesus' brother, James, in Jerusalem looked upon their rabbi as a teacher and possible messiah. They saw in Jesus a political figure who would be instrumental in replacing the Roman government.
On the other hand, the Christ Movement, led by Paul in the Diaspora looked upon its mystical founder as a God-human. This religion viewed the Christ as a cosmic being, a savior, who would rescue humanity from the clutches of evil. Paul's religion was different in origin, beliefs and practices than the religion of Jesus.
This book tells the story how Paul's movement came, in time to replace that of Jesus'. It traces, decade by decade, how early Christianity separated from Judaism in an angry fashion, from the 50's to 150 CE. It also proposes a dramatic new way of understanding Christian anti-Semitism.
SEQUEL
A proposed sequel deals with St. Paul and selected issues in early Christianity.
Barrie has published extensively on writings of ancient authors: Paul, Plato, Sophocles, Bar-Daisan (an early Christian Syriac author) as well as the 1st century BCE text Psalms of Solomon which sets forth the job description of a messiah. In addition, Barrie has addressed contemporary issues, especially the "demythologizing" proposal by the influential New Testament scholar, Rudolf Bultman. Previously published books include: Hermeneutical Studies (Mellen Press, 1990) and About Interpretation: From Plato to Dilthey, a Hermeneutic Anthology (Peter Lang Publishers, 1989).
The Western Wall: where Judaism, Christianity and Islam intersect.
Selected recent articles can be accessed by clicking on Publications.
Barrie's interests also also encompass contemporary films and their implications for biblical studies. See his "Dreamchild and Biblical Studies" (Publications). In addition a paper on "Big Fish and Midrash" is in preparation.
Barrie was educated at the University of Toronto (PhD in Philosophy and Near Eastern Studies), Columbia University (MA, Philosophy of Religion) and Bishop's University, Quebec (B.A. Honors Philosophy and Psychology), with theological studies at Union Theological Seminary (New York), The General Theological Seminary (New York) and Trinity College, Toronto (S.T.B., Toronto). He has taught at Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri as well as at York University, Toronto, where he was chair of Religious Studies, Atkinson College, for over 10 years.
A noted lecturer, Barrie received an Award for the Province's Best Educator. His courses on early Christian origins are eagerly sought after at York University and fill very quickly after registration commences.
Several years ago, along with a colleague, Patrick Gray, Barrie took 29 students from York University to Israel and the Sinai, to see firsthand the archeological and historical sties we had studied about in class. This trip of a lifetime was York University's largest course trip ever.
Barrie is a member of the American Academy of Religion and the Canadian Society for Biblical Studies. He is also a regular contributor and participant in the "Psychoanalysis and Cinema" Study Group for the Toronto Psychoanalytic Society and Institute.