In time for Pope Francis’s new initiatives. We now have the potential to end two thousand years of hostility—will we succeed? New in paperback!
With keen wisdom and a masterful understanding of history, Rabbi James Rudin, an acclaimed authority in the field of Jewish-Christian relations, provides the context necessary for Christians and Jews to recognize the critical challenges posed by the past—and the future—of their two religions.
Spanning twenty centuries of controversy, horror and promise, Rudin’s narrative examines:
- The sources of both conflict and commonality between the two religions
- The need to address and redress past wrongs
- The agenda required to create a shared future free of bigotry
It includes proven approaches for successful interreligious dialogues, including tips on session organization, project ideas and a discussion guide to enhance Christians’ and Jews’ knowledge of each other.
“Crystal clear.... Draws extensively from the historical and religious records of both Jews and Christians ... impressive.”
—American Library Association’s Booklist
“Rabbi Rudin has written the best guide to Jewish-Christian dialogue that I have ever seen. Popular but sophisticated, sobering but hopeful, it provides a searching analysis of the vocabulary and history of Christian-Jewish relations, reminding us why these relations are so difficult and why they are so important.”
—Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, president, Union for Reform Judaism
“Well organized, easy to read.... Recommended.”
—Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter
“Nuanced insights.... Can be used as a practical guide to organizing interreligious programs, but it can also be read for its concise introduction to Western religious history and theology ... comprehensive.... A straightforward and intelligent guide to the theological developments that led to the ‘tragic history’ between Christians and Jews.”
—Catholic News Service
“Offers us all a Jewish ‘take’ on our times, allowing us to see and hear the news with the eyes and ears of Jews. Here also is a clear-eyed understanding for both Christians and Jews of the evils of establishment, religion and state coupled together, predicated upon replacing suspicion with respect and apathy with empathy. Urgently needed!”
—The Rev. Dr. James M. Dunn, professor of Christianity and public policy, Divinity School at Wake Forest University
“Does not dodge any of the painful issues.... [A] rewarding, always stimulating book.”
—Peter Steinfels, co-director, Fordham University Center on Religion and Culture; former New York Times religion correspondent and columnist
“Very informative.... Much interesting and relevant material.”
—Jewish Eye
“This is a must-have for anyone interested in the vital story of Christian-Jewish relations. Rabbi Rudin’s polished prose and sharp observations guide the reader on a stimulating journey through time, and provide invaluable insights into the future of one of the world’s most complicated religious relationships. Indispensable for academics, interfaith activists and general readers interested in religion and its impact on world history.”
—Rabbi Eric J. Greenberg, director, Department of Interfaith Affairs, Anti-Defamation League
“Highly informative and comprehensive.... [Goes] straight to the essence of every confrontation.... Valuable.”
—Jewish Star
“Presents a remarkably hopeful view of the present and the future.... Concludes with an overview of contemporary crises and flash points, careful to present all sides of these often surprisingly complex controversies.”
—America: The National Catholic Weekly
“A vibrant, timely study by one of America’s distinguished leaders and shrewd analysts of the Jewish-Christian encounter. Rudin succeeds brilliantly in laying bare the past and illuminating the present so Jews and Christians may wisely and respectfully press forward to model a more authentic relationship for the good of the other and the future of all humanity.”
—Marvin R. Wilson, PhD, Ockenga Professor of Biblical Studies, Gordon College
“Absolutely the most convenient panoramic analysis of the Jewish-Christian retrospect and prospect I’ve seen.… A masterpiece by the Jewish dean and most seasoned veteran of Jewish-Christian deliberations … penetratingly clear and accessible for all readers.… A clarion call lest gains of recent decades lapse or even dissipate.”
—Rabbi Michael J. Cook, PhD, Bronstein Professor of Judeo-Christian Studies, Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati; author, Modern Jews Engage the New Testament: Enhancing Jewish Well-Being in a Christian Environment
“Frank and unapologetic.... Not a rehashing of grievances. It is much more than that: at once more profound and more practical.... Remarkably efficient and clearly crafted.”
—Florida Weekly
“Rudin is singularly qualified ... and highly knowledgeable.... The sweep of Rudin’s work is as impressive as it is tightly and accessibly told.”
—National Catholic Reporter
“A comprehensive overview of a half century of Christian-Jewish relations. Rudin brings his long central involvement in the Christian-Jewish dialogue to bear in insightful ways on the major theological and political issues central to that conversation.”
—John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, PhD, director, Catholic-Jewish Studies Program, Catholic Theological Union (Chicago)
“Does not mince words in describing the flashpoint issues in interfaith relations from a Jewish perspective. This book could easily have been subtitled, ‘Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Jewish-Christian Relations but Were Afraid to Ask.’... Cogent [and] courageous.”
—Reform Judaism
“Engaging and historically accurate.... The newcomer and the longtime advocate alike can glean considerable wisdom for the task of interreligious interaction.... Well suited for both individual and group study.... Provides the framework for an exercise in interreligious dialogue that a reader could arrange between her or his congregation and a nearby synagogue.”
—sowhatfaith.com
“This thorough, engaging and accessible [resource] on Jewish-Christian relations examines the complex history of two formidable faith communities and makes concrete suggestions for action. Rudin’s rich experience in Jewish-Christian dialogue is apparent from beginning to end.”
—Rabbi David A. Teutsch, PhD, Wiener Professor of Contemporary Jewish Civilization; former president, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College
“Rabbi Rudin has brought his wealth of experience and uncommon wisdom to shed light on the complex world of interreligious relations. Important and useful.”
—Rabbi Gary Greenebaum, director of Interreligious and Intergroup Relations, American Jewish Committee
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