An insightful exploration into Christianity
today—written especially for Jews.
For many Jews, discerning the differences
among various Christian groups is perplexing. As a result, they
are stuck with an outdated understanding of Christian beliefs,
practices and attitudes, especially with regard to their
relationship with Judaism, Jews and Israel.
But Christian views are evolving,
particularly since the landmark 1965 Catholic statement known
as Nostra Aetate that forever changed the landscape of
Jewish-Christian relations. This intriguing, brief introduction
focuses on the changing Christian currents within the Roman
Catholic Church, Protestant denominations, nondenominational
megachurches and the emergent church. It also explores the
essential doctrines that undergird most Christian belief,
including sin, salvation, Jesus as the Messiah, the Second
Coming and Christian Zionism—and compares them to the
Jewish understanding of these issues.
Designed to answer Jews’ common
questions about Christianity, this enlightening overview is
also an excellent interfaith resource that will help all
readers understand the changing Christian climate and what its
implications are for the future of Judaism and interfaith
relations.
“[A] splendid treasure-trove of
information—conveyed simply but not simplistically....
Indispensable for Jews trying to navigate the modern Christian
world. A book that will only grow in value.”
—Rabbi
Michael J. Cook, PhD, professor of
intertestamental and early Christian literatures, Hebrew Union
College-Jewish Institute of Religion; author, Modern Jews Engage the New Testament: Enhancing
Jewish Well-Being in a Christian Environment
“Quick-paced and insightful ... an
informative introduction for any Jewish reader [and] a
reassuring [interfaith] message for today’s
world.”
—Rev.
James Massa, PhD, executive
director, Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious
Affairs, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
“Stimulating.... Helps Jews frame
their questions about contemporary Christianity, and gives them
answers. Gives us much to think about.”
—Rabbi
Alan Mittleman, PhD, director,
Louis Finkelstein Institute for Religious and Social Studies,
The Jewish Theological Seminary
“Upbeat and enjoyable.... Readers
will find here a nuanced view of [a wide range of] topics
including evangelical Christianity and Jewish-Christian
relations.”
—Deirdre
Good, ThD, professor of New
Testament, General Theological Seminary
Rabbi Leonard A. Schoolman is director of the Center for Religious
Inquiry, an interreligious adult education program at Saint
Bartholomew’s Church in New York. Previously he was the
founding director of the Center for Theological Studies at
Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal) in Houston, Texas, and, for
eighteen years, the national director of program for the Union
of American Hebrew Congregations (now Union for Reform
Judaism).
