Many studies written about the Jewish-Christian relationship are primarily historical overviews that focus on the Jewish background of Christianity, the separation of Christianity from Judaism, or the medieval disputations between the two faiths. This book is one of the first studies to examine the relationship from a philosophical and theological viewpoint. Carefully drawing on Jewish classical sources, Novak argues that there is actual justification for the new relationship between Judaism and Christianity from within Jewish religious tradition. He demonstrates that this new relationship is possible between religiously committed Jews and Christians without the two major impediments to dialogue: triumphalism and relativism. One of the very few books on this topic written by a Jewish theologian who speaks specifically to modern Christian concerns, it will provide the groundwork for a more serious development of Jewish-Christian dialogue in our day.
Many studies written about the Jewish-Christian relationship are primarily historical overviews that focus on the Jewish background of Christianity, the separation of Christianity from Judaism, or the medieval disputations between the two faiths. This book is one of the first studies to examine the relationship from a philosophical and theological viewpoint. Carefully drawing on Jewish classical sources, Novak argues that there is actual justification for the new relationship between Judaism and Christianity from within Jewish religious tradition. He demonstrates that this new relationship is possible between religiously committed Jews and Christians without the two major impediments to dialogue: triumphalism and relativism. One of the very few books on this topic written by a Jewish theologian who speaks specifically to modern Christian concerns, it will provide the groundwork for a more serious development of Jewish-Christian dialogue in our day.
"One of the finest books available on the subject. Novak is very
sensitive in his understanding of 'where Christians are' in
relation to Judaism, and he makes many positive suggestions for the
advancement of the dialogue."--James Breckenridge, Baylor
University
"This is a book from which both Jews and Christians will learn as
much about their own traditions as about the other's. Highly
recommended for upper-division undergraduate, graduate, and public
libraries. Destined to become a classic in this sensitive and most
timely area."--Choice
"A carefully worked out and clearly written argument for Jewish
involvement in the Jewish-Christian conversation....It should be of
as much interest to Christians as to Jews, in discussing the future
of the dialogue of these faith communities in the emerging
post-modern, post-Christian world."--Missiology
"Novak's blend of careful historical criticism with rigorous
theological argument makes this an extremely important addition to
a field too often characterized by apologetics and inter-communal
politics. Essential reading for everyone interested in the
theological dimensions of Jewish and Christian
dialogue."--Religious Studies Review
"An impressive book and an important sign of how theologically
serious and significant the dialogue has become."--The Christian
Century
"One of the finest books available on the subject. Novak is very
sensitive in his understanding of 'where Christians are' in
relation to Judaism, and he makes many positive suggestions for the
advancement of the dialogue."--James Breckenridge, Baylor
University
"This is a book from which both Jews and Christians will learn as
much about their own traditions as about the other's. Highly
recommended for upper-division undergraduate, graduate, and public
libraries. Destined to become a classic in this sensitive and most
timely area."--Choice
"A carefully worked out and clearly written argument for Jewish
involvement in the Jewish-Christian conversation....It should be of
as much interest to Christians as to Jews, in discussing the future
of the dialogue of these faith communities in the emerging
post-modern, post-Christian world."--Missiology
"Novak's blend of careful historical criticism with rigorous
theological argument makes this an extremely important addition to
a field too often characterized by apologetics and inter-communal
politics. Essential reading for everyone interested in the
theological dimensions of Jewish and Christian
dialogue."--Religious Studies Review
"An impressive book and an important sign of how theologically
serious and significant the dialogue has become."--The Christian
Century
"A major statement and one that can contribute significantly to the
revitalization of the dialogue process."--Commentary
"Engaging and challenging....Philosophically and theologically
rigorous."--Horizon
"Novak is one of the really bright lights on the Jewish religious
scene today, and one of the very few who have internalized a deeper
understanding of what should be meant by interreligious dialogue.
That is, this project, building on the legacy of the great Abraham
Joshua Heschel, aims to engage the Christian and general
intellectual community with a distinctively Jewish understanding of
our cultural crisis and what might be done about it."--Richard
John
Neuhaus, Center on Religion and Society
"Combining extraordinary erudition and philosophical and
theological insight, Novak has provided an extraordinary account of
why Jews should care about their dialogue with Christians. This is
not another call for the importance of understanding one another,
but rather a serious theological justification why Jews, given
their peculiar covenant with God, have a stake in engaging
Christians. Drawing on Maimonides, Novak creatively develops a
constructive account
of how the discussion should go forward. We are in his debt for the
work he has done and hopefully no Christian theologian will go
without this book."--Stanley Hauerwas, Duke Divinity School
"Highly original and historically documented...admirable insight
and erudition....I hope that Christians and Jews will read and
reflect on this thoughtful work."--Louis Dupré, Yale University
"David Novak is one of those rare individuals who both has the
requisite extensive backgrounds in philosophy and Jewish studies
and who is also able to see the relationships between the two. Only
a small percentage of scholars are able to integrate their
philosophical and Judaic backgrounds in creating a synthesis of the
two. He has carried out this project thoroughly and
perceptively."--Elliot Dorff, University of Judaism
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