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I. Historical and Biblical Studies
Beck, Norman A. Mature Christianity in the 21st Century. Expanded and revised edition. Philadelphia: The American Interfaith Institute/World Alliance and New York: Crossroad, 1994.
Beck, a New Testament scholar, frames this study with an investigation into the role of polemic in the Sacred Scripture of various religious communities (including Islam and Mormonism), and then focuses on polemical NT texts.
Boadt, Lawrence, Helga Croner and Leon Klenicki, eds. Biblical Studies: Meeting Ground of Jews and Christians. A Stimulus Book. New York/Ramsey, New Jersey: Paulist Press, 1980.
Jewish and Christian writers consider the importance of Scripture through an exploration of three major topics: the impact of modern biblical study and research on Jewish-Christian dialogue, the relationship of the Hebrew Scriptures to the Christian Scriptures, and the understandings of God's revelation held by each faith.
Brooks, Roger and John J. Collins, eds. Hebrew Bible or Old Testament: Studying the Bible in Judaism and Christianity. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1990.
The first section of this anthology takes up the question of what Christians should call the first part of their Bible. Part two examines some of the theological questions that lurk when Jews and Christians engage together in biblical study, and the third takes up Jewish and Christian readings of specific texts.
Charlesworth, James, H. Jesus Within Judaism New Light from Exciting Archaeological Discoveries. New York: Doubleday, 1988.
Newcomers to the Jewish-Christian dialogue may wonder what "recent findings" refer to when talking about Jesus' historicity. Charlesworth makes accessible knowledge gained from post-World War II manuscript and archaeological discoveries (including the Pseudepigrapha, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Nag Hammadi Codices, Josephus' testimony to Jesus, and excavations in Capernaum and Jerusalem) that shed light on first-century Palestine. Attends to the place of Jesus within early Judaism.
____, ed. Jesus' Jewishness: Exploring the Place of Jesus within Early Judaism. New York: Crossroad, 1991.
Charlesworth has selected previously published reflections on Jesus' Jewishness from Christian and Jewish scholars. Essays include an Rivkin's important (if now dated) argument that we must ask not "who?" but "what?" crucified Jesus to considerations of today's historical research on Jesus, the nature of Jesus' ministry, problems raised in considering Jesus' Jewishness, and the relationship between Judaism and Christianity.
____, ed. Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls. New York: Doubleday, 1992.
This useful volume offers detailed comparison/contrast between the world of community gathered at Qumran and "Jesus' Movement." The lead essay by Charlesworth is exceptionally helpful.
____, ed. Overcoming Fear Between Christians and Jews. Philadelphia: American Interfaith Institute and New York: Crossroad, 1992.
Drawn from papers from a symposium, this volume reveals some of the personal experiences of those involved in Jewish-Christian relations. See particularly the essay by Alan Segal, "How to Respect Each Other: Lessons from Jewish-Christian Scholarship."
____, et al., eds. The Messiah: Developments in Earliest Judaism and Christianity. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1992.
Scholarly papers presented at a 1987 symposium at Princeton Theological Seminary. The volume offers detailed studies attesting to the complexity of the term "messiah," with Charlesworth recording in the "Preface" points of consensus and disagreement.
Doran, Robert. Birth of a Worldview: Early Christianity in Its Jewish and Pagan Context. Boulder: Westview Press, 1995.
Doran offers his readers an intellectual history of the early Church, including how they understood the cosmos, the divine-human relation, the human condition and gender roles.
Dunn, James D. G. Jesus, Paul and the Law: Studies in Mark and Galatians. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1990.
Dunn takes up specific New Testament texts that many Christians have misread in drawing conclusions about attitudes to Jewish law in the earliest Christian communities. His chapter, "A New Perspective on Paul" is especially helpful.
____. The Partings of the Ways Between Christianity and Judaism and their Significance for the Character of Christianity. London: SCM Press and Philadelphia: Trinity Press International, 1991.
A comprehensive, scholarly examination of the nature of second Temple Judaism prior to 70 ce (the matrix out of which rabbinic Judaism and Christianity emerged). Describes the framework and issues that arose over time between the new sect(Christianity) and the rest of first-century Judaism, gradually effecting the "partings" between the two religions. Provides a detailed overview of important historical realities.
Evans, Craig A. and Donald A. Hagner, eds., Anti-Semitism and Early Christianity: Issues of Polemic and Faith. Minneapolis: Augsburg-Fortress, 1993.
The editors have divided this anthology into three major sections. The first deals with antecedents of New Testament polemic, including prophetic critique in the Hebrew Bible. The second focuses on antisemitism in New Testament writings, and the final section on antisemitism in post-New Testament writings (e.g., patristic literature, the Apocrypha and Gnostic writings).
Falk, Harvey. Jesus the Pharisee: A New Look at the Jewishness of Jesus. New York: Paulist Press, 1985.
A study of the Pharisees in the time of Jesus, primarily via an examination of pertinent rabbinic sources. Falk argues that Jesus took issue with one group of Pharisees (the School of Shammai) while upholding the views of the other major Pharisaic group (the School of Hillel). Suggests that the seemingly anti-Jewish passages of the Christian Scriptures illumine the debate between Jesus and the School of Shammai, and should not, therefore, be read as an indictment of all Pharisees.
Harrington, Daniel J. Paul on the Mystery of Israel. Collegeville: The
Liturgical Press, 1992.
An examination of the historical context of Paul and an exegesis of the seven undisputed scriptural letters attributed to him. The author discusses Paul's complex attempt to clarify the relationships between Jews, Jewish-Christians, and Gentiles as well as the relationships of members of those groups to God and to Jesus. Harrington notes the "mixed reviews" which Paul gave to Israel in Romans 9-11 and draws the connection between Paul's theology and the content of Nostra aetate n.4.
Hilton, Michael with Gordian Marshall. The Gospels and Rabbinic Judaism: A Study Guide. Hoboken, New Jersey: KTAV Publishing House, 1988.
Rabbinic and Gospel texts on topics such as "the great commandment," the synagogue and its function, the parable, the Sabbath, divorce and forgiveness are gathered for comparison. Commentaries by the authors are included. The authors note the inadequacy of a competitive spirit (i.e., "Who said it better?" "Who said it first?") and attempt to further dialogue by advancing an understanding and appreciation of the teaching within the texts.
Horsley, Richard A. Archaeology, History and Socieity in Galilee: The Social Context of Jesus and the Rabbis. Valley Forge: Trinity Press International, 1996.
Horsely argues, contra John Dominic Crossan (The Historical Jesus) that we should not understand Jesus as an individualistic Cynic sage but rather as a prophetic leader of a movement of Israelite renewal based in the villages of Galilee. Yet after the Bar Kokhba revolt, rabbinic presence–-rather than Jesus' movement-–became established in Galilee.
Kee, Howard Clark. Who Are the People of God? Early Christian Models of Community. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1995.
Kee describes various models of community in postexilic Judaism, and then analyzes in detail early Christian counterparts. He shows how the Jewish models served as both precedents and foils for the various ways in which early Christians understood themselves. Fascinating integration of social science and exegesis.
Lee, Bernard, J. Galilean Jewishness of Jesus: Retrieving the Jewish Origins of Christianity. A Stimulus Book. New York/Mahwah, New Jersey, 1988.
Lee seeks to "introduce into the Christological conversation a new participant"–the Galilean (i.e., non-Judean) Jewish interpretation of Jesus–by providing a detailed review of this Jesus as teacher.
Lowe, Malcolm, ed. The New Testament and Christian-Jewish Dialogue: Essays in Honor of David Flusser. Immanuel 24/25 (1990).
The Ecumenical Theological Research Fraternity in Israel has published this special issue of its journal to honor the revered Jewish Israeli scholar of New Testament, David Flusser. Although a number of the essays are quite technical exegeses, others reflect more general interests (e.g., Thomas Aquinas on the place of the Jews, observations on the Catholic-Jewish dialogue since 1945), and the editor has contributed a bibliography of Flusser's works.
MacLennan, Robert S. Early Christian Texts on Jews and Judaism. Atlanta, Georgia: Scholars Press, 1990.
A scholarly review of four texts (authored between 113 - 197 ce by Justin, Melito, Barnabas and Tertullian) that are representative of the Christian literature commonly known as "adversus Judaeos" ("against the Jews"). Drawing on new evidence and insights from archaeology, sociology, anthropology, and biblical studies, MacLennan argues that a contextual reading of these texts illuminates their original purpose as documents aiding theological self-definition of early "Followers of the Way."
Murphy, Frederick J. The Religious World of Jesus: An Introduction to Second Temple Palestinian Judaism. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1991.
Intended as an undergraduate, introductory level text, this book is a comprehensive and accessible compendium of information on Palestinian Judaism during the period 320 bce to 70 ce.
Neusner, Jacob, William S. Green and Ernest Frerichs, eds. Judaisms and their Messiahs at the Turn of the Christian Era. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1987.
An important collection in situating messianic thought in its historical and literary context. The "Preface" explains the choice of the term "Judaisms" -- an explanation crucial to the work.
Saldarini, Anthony J. Pharisees, Scribes and Sadducees. Wilmington: Michael Glazier, 1988.
A rigorous study of these "schools" using exegetical and sociological tools. Saldarini compares and contrast New Testament descriptions of Pharisees and Sadducees with those of Josephus and the rabbis. A final section synthesizes the data. A study that serves as a corrective to oversimplified understandings of these groups.
____. Matthew's Christian-Jewish Community. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1994.
Saldarini argues that Matthew's Gospel originates from a group of "believers in Jesus" who viewed themselves as part of the larger Jewish community. More specifically, he shows how Matthew addresses a deviant group within the Jewish community in greater Syria and seeks to attain influence and power within the Jewish community as a whole. Clearly argued, and an important contribution to rethinking Matthew.
Sanders, E.P. Judaism: Practice and Belief 63 bce - 66 ce. London: SCM and Philadelphia: Trinity Press International, 1992.
A synthesis of information on a range of topics: general historical background, the Temple, tithes and taxes, daily life, understandings of the Law, the various groups and parties, and common theology.
Shanks, Hershel, ed. Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism: A Parallel History of Their Origins and Early Development. Washington, D.C.: Biblical Archaeology Society, 1992.
Jewish and Christian writers provide scholarly descriptions of the formation of Judaism and Christianity during the first six hundred years of their parallel development. Wonderful color plates and many useful sidebars.
Stendahl, Krister. Paul Among Jews and Gentiles. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1976.
A brief volume containing an essay that has become a classic. Stendahl argues that Paul's experience on the road to Damascus was less a "conversion" than it was a "call," a distinction that bears significance for Jewish-Christian relations.
____. Final Account: Paul's Letter to the Romans. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1995.
This brief work, five lectures that have been transcribed and edited by colleagues of Stendahl, testifies to the profound thought this Lutheran New Testament scholar has given to Romans over the years.
Theissen, Gerd. The Shadow of the Galilean. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1989.
Theissen, a New Testament scholar, provides a picture of Jesus and his time written in narrative form, making accessible scholarly research in a format familiar to readers who may not be scholars. Employs information from historical sources within a creative, fictional story. Methodology and commentary are communicated through a series of letters written from the author to a hypothetical colleague.
Thoma, Clemens and Michael Wyschogrod, eds. Understanding Scripture: Explorations of Jewish and Christian Traditions of Interpretation. A Stimulus Book. New York/Mahwah, New Jersey: Paulist Press, 1987.
Jewish and Christian biblical scholars consider issues raised by both traditions' claim to the Hebrew Scriptures. Essays are organized under four topics: Tradition and Inspiration in Scripture, Exegetical Traditions, Medieval Hermeneutics, and Scripture as Literature.
Wilson, Stephen G. Related Strangers: Jews and Christians 70-170 c.e. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1995.
Wilson offers a sustained treatment of both canonical and noncanonical literature of this important period. He argues that an extraordinary range of ideological and pragmatic reasons account for the parting of the ways between Jews and Christians.
Wilken, Robert L. Judaism and the Early Christian Mind. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1971,
A study of Cyril of Alexandria that situates much early Christian writing in the adversus Judaeos tradition. Clear and compelling--a valuable resource for understanding the development of supersessionism.
____. John Chrysostom and the Jews: Rhetoric and Reality in the Late 4th Century. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1983.
Wilken illumines late fourth-century Antioch to study the vitriolic preaching of John Chrysostom in the context of Greco-Roman rhetorical style.
II. General Resources Regarding the Relationship Between Jews and Christians
A. Anti-Judaism and Anti-Semitism: Historical Resources
Flannery, Edward H. The Anguish of the Jews: Twenty-Three Centuries of Antisemitism. Rev. ed. A Stimulus Book. New York/Mahwah, New Jersey: Paulist Press, 1985.
A Catholic priest carefully chronicles Christian anti-Jewish theology and initiatives, Christian antisemitism, and their offspring, secular antisemitism. A classic.
Langmuir, Gavin I. Toward a Definition of Antisemitism. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1990.
Gavin has collected his essays to create a scholarly, insightful examination of the nature of antisemitism. He posits a relationship between anti-Judaism and antisemitism, tracing the latter to the High Middle Ages when, he argues, Christians projected their fears onto the Jews. Thought-provoking theses from a respected historian.
Nicholls, William. Christian Antisemitism: A History of Hate. Northvale, N.J.: Jason Aronson, 1993.
Nicholls argues that Christian teaching is directly responsible for antisemitism, and chronicles the link between the two. Ultimately, Nicholls presents a pessimistic reading: "The double crisis, created by the Holocaust and by historical discovery, sets before Christians the most revolutionary choice that has faced them since the Church first split off from Judaism. I fully expect that the reaction of most will be to ignore the pressing need for choice and go on as before" (p. 437).
Rubin, Alexis. Scattered among the Nations: Documents Affecting Jewish History 49-1975. Toronto: Wall & Emerson, 1993.
Rubin's collection needs the more extensive commentary found in other historical works, but she has provided primary source material that will be of significant pedagogical use.
Saperstein, Marc. Moments of Crisis In Jewish-Christian Relations. London: SCM Press and Philadelphia: Trinity Press International, 1989.
A rabbi's concise, accessible historical summary of major crises between Christianity and Judaism organized around four chronological periods (antiquity, the high middle ages, the reformation, and the current century). Although not a detailed study, the author's conceptual framework, notes and tone combine to make it a work highly recommended.
Smiga, George, M. Pain and Polemic: Anti-Judaism in the Gospels. A Stimulus Book. New York/Mahwah: Paulist Press, 1992.
Smiga explores the Christian gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) with an eye toward relating where anti-Jewish polemic exists, and to what degree. Includes a discussion and evaluation of recent authors' positions on the topic.
Talmage, F. E., ed. Disputation and Dialogue: Readings in the Jewish-Christian Encounter. New York: KTAV Publishing House, Inc. and Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, 1973.
A collection of essays by Christian and Jewish scholars designed for use in college and university settings. Scholars consider the controversial nature of Jewish-Christian relations by looking at specific ancient, medieval, and modern selections (disputations, biblical commentaries, poetry, etc.) arranged topically. Topics include "true" Israel, Messiah and Christ, law and grace, letter and Spirit, and the scepter of Judah. The collection is accompanied by commentary.
B. Ecclesial Statements and Commentaries
Bishops Committee on the Liturgy. God's Mercy Endures Forever: Guidelines on the Presentation of Jews and Judaism in Catholic Preaching. Washington, D.C.: United States Catholic Conference, Inc., 1988.
A useful, brief and accessible resource written to help people implement the Vatican's "Notes on the Correct Way to Present the Jews and Judaism in Preaching and Catechesis of the Roman Catholic Church." Although addressed to preachers, educators will find the specific suggestions helpful as well. Includes sections on Advent, Lent, Holy Week, and the Easter Season, along with a consideration of the Jewish character of the liturgy.
Brooks, Roger, ed. Unanswered Questions: Theological Views of Jewish-Catholic Relations. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1988.
Papers by Jewish and Christian scholars from a 1985 symposium at Notre Dame on the 20th anniversary of Nostra aetate. They analyze the document, consider official developments since 1965 and their effect on religious education, and explore questions for the future.
Croner, Helga, ed. Stepping Stones to Further Jewish-Christian Relations: An Unabridged Collection of Christian Documents. A Stimulus Book. London and New York: Stimulus Books, 1977 [now published by Paulist Press].
____, ed. More Stepping Stones to Jewish-Christian Relations: An Unabridged Collection of Christian Documents 1975- 1983. A Stimulus Book. New York/Mahwah, New Jersey: Paulist Press, 1985.
As the titles suggest, these books are anthologies of significant, official declarations made by church bodies. In the latter volume, the statements are preceded by three commentaries from Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish perspectives. Essential resource.
Dawe, Donald G. and Aurelia T. Fule, eds., Christians and Jews Together ? Voices from the Conversation. Louisville: Theology and Worship Ministry Unit, Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., 1991.
A series of commentaries on the document adopted by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.) in 1987 for study and reflection, "A Theological understanding of the Relationship between Christians and Jews." Varied responses to a brief document.
Ditmanson, Harold H., ed. Stepping Stones to Further Jewish-Lutheran Relationships. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1990.
Editor Ditmanson has collected and analyzed nine key statement from various bodies of the Lutheran church from 1964 through 1982. Essays by Eric Gritsch and Johannes Wallman on Luther's writings and the Jews complete this volume.
Fisher, Eugene J. and Leon Klenicki, eds. Pope John Paul on Jews and Judaism 1979 -1986. Washington, D.C.: NCCB/USCC, 1987.
A collection of all of the officially printed addresses and remarks made throughout the world by Pope John Paul II from 1979 - 19S6. In an introduction and initial thematic commentary, the editors note the positive development of the Pope's theological understanding of the Jewish-Christian relationship. These are followed by the chronological presentation of his statements.
____, eds. Spiritual Pilgrimage: Texts on Jews and Judaism 1979-1985 [by Pope John Paul II]. New York: Anti-Defamation League and Crossroad, 1995.
After briefly establishing the context for the documents, editors Fisher and Klenicki present the texts of Pope John Paul (speeches, homilies, statements) in chronological order.
____, eds. In Our Time: The Flowering of Jewish- Catholic Dialogue. A Stimulus Book New York/Mahwah: Paulist Press, 1990
Contains the three statements that constitute official Roman Catholic teaching on Jews and Judaism ("Declaration on the Relationship of the Church to Non-Christian Religions" [Nostra aetate, no 4], "Guidelines and Suggestions for Implementing the Conciliar Declaration, Nostra aetate, no. 4," and "Notes on the Correct Way to Present the Jews and Judaism in Preaching and Catechesis in the Roman Catholic Church"), along with two subsequent statements. The editors analyze the importance of the statements and their impact from their respective Catholic and Jewish perspectives. Includes a helpful chart comparing the three official Vatican statements--issued in 1965, 1974, and 1985--and an annotated bibliography written by Eugene Fisher.
Fisher, Eugene J., A. James Rudin and Marc H. Tanenbaum, eds. Twenty Years of Jewish-Catholic Relations. New York/Mahwah, New Jersey: Paulist Press, 1986.
A collection of essays by Jewish and Catholic scholars regarding a variety of topics including liturgy, Scripture, Israel, and religious education. Also has an essay entitled "The Los Angeles Story," which chronicles the activities of that community's interfaith efforts (see below, A Journey of Discovery.) Valuable perspectives on the post-Nostra aetate developments.
Fisher, Eugene, ed. Interwoven Destinies: Jews and Christians Through the Ages. A Stimulus Book. New York/Mahwah, New Jersey: Paulist Press, 1993.
An excellent overview of Jewish-Christian relations in history, organized around four topics (Christianity in the context of Second Temple Judaism, the parting of the ways, medieval developments, and Judaism and Christianity in the modern world). A brief, accessible collection of essays by Jewish and Christian authors.
"Luther, Lutheranism and the Jews," Interfaith Focus (Allentown: Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding [Muhlenberg College] and New York: Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, 1995.
Text of the 1994 "Declaration of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America," with commentary.
Ruokanen, Miikka. The Catholic Doctrine of Non-Christian Religions According to the Second Vatican Council. Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1992.
In this closely argued analysis of Nostra aetate in the context of other documents from Vatican II, the author investigates the extent to which that document represented a significant change in Catholic doctrine. The central question he pursues is this: "In what way are non-Christian religions salvific in and through themselves?" He concludes that the "doctrine of the Second Vatican Council on non-Christian religions is rather conservative and faithful to the accepted Catholic dogma. The Council permitted no reinterpretation of its standard doctrine in christology and soteriology."
Willebrands, Johannes Cardinal. Church & Jewish People: New Considerations. New York/Mahwah, New Jersey: Paulist Press, 1992.
Since 1974, Cardinal Willebrands has served as president of the Vatican's Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews. In this book many of his lectures and articles are presented, providing an impressive description of the progress in relations between Catholics and Jews since Vatican II. Cardinal Willebrands includes reflections on the anniversaries of Nostra aetate, Pope John Paul II's stance toward Jews, antisemitism in the church, the Shoah, Israel, and religious pluralism
World Council of Churches. The Theology of the Churches and the Jewish People. Geneva: WCC Publications, 1988.
This volume collects twenty major statements from six assemblies of the World Council of Churches and from other ecclesial bodies. Commentary by leading theologians--Allan Brockway, Paul van Buren, Rolf Rendtorff and Simon Schoon--follows the documentation.
C. Theological Resources
Burrell, David and Yehezkel Landau, eds. Voices From Jerusalem: Jews and Christians Reflect on the Holy Land. A Stimulus Book. New York/Mahwah, New Jersey: Paulist Press, 1991.
A discussion of the meaning of holiness regarding particular locations, and the problems that emerge from debate regarding Jewish, Christian, and Muslim claims to holy places. Written by scholars residing in Israel, and a fine source for understanding contemporary discussions about the peace process in the Middle East.
Cohen, Martin and Helga Croner, eds. Christian Mission-Jewish Mission. A Stimulus Book NewYork/Ramsey, New Jersey, 1982.
A collection of essays providing an overview of the varied uses and meaning of the term "mission" for Christians and Jews. Includes Protestant, Catholic, Reformed/Evangelical, Asian and African interpretations of the term, as well as an interpretation of the mission of Israel. Contemporary Jewish attitudes on mission and conversion are also included.
Eckardt, A. Roy. Reclaiming the Jesus of History: Christology Today. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1992.
An imaginative attempt to rework christological claims in light of the scholarship of the Jewish-Christian dialogue by a scholar with long experience in it. He attempts to "affirm the salvational power of the event of the Jesus of history without permitting the Christian faith to nurture idolatry (e.g., transmuting Jesus into the "center" of all human history).
Fasching, Darrel J. The Coming of the Millennium. Valley Forge: Trinity Press International, 1996.
Fasching argues that Christians must pursue an "alienated theology," that is, a theology done as if they were aliens and strangers to their own stories and traditions. Instead, they should see them instead through the stranger's eyes, thereby coming to understand that the essence of evangelization is hospitality to the stranger.
Harrelson, Walter and Randall M. Falk. Jews & Christians: A Troubled Family. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1990.
An upbeat book, written in conversational style by a Christian biblical scholar and a rabbi who alternately share their understanding of key Jewish and Christian concepts (including Scripture, God, Jesus, the Holocaust, election, covenant, mission, Israel, and the relationships of Jews and non-Jews). Their introductory level and simple approach make this an accessible book.
Kellenbach, Katharina von. Anti-Judaism in Feminist Religious Writings. Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1994.
Kellenbach's incisive critique reveals how certain feminist theologians, American and German, portray Judaism as the antithesis of feminist values and associate it with patriarchy and sexism. She demonstrates the bias of some Christian feminists in singling out Judaism as the root cause of militarism, authoritarianism, intolerance and sexism. Solid scholarship.
Klenicki, Leon. Toward a Theological Encounter: Jewish Understandings of
Christianity. A Stimulus Book. New York/Mahwah, New Jersey: Paulist Press, 1991.
An excellent collection of essays by Jewish scholars that lays out some varied attitudes regarding Christianity. The essays address, among other topics, general themes in the dialogue, the centrality of covenant and three theological perspectives on Christianity.
Lodahl, Michael E. Shekhinah/Spirit: Divine Presence in Jewish and Christian Religion. A Stimulus Book. New York/Mahwah, New Jersey: Paulist Press, 1992.
Lodahl wrestles with three theological difficulties–exclusivism, evil and eschatology–and argues for a revision of the doctrine of the Spirit in the light of Jewish-Christian dialogue.
Lowe, Malcolm, ed. Orthodox Christians and Jews on Continuity and Renewal. Jerusalem: Ecumenical Theological Research Fraternity in Israel, 1994.
Papers from a 1993 conference. Three themes are each addressed by a Jewish and Orthodox scholar: Scripture and hermeneutics, memory and responsibility, and faithfulness to the roots and commitment toward the future. The second major part provides history of the dialogue between Orthodox Christians and Jews, including a bibliography.
Lubarsky, Sandra B. Tolerance and Transformation: Jewish Approaches to Religious Pluralism. Cincinnati: Hebrew Union College Press, 1990.
Lubarsky elucidates the concept of "veridical pluralism," that is, the position that there is more than one tradition that "speaks truth" as a major element in her argument for "transformative dialogue." She illustrates the latter by studying Judaism's encounter with Buddhism.
Merkle, John C. ed. Abraham Joshua Heschel: Exploring his Life and Thought. New York and London: Macmillan, 1985.
Heschel, who died in 1972, was not only one of the leading Jewish scholars of this century, but a towering figure in ecumenical work. This volume, a collection of papers from a symposium in 1983, testifies to Heschel's influence on Jews and Christians alike.
Novak, David. Jewish-Christian Dialogue: A Jewish Justification. New York: Oxford University Press, 1989.
Novak develops a Jewish theology of the Jewish-Christian dialogue an through an exploration of the Noahide laws, and other sources from the tradition, including the thinking of Rabbenu Jacob Tam, Rabbi Menahem Ha-Meiri, and Maimonides.
Osten-Sacken, Peter von der. Christian-Jewish Dialogue: Theological Foundations. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1986.
Osten-Sacken envisions a transformation of Christian theology in light of its contemporary encounter with Judaism and the Jewish people. Here he traces his own position within the context of other studies, giving considerable emphasis to New Testament traditions and more extensive consideration to the theological status of "Jewish Christians." His work provides an excellent review of German scholarship.
Parkes, James. The Conflict of the Church and Synagogue. New York: Hermon Press, 1974.
One of the earliest and most important theological critiques of supersessionism. A classic work.
Rausch, David A. Building Bridges: Understanding Jews and Judaism. Chicago: Moody Press, 1988.
A crisp presentation of Judaism for Christians. Rausch explains basic concepts of Judaism, its calendar and understanding of the life cycle. Other topics include the people (both American and Israeli Jews), and their denominations (Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, etc.).
Rousmaniere, John. A Bridge to Dialogue: The Story of Jewish-Christian Relations. A Stimulus Book New York/Mahwah: Paulist Press, 1991.
A description of the history of Jewish-Christian relations from the first century to the present.
Rudin, A. James and Marvin R. Wilson, eds. A Time to Speak: The Evangelical-Jewish Encounter. Grand Rapids: William E. Eerdmans, 1987.
An anthology of essays exploring issues particular to the dialogue between Evangelicals and Jews.
Shermis, Michael and Arthur E. Zannoni, eds. Introduction to Jewish-Christian Relations. New York/Mahwah: Paulist, 1991.
The editors' purpose in compiling this volume was to develop a book that could introduce people to Jewish-Christian dialogue within a college or adult education setting. Chapters address aspects of the dialogue: Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, the Holocaust, the land of Israel, anti-Judaism and anti-Semitism, religious pluralism, Christology, intermarriage, and feminism. A concluding chapter speaks to the nature of Jewish-Christian dialogue, and describes how to participate and learn in the dialogue.
Thoma, Clemens and Michael Wyschogrod, eds. Parable and Story in Judaism and Christianity. A Stimulus Book New York/Mahwah, New Jersey: Paulist Press, 1989.
An exploration of the practice of "storytelling" common to Christians and Jews via studies on biblical parable and narrative.
Ucko, Hans. Common Roots New Horizons: Learning about Christian Faith from Dialogue with Jews. Geneva: WCC Publications, 1994.
An insightful and succinct presentation of ways in which the encounter with Judaism illumines some of the principal biblical and theological issues with which Christians wrestle.
Van Buren, Paul M. A Theology of the Jewish-Christian Reality: Part I, Discerning the Way. New York: Seabury, 1980.
____. A Theology of the Jewish-Christian Reality: Part II, A Christian Theology of the People of Israel. New York: Seabury, 1983.
____. A Theology of the Jewish-Christian Reality: Part III, Christ in Context. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1987.
A three-volume, systematic exploration of the implications that emerge withinChristianity when the continuing validity of the covenant between God and the Jewish people is acknowledged. Includes theological and Christological considerations, as well as discussion on creation, covenant, election, the people Israel, the land, Torah, and Jesus' relationship to Israel and Torah. Profound.
Wiles, Maurice. Christian Theology and Interfaith Dialogue. London: SCM Press and Philadelphia: Trinity Press International, 1992.
This brief work revolves around a central question: "Can Christian theology develop a doctrine of other religions which sees religions other than itself as also falling within the economy of God in such a way that a Christian can with full propriety enter into dialogue with them in the expectation of receiving as well as offering truth from God?"
Williamson, Clark M. A Guest in the House of Israel: Post-Holocaust Church Theology. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1993.
In light of two millennia of anti-Jewish teachings within the church (which played a role in enabling the Shoah to take place and which continue today), Williamson underscores the moral imperative facing Christians that demands that they re-think the way they understand their faith. An impressive, comprehensive, scholarly work of systematic theology that seeks to reshape fundamental church teachings on God, Jesus, Paul, covenant, scripture, and the nature of the church itself.
Wilson, Marvin R. Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans and Dayton: Center for Judaic-Christian Studies, 1989.
Wilson, one of the leading evangelical scholars involved in Jewish-Christian relations, explicates the heritage Judaism bequeathed to the Church. He investigates what it means for Christians to be "grafted" onto the Jewish people, surveys the history of the relationship of the two peoples, explores the importance of the Old Testament and looks at instances where the Jewish heritage is particularly influential in the life of the Church.
D. Educational and Liturgical Materials
Boys, Mary C. Jewish-Christian Dialogue: One Woman's Experience. New York: Paulist, 1997.
This monograph explores the contribution of serious and sustained encounter with another religious tradition as one of the most significant factors in forming healthy religious commitments.
Bradshaw, Paul F. and Lawrence A. Hoffman, eds. The Changing Face of Jewish and Christian Worship in North America. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1991.
This book covers three areas. It explores the nature of liturgical traditions in the light of Jewish-Christian dialogue, describes changes in worship and liturgy (Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, and the new Reform and Conservative liturgies), and evaluates liturgical reform from the perspectives of theology, poetics, and feminism.
Cohn-Sherbok, Dan. A Dictionary of Judaism & Christianity. Philadelphia: Trinity Press International, 1991.
Key concepts, beliefs and practices of Judaism and Christianity are discussed and compared in an accessible format.
Cunningham, Philip A. Education for Shalom: Religion Textbooks and the Enhancement of the Catholic and Jewish Relationship. Collegeville: The Liturgical Press and Philadelphia: American Interfaith Institute, 1995.
A thorough analysis of textbooks used in Catholic schools and religious education programs. Cunningham updates previous studies by Rose Thering and Eugene Fisher, and ably demonstrates some of the progress that has been made while also identifying remaining problems. Shows how ecclesial documents can be used. A supplementary essay applies his same methodology to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
____. Proclaiming Shalom: Lectionary Introductions to Foster the Catholic and Jewish Relationship. Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1995.
Cunningham has written concise introductions to the Sunday readings (following the Roman Catholic lectionary) that help lectors to place texts in context. This book is especially useful when the juxtaposition of texts can be all too readily interpreted in a supersessionist manner.
Efroymson, David P., Eugene J. Fisher, Leon Klenicki, eds., Within Context: Essays on Jews and Judaism in the New Testament. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 1993.
Essays by Christian scholars regarding salient issues (a faithful portrait of Judaism, Paul and the Law, opponents of Jesus), events (the passion and death of Jesus) and scripture texts (e.g., the synoptic Gospels, the Gospel of John) that have been problematic in teaching about Jews and Judaism. The book includes the twelve-page statement, "Within Context," published in 1986 as a guide for Catholic teachers, homilists and textbook publishers.
Fisher, Eugene, J. Faith Without Prejudice: Rebuilding Christian Attitudes Toward Judaism. New York: Crossroad, 1993.
An entry-level book written for Christians and designed to help them translate the spirit of Nostra aetate and other ecclesial statements into action in the classroom, the parish, and at the pulpit.
____. Seminary Education and Christian Jewish Relations: A Curriculum and Resource Handbook. 2nd, rev. ed. Washington, D.C.: The National Catholic Educational Association, 1988.
Suggests ways that issues and insights raised as a result of Jewish-Christian dialogue and contemporary scholarship can and should be incorporated into Catholic seminary education.
____. (From the Original by Bernhard C. Olson) Homework for Christians:
Preparing Christian-Jewish Dialogue. 3rd, rev. ed. New York: National Conference of Christians and Jews, 1989.
An introductory level study guide for small groups, divided into six sessions which address: the New Testament, self-definition over against "the other," conversion and persecution, the crucifixion, anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, and issues in Jewish- Christian dialogue. Includes discussion questions and suggestions for further reading.
Fisher, Eugene J. and Leon Klenicki, eds. Understanding the Jewish Experience. New York: Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, 1993.
A joint educational program of ADL and the U.S. Catholic Conference, designed to help Catholic teachers "develop the attitudes and skills necessary to present an accurate portrait of Jews and Judaism to their students." Includes suggestions for implementing such a program jointly with regional ADL directors, four sample program outlines, titles of pertinent publications and audio-visual materials, and copies of a series of short articles by Fisher and Klenicki.
Jews and Catholics: From Fear to Friendship. New York: Union of American Hebrew Congregations, 1986.
A video chronicling the importance of Nostra aetate as a watershed event, as seen from the perspective of Reform Judaism. Includes a brief history of Jewish persecutions by Christians, footage from Pope John Paul II's historic visit to the Great Synagogue in Rome, and excerpts from addresses given at the 1985 UAHC Biennial meeting in Los Angeles.
Kee, Howard Clark and Irvin J. Borowsky, eds. Removing Anti-Judaism from the Pulpit. Philadelphia: American Interfaith Institute and New York: Continuum, 1996.
The initial section of this collection consists of essays exploring hermeneutical principles that might undergird more adequate preaching by Christians. The second section offers examples of specific sermons.
Pawlikowski, John T. and James A. Wilde. When Catholics Speak About Jews: Notes for Homilists and Catechists. Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1987.
An accessible resource similar to God's Mercy Endures Forever, but also provides detailed suggestions for sensitive teaching, preaching, writing, and praying. Includes suggestions for working with difficult scripture texts and difficulties arising from the order in which passages appear within the lectionary, sample homilies, reflections, bulletin announcements, and petitions for intercessions.
Shermis, Michael. Jewish-Christian Relations: An Annotated Bibliography and Resource Guide. Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, 1988.
This useful volume provides an extensive listing of publications on Jewish-Christian relations up to the late 1980s.
Sternfeld, Janet. Homework for Jews: Preparing/or Jewish-Christian Dialogue. 2nd, rev. ed. New York: National Conference of Christians and Jews, 1985.
An introductory-level study guide for small groups, divided into six sessions which address the demands of dialogue, common concerns about participating in dialogue, Christian diversity, the changing Christian attitude toward Jews, Israel, and self-definition. Includes discussion questions and suggestions for further reading. Some material is dated, but the format is helpful.
Strom, Margot Stern. Facing History and Ourselves' Holocaust and Human Behavior. Watertown, Massachusetts: Intentional Educations, Inc., 1982.
A curriculum produced by the Facing History foundation, designed as a tool for moral education targeting "hatred, prejudice, racism and indifference" through study of the history of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, Though not designed specifically for religious education, religious educators and their students will benefit from its use.
The Union of American Hebrew Congregations, The Presbyterian Church (U.S:A.), and The National Council of Churches of Christ in the U. S. A. Thinking and Working Together: Study and Action Suggestions for Jewish and Christian Congregations. Louisville: Global Mission Ministry Unit, Presbyterian Church, 1993.
A pamphlet containing concise suggestions for twelve interfaith discussion sessions (six with a spiritual and theological emphasis, and six emphasizing religion and social action), along with suggestions for acting together in a social justice project in the community. The three modules encourage Jews and Christians to participate with one another in thoughtful conversation and/or community action and reflection.
Williamson, Clark M. and Ronald J. Allen. Interpreting Difficult Texts: Anti-Judaism and Christian Preaching. London: SCM Press, and Philadelphia: Trinity Press International, 1989.
The authors lay out the historical context, showing how anti-Judaism has shaped much Christian preaching. They then suggest ways in which texts might be understood, concluding with three exegetical case studies.
Wolf, Rabbi Alfred and Monsignor Royale M. Vadakin, eds. A Journey of Discovery: A Resource Manual for Jewish-Catholic Dialogue. Valencia, California: Tabor Publishing, 1989.
While the title of this publication suggests that it is a manual designed to help implement endeavors in Jewish-Catholic dialogue, it is more accurately a chronicle of the Jewish-Catholic activities of one community (Los Angeles).
Barbara Veale Smith initially prepared this bibliography in collaboration with Mary Boys in 1993 for participants in the Catholic-Jewish Colloquium. In 1996 and 1997 Boys updated the entries, revised some of the annotations, and added works from other Christian traditions.
Suggestions for inclusion in the bibliography may be sent to:
Mary C. Boys
Skinner & McAlpin Professor of Practical Theology
Union Theological Seminary
3041 Broadway at Reinhold Niebuhr Place
New York, N.Y. 10027
212-280-1367 Fax 212-280-1416
e-mail: mboys@uts.columbia.edu
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