An introduction to Jewish-Christian relations /

In the last 50 years an increasing number of university-based research institutions have studied Jewish-Christian relations. For those interested in this research, this book by Kessler (Woolf Institute of Abrahamic Faiths, Cambridge, UK) provides a concise, succinct introduction to the encounter between Christians and Jews over the last two millennia. Assessing the impact of Jewish-Christian relations on intellectual and religious life, Kessler examines the early Christian movement, the New Testament, the writings of the church fathers, the medieval period, the Holocaust, and the churches today. His balanced approach includes an evaluation of rabbinic writings, considers the "outbreaks of tolerance and positive interaction between Jews and Christians" in the Middle Ages, differentiates between the churches' failure to condemn Nazi antisemitism and an explicit endorsement of Nazi policies, and considers current endeavors in Jewish-Christian dialogue. At the heart of this volume is Kessler's hope for the creation of a theology that goes beyond simple tolerance or acceptance to mutual affirmation. This book includes textual references and quotations, a comprehensive bibliography, and a helpful glossary and index. It is necessary reading for anyone interested in religiously, intellectually, or academically exploring the Jewish-Christian encounter. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates, general readers, and professionals/practitioners. M. F. Nefsky emerita, University of Lethbridge