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.
Industry Reviews
"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 Dupre, 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
