The Changing Christian World: A Brief Introduction for Jews

by Leonard A. Schoolman

Overview

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 As a result, they are stuck with an outdated understanding of Christian beliefs, practices and attitudes, especially with regard to their relationship with Judaism, Jews and Israel.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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781580233446
Publisher:	TURNER PUB CO
Publication date:	04/01/2008
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

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).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii
How the Christian World Has Changed 1

1 A Jew Looks at Theology 9
2 Sin 23
3 Jesus 37
4 End Times 53
5 Is the Bible True? 65
6 Are We Still Waiting for the Messiah? 77
7 Do Christians Still Want to Convert Us? 87
8 Israel and the Christians 99
9 Protestant Churches Today: Bigger and Smaller 109
10 Religious Influences on the U.S. Government 117
11 What Might the Future Hold? 131

Appendix 1: Dabru Emet 134
Appendix 2: Nostra Aetate 139
Notes 145
A Glossary of Christian Terms 148
Suggestions for Further Reading 154
Bibliography 159

Editorial Reviews

You all look the same to me—a common racist joke saying that all people of the same ethnic group are exactly alike. Only, as most people know, it is completely untrue. The Changing Christian World: A Brief Introduction for Jews is a guide for those in the Judaic community looking to understand and comprehend the massice and confusing force that engulfs the western world known as Christianity. Seeking a complete and non-generalizing understanding for amatuer Jewish theologians, The Changing Christian World: A Brief Introduction for Jews is highly recommended for community library Judaic and Christian Studies collections.

The Midwest Book Review - James A. Cox

"[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

From the Publisher