Christian Engagements with Judaism

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

This volume gathers together studies on various "engagements" between Judaism and Christianity. Following an introduction on "my odyssey in New Testament interpretation," Professor Davies examines such topics as the nature of Judaism, canon and Christology, Torah and dogma, law in Christianity, and the promised land in Jewish and Christian tradition. Part II focuses on Paul and Judaism, with special attention to Paul and the exodus, Paul and the law, and the allegory of the two olives in Romans 11:13-24. Part III looks at the background and origins of the Gospels, centering specifically on Matthew and John. Part IV takes up an exclusively American engagement with Judaism, that is, the Mormon's claim to be Christian and their assertion that they are genealogically connected with Jews and therefore physically a recovered, restored, and reinterpreted Israel. The volume concludes with a discussion and critique of "mystical anti-Semitism," that is, ascribing to "The Jews" (not to "Jews") the central role in the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth, leading to a view of "The Jews" as essentially satanic or demonic. This collection of seminal essays by a preeminent New Testament scholar highlights the encounter of two great religious traditions and stimulates the dialogue between them. W. D. Davies was Emeritus Ivey Professor of Advanced Studies and Research in Christian Origin at Duke University. He was the author of many books, including Paul and Rabbinic Judaism and Jewish and Pauline Studies.

Reviews

"Everyone interested in Jewish-Christian dialogue will find in Christian Engagements with Judaism a major resource of Davies's life-long engagements with the inherent Jewishness of early Christianity." -- Jesper Svartvik, Lund University, Sweden, reviewing for Reviews in Jewish-Christian Relations, November-December 2000 -- Jesper Svartvik * Blurb from reviewer *
"An essential collection for students of late Judaism, early Christianity, and Jewish-Christian dialogue."--Fred W. Burnett, for Religious Studies Review, October 2000 -- Fred W. Burnett * Religious Studies Review *

Author Bio

W. D. Davies was Emeritus Ivey Professor of Advanced Studies and Research in Christian Origins at Duke University. He was Professor Emeritus at Union Theological Seminary, and Texas Christian University. He was the author of many books, including Paul and Rabbinic Judaism and Jewish and Pauline Studies.