Overview
Jews and Christians have interacted for two millennia, yet there is no comprehensive, global study of their shared history. This book offers a chronological and thematic approach to that 2,000-year history, based on some 200 primary documents chosen for their centrality to the encounter. A systematic and authoritative work on the relationship between the two religions, it reflects both the often troubled history of that relationship and the massive changes of attitude and approach in more recent centuries. Written by a team leading international scholars in the field, each chapter introduces the context for its historical period, draws out the key themes arising from the relevant documents, and provides a detailed commentary on each document to shed light on its significance in the history of the Jewish–Christian relationship. The volume is aimed at scholars, teachers and students, clerics and lay people, and anyone interested in the history of religion.
Full Product Details
Author: Edward Kessler (University of Cambridge) ,
Neil Wenborn
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Weight: 1.058kg
ISBN: 9781009292160
ISBN 10: 1009292161
Pages: 618
Publication Date: 17 October 2024
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Manufactured on demand
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.
Reviews
"'An important moment has arrived with the publication of this superbly conceived book, which presents the first real canon of texts for the teaching of the history of Jewish-Christian relations. The authors and contributors can be congratulated for their judicious selection of materials and accessible contextual editorials that seek to capture the tumultuous landscape of what is arguably the archetypal inter communal narrative in Western history. They have succeeded spectacularly in equipping the student to dive deeply into the debates, danger and dialogue that have characterised the last two millennia of Jewish-Christian interaction.' Daniel R. Langton, Professor of Jewish history, Department of Religions and Theology, University of Manchester 'An invaluable anthology of material from two millennia of debate. The very varied texts are presented in first-class translations and accompanied by judicious and erudite commentary. At a time of resurgent prejudice and ignorance about Judaism in the Christian and post-Christian West, this is a deeply important work.' Rowan Williams, Honorary Professor of Contemporary Christian Thought, University of Cambridge 'Combining superbly curated primary source materials with expert commentary, this landmark publication is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the both the polemics and the possibilities in Jewish-Christian relations.' Amy-Jill Levine, Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies, Hartford International University for Religion and Peace 'The relationship between Judaism and Christianity has been complex and fraught. While intrinsically connected, the historic relationship has been characterized by rivalry, denial, contempt, and worse. Yet an amazing transformation has taken place in modern times, something that is in its own way without parallel, even if there is still a way to go. This impressive work traces the course of that relationship and includes an array of primary documents and commentaries, providing both a welcome comprehensive overview of Jewish-Christian relations as well as serving as an invaluable reference work on the subject.' Rabbi David Rosen, International President, Religions for Peace 'This incredibly comprehensive volume excerpts milestone texts from across the history of relations between Jews and Christians, elucidating their significance and influence with analyses by expert contributors. Its carefully selected and wide-ranging primary source materials span centuries, continents, and perspectives, while simultaneously offering an overarching vision of how the two communities have been constantly influencing each other for good or for ill. The oft-used phrase ""must reading"" truly applies to all those who desire to understand how our world today has been crucially shaped by the interactions between the uniquely intertwined Christian and Jewish peoples.' Philip A. Cunningham, Institute for Jewish-Catholic Relations, Saint Joseph's University 'This is a magisterial work which provides an accessible and authoritative insight into the history of Jewish-Christian relations. Written by leading scholars and practitioners, the Documentary History reflects its often troubled history, the massive and positive changes in relations in more recent times and demonstrates the unique and intimate relationship between Judaism and Christianity.' Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews 'This volume offers a comprehensive analysis of the history of Jewish Christian relationships for the past two millennia, and gives everyone, scholar or layperson, Jew and Christian, rabbi or priest or minister, a chance to explore the actual documents that help tell the story. Fascinating, important, and timely.' Rabbi Baroness Julia Neuberger"
Author Information
Edward Kessler MBE is Founder President of the Woolf Institute and a leading thinker in interfaith relations, primarily Jewish–Christian–Muslim relations. He founded the Woolf Institute in 1998 and was described by The Times Higher Education Supplement (London) as 'probably the most prolific interfaith figure in British academia'. Neil Wenborn is a full-time writer and publishing consultant who has published widely in both the UK and the US. He is the author of several biographies and is co-editor of the highly respected History Today Companion to British History (1995) and A Dictionary of Jewish–Christian Relations (2005).
