Jews & Christians: A Troubled Family

by Walter Harrelson, Randall M. Falk

This eye-opening dialogue between a rabbi and a Christian scholar challenges Jews and Christians to examine their misconceptions and prejudices about each other's faith. Here, a Christian and a Jew stand on common ground. Rather than simply interpreting their own respective heritages, each seeks to present his own insights into the other's religious community. Topics discussed include Scripture, God, Jesus, the Holocaust, election, covenant, and mission. Jews and Christians is a living dialogue of faith designed to foster mutual understanding and respect between the two religions.

Genres: Religion, Christianity

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1990

Reviews

[Empress5150 · Rating 4 out of 5]

My current Bible study group is delving into Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts. We were encouraged to read this as supplemental material during the Genesis/Exodus study.

I am SO glad I took it on first. I learned quite a bit, which was to be expected; but, more importantly, I learned history, MY history; and, that Judaism and Christianity are united in many, many beliefs.

For this following statement alone, I'm glad I read this book as it truly sums up my own personal feelings (as a Christian):

"Many Christians find it quite unsatisfactory to speak of Jesus as the only way to God...exclusive claims in the name of one's religion are hard to make in our religiously pluralistic world. While we need to insist there is one God, we do not need to insist that our way to God is the only permissible way".

And also,
"We are meant to be the light before nations, NOT the light that nations should accept as theirs".

Also extremely fascinating (but chilling and mind boggling) the explanation to the rise of/acceptance of Anti-Semitism on the part of Christians; something that, tragically, still exists in rampant form.

I borrowed this book but will be purchasing it for my personal reference library; there is so much contained within it that I will want to refer back to time and time again.

I only wish there was an updated edition since this was published in 1990 and it would be helpful to have further insights on The State of Israel now that 23 years have passed, especially given our times now.

[Jeremiah Batson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a series of essays written by a Christian scholar and Jewish Rabbi and is presented as an inter-faith dialogue. The topics covered are both religious and socio-political, such as viewpoints on Jesus, the Scripture, the modern state of Israel, and the Holocaust. The results of such as dialogue here are disappointingly mixed. Interestingly, I often agree more with Rabbi Falk's interpretation of biblical texts than Harrelson. Walter Harrelson also has a tendency to either gloss over and sometimes outright contest key tenets of Christian orthodoxy. Some of the ones he rejects are foundational to why Christianity is a separate religion in the first place (such as Jesus of Nazareth's exclusive claims of access to the Father. The exclusity and eminence of Jesus is a clear teaching of New Testament Scripture). Harrelson argues in multiple places that both Jews and Christians have equal access to God and leave the door wide open for other religions as well. He explicitly precludes the idea of missions to Jews and puts Moses on the same level of importance as Jesus. I don't see how one can view Christian Scripture as authoritative and reach these conclusions. Perhaps Harrelson's comclusions are clouded his eagerness to bridge the Jewish-Christian divide. His conclusions in many sections are nothing more than pure religious relativism: a corrosive agent that would sweep away both Christianity and Judaism if left uncontested by the faithful.
This book is still helpful for understanding the history of Jewish-Christian relations and the issues that cause inter-faith dialogues between the two groups to break down- despite the poor representation on the Christian side.

[Alix Stricklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, the (very slight) negative first. This is a back-and-forth book, discussing various issues from both the Jewish and Christian perspectives. The negative - Jewish side gets a bit whiney. I have both Jews and Christians in my family, and the Jews agree that this is whiney, too.

However, mostly positives. If you are a Christian, this is going to educate you a lot - a lot of things that Jews take for granted, based on their history, that we ignoramuses are unaware of (since no one teaches this stuff).

[Jellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting look at the theological similarities and differences among Jews and Christians, and the historical actions and attitudes which have influenced relationships between the two groups. The book is, however, quite dated, referring to the Soviet Union as an actor in the Middle East. I learned much from this book, and it left me wanting to learn more.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a bible study my church is doing. I didn't know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was informative and insightful, and I came away with a new understanding of how those of the Jewish faith view those of the Christian faith. I reccomend this to anyone who wants to know more about Jewish-Christian relations.

[Michele Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very eye opening book and I am enjoying it. The concepts seem simple but they are things I have never thought about. I like the dialogue: each issue is addressed from the Jewish outlook and the Christian outlook by chapter. How wonderful to have open dialogue and know where other people are "coming from".

[Tony · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's a merely adequate dialogue on the importance of reconciliation between Christians and Jews. Coupled with some alarmingly racist historical statements and rather out of date political discussion, the book comes in at "meh, at best." Just skip it.