Postmissionary Messianic Judaism: Redefining Christian Engagement with the Jewish People

by Mark S. Kinzer

In recent years, a new form of Messianic Judaism has emerged that has the potential to serve as a bridge between Jews and Christians. Giving voice to this movement, Mark Kinzer makes a case for nonsupersessionist Christianity. He argues that the election of Israel is irrevocable, that Messianic Jews should honor the covenantal obligations of Israel, and that rabbinic Judaism should be viewed as a movement employed by God to preserve the distinctive calling of the Jewish people.

Though this book will be of interest to Jewish readers, it is written primarily for Christians who recognize the need for a constructive relationship to the Jewish people that neither denies the role of Jesus the Messiah nor diminishes the importance of God's covenant with the Jews.

Genres: Theology

320 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Dmcconkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally completed this book - took long time - responding in the margins & thinking through the arguments. It is an essential read for those working with Messianic congregations and seeking to understand the relationship between Judaism, Christianity and Messianic believers. One cannot read this without developing an opinion - most likely for or against - probably not many in the middle. To me one of the major issues is "identity" of a Jewish person/culture/people and the author has mixed this with theological issues - often not very successful. The author has the tendency to base his discussions on possible interpretations and then couple pages later state it as a fact accepted by the majority. Many of his arguments are based on this process and so you have statements assumed on loose foundations - never a good tactic. I rated as 4 because of the issues it addresses and the need for clarity of thought and explanation needed to resolves the questions.

[Daniel · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was heretical throughout. It discouraged evangelism on the part of Messianic Jews and encouraged them to get in touch with their Jewish roots. It said that the Jewish "No" to Yeshua was its "Yes" to YHWH!

[Adam Brickley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really amazing book and a real mind-stretcher. Kinzer is proposing some really big ideas here that you need to take time to think about, but he's articulated a really positive vision both for relation between Christianity and the Jewish People, but also for a revitalized relationship between the Messianic Jewish community and the Christian Church that is parallel and supportive rather than oppositional. A deeply thought-provoking and enriching read.

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half covering the Biblical exposition is excellent. The applications, however, can get extremely wonky, like the conclusion that Messianic Jews can marry unbelieving Jews with the goal of keeping the Jewish race around. Still very much worth reading for a nonsupercessionist interpretation of the NT. I don’t even think many of his conclusions are incompatible with Preterist eschatology (Kinzer is not a Dispensationalist).

[David M.]

Super cogent and helpful. I believe here I’ve found some answers to some specific things I’ve been trying to untangle for quite some time.

[B. Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the more important books that I've read this decade. A book that's having a large impact and much reaction, both positive and negative, in many circles of christianity. i'm half-way through. one main thesis: yeshua-believing jews keep the torah because God said so, not for missionary motives. nuanced, thought provoking, stimulating.