The Christian and the Pharisee: Two Outspoken Religious Leaders Debate the Road to Heaven

by R.T. Kendall, Rabbi David Rosen

The book reproduces a candid exchange of letters between two leading religious figures ' an evangelical preacher and a senior Jewish rabbi.

This groundbreaking publication is a rare opportunity to read the heartfelt correspondence of two prolific and acclaimed theologians, as they both seek to vigorously defend their own beliefs and allow themselves to be challenged by the claims of the other. As the discussion continues we see mutual respect grow and a strong friendship forged before the relationship is inevitably tested as they encounter points of seemingly irreconcilable differences.

Though there are issues and beliefs which separate the two theological camps, this book shows how they share enough to not only get along, but form strong alliances.

Genres: Theology, Judaism, Christianity

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2006

Reviews

[Aaron Dranoff · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a good example of the way two religions should dialogue with each other. It was done respectfully and curiously. I think RT Kendal does a great job showing what the heart behind Christian evangelism should be. However the substance itself of what the two men discuss is lacking. You will gain a decent though very confusing picture of:

1. The precedence of the Oral Torah over the Written Torah (in understanding)
2. Which passages in scripture divide Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity

I only gave the book 2 stars because
1. The Rabbi, David Rosen emphasized that it is a holy thing to engage scripture and pour over it even with someone who interprets it differently because they are from a different tradition, like RT Kendall. BUT he refused to actually explain his understandings of the key passages that they agreed divided the two religions. He wouldn’t allow the passages that divide the two religions to be a topic of discussion about who has the correct understanding of the Hebrew Bible.
2. R.T. Kendal did begin to explain his viewpoints on those passages, he follows the Rabbis lead in not pressing into those passages. But the reasons for his interpretations were not very well thought out. I say that because instead of trying to explain why the text means what it means, he appealed to the New Testament interpretation of the text.

The same criticism could be given to both authors. If the text actually means what you think it means, then you shouldn’t need to appeal to an outside source to prove that that’s what it means (New Testament for R.T and the Oral Torah for David)

[Colin Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exchange of letters by Orthodox Jew Rabbi David Rosen and Evangelical Christian Dr R.T. Kendall discussing the differences between them. It's an interesting and respectful exchange by two men who have become friends. It's revealing and helpful to see where each come from. And gave me in particular a better understanding into the Jewish faith.

It's interesting that David Rosen is happy to call himself a Pharisee a term that the New Testament uses in a negative way, however he is very different to the New Testament type of Pharisee. And while Dr Kendall makes the point that Christians have a command from Jesus to go into all the world and make disciples, the Rabbi states the Jewish faith while welcoming those who wish to join in makes no attempt to persuade anyone to do so.

Rosens views on seeking peace in the Holy Land and his belief that Palestinians have an equal right to be there good to read. We need more people like him especially as peace in that area has never seemed more elusive.

An interesting exchange of ideas which taught me as a Christian more about understanding Jewish teaching than I previously knew about.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the format---an exchange of letters between a rabbi and a pastor clarifying tenets of their faiths. Their conversation was engaging, even as they often exasperated each other. It was also sad, that while they each repeatedly affirmed their friendship and respect for one another, the spiritual gulf between them is too great. I learned a lot about what the Messiah, belief, keeping the commandments, sin and salvation mean to a Jewish person. At least I think Rabbi Rosen represents most observant Jews. The book's endorsements were mostly written by Christians. I have a few guesses as to why, but I'd like to hear someone else's thoughts on that point.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good engaging read from which I learned much. Neither co-author claimed to speak for all of their co-religionists instead providing their cases as individuals. Despite, in my personal opinion, some of their apologetic remarks sounding a little "saccharined" I am in no doubt that they were indeed sincere. I found it refreshing that each was able to present their opinions respectfully without pulling their punches or compromising their own tightly held mindsets. Overall a reading experience that I'm glad I did not miss.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I watched on YouTube the recorded sessions of “Jesus and the Pharisees: An Interdisciplinary Reappraisal” held in 2019 by the Pontifical Biblical Institute, and Rabbi David Rosen mentioned this book. I found Kendall’s chapters hard to read, but Rosen’s were clear and helpful. They are important reading for lay Christians and pastors who want to rid our preaching and teaching of anti-Judaism. This book is more accessible, too, for non-specialists, than the scholarly presentations of the conference.

[Ben Zajdel]

R.T. Kendall and Rabbi David Rosen debate the differences between Christianity and Judaism in The Christian and The Pharisee. The debate takes place in the form of letters written between the two. They discuss questions each has about the other's faith, and what the major differences are.

The thing that was most striking about this book was the candid and open responses of Kendall and Rosen. They pull no punches, freely discussing what they believe and what they feel is wrong in their respective religions. But they do so respectfully and graciously, never offending. It is the kind of discourse that all people should be capable of, but rarely are.

Kendall and Rosen cover controversial topics. Was Jesus the Messiah? Will the Jews be saved if they do not believe in Jesus? Is there more than one path to God? Both authors state their case plainly and eloquently. Rosen gives great information on what Orthodox Jews believe, and a history on how their tradition has evolved. This is a great read for anyone who wants to learn the differences and similarities between Christianity and Judaism.

[Scott Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pharisees. Extinct? Endangered? Neither. Alive and well, and not figuratively, either.

But before you assume you know their character and intentions, (for in the way you judge, you will be judged), let a Pharisee speak for himself. That's what Dr. R.T. Kendall did.

Evangelical leader R.T. Kendall invited his very good friend Rabbi David Rosen to exchange a series of letters with the intention of making them public - without revision!

I was pleasantly surprised at the heart-focus of Rabbi David Rosen, yet puzzled at first by his pluralism. Either pharisees have changed in nature over the millenia, perhaps taking Jesus' criticisms to heart, or we never really understood them.

And how can one be a pluralist, but not a relativist? The rabbi embodies that, too.

Finally, what about the Messiah? According to Judaism, his identity does not matter merely as much as the era that he will usher in.

[Barak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good exposition of the fundamental differences between Judaism and Christianity through a dialogue between a Rabbi and a Bishop.

As someone who was raised in Israel and lives in Australia, and who have had loaded religious debates with both sides (as an agnostic) I found this exchange highly interesting. Since then I recommended it to both Jews and Christians, but to it would seem that to no avail. Maybe they were not as religiously mature or confident as the interlocutors in the book.

Hmmm... coming to think of it, if I cannot get Christians or Jews to read it, Agnostics don't care to read it and atheists and other religiously denominated people would rather throw it to the flames, then who is the audience it is for? shame really...

[Poetreehugger · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book because a friend lent it to us. I don't think this is the kind of book I would ever pick up on my own.
For some reason I found the Jewish theologian sounded wiser than the evangelical theologian.
I did appreciate the reference to a statement by Bishop Krister Stendahl on page 105, by Rabbi Rosen, regarding three basic respectful rules for inter-faith dialogue. "There is nothing disloyal to one's own heritage in viewing something with admiration in another tradition."