Modern Jews Engage the New Testament

Enhancing Jewish Well-Being in a Christian Environment

Michael J. Cook

• Publisher: Jewish Lights
• Year: 2012
• ISBN:
  9781580236218
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Jewish Theology

An honest, probing look at the dynamics of the New Testament—in relation to problems that disconcert Jews and Christians today.

Despite the New Testament's impact on Jewish history, virtually all Jews avoid knowledge of its underlying dynamics. Jewish families and communities thus remain needlessly stymied when responding to a deeply Christian culture. Their Christian friends, meanwhile, are left perplexed as to why Jews are wary of the Gospel's "good news."

This long-awaited volume offers an unprecedented solution-oriented introduction to Jesus and Paul, the Gospels and Revelation, leading Jews out of anxieties that plague them, and clarifying for Christians why Jews draw back from Christians' sacred writings.

Accessible to laypeople, scholars and clergy of all faiths, innovative teaching aids make this valuable resource ideal for rabbis, ministers and other educators. Topics include:

• The Gospels, Romans and Revelation— the Key Concerns for Jews
• Misusing the Talmud in Gospel Study
• Jesus' Trial, the "Virgin Birth" and Empty Tomb Enigmas
• Millennialist Scenarios and Missionary Encroachment
• The Last Supper and Church Seders
• Is the New Testament Antisemitic?

While written primarily with Jews in mind, this groundbreaking volume will also help Christians understand issues involved in the origin of the New Testament, the portrayal of Judaism in it, and why for centuries their "good news" has been a source of fear and mistrust among Jews.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Dedication
• Epigraph
• Contents
• Before We Proceed: How to Read This Book
• Introduction: Reversing “Statuary Blindness” —the Goal That Distinguishes This Book
• Notes on Terminology—Keeping Our Referents Straight
• Part One: Renouncing Intentional Ignorance
• Part Two: Basics We Should Know
• Part Three: Reasoning Matters Through
• Part Four: Christian Holy Days: Beneficial Applications of Jewish Gospel Study
• Part Five: Primary New Testament Writings: A Concern for Jews from Each
• Part Six: When Wariness Is Warranted: New Testament Knowledge for Self-Defense
• Part Seven: Integrating Matters
• Suitability Index for Using This Multipurpose Book: Matching Contents to Occasion
• Listing of Figures
• Acknowledgments
• Abbreviations
• Notes
• Selected Bibliography
• Modern Author Index
• Scripture Index
• Gospel Dynamics Index
• Subject Index
• About the Author
• Copyright
• Also Available
• About Jewish Lights