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.
“A respectful and serious attempt from a Jewish perspective to deal with a subject often avoided by Jews and Christians alike.”
—Bible Today
“Will help Jews understand [Christian] literature in its context, and the way that it has been interpreted and employed.... Accessible, yet learned, a valuable resource for educators as well as interested non-specialists.”
—Jewish Book World
“A wonderful resource for Jews who
seek to take on the challenges posed by the New Testament and
for Christians who wish to understand Jews’ relationship
to Christian theology. Whether for individual or group study,
[its] educational value is without measure.”
—Rabbi
Eric H. Yoffie, president, Union
for Reform Judaism
“Superb. Builds on Cook’s
mastery of sound New Testament scholarship with innovative
interpretations and lucid [expression].... Useful for laity,
clergy and scholars, [and] essential for [those] dedicated to
Christian-Jewish dialogue.”
—Joseph
B. Tyson, professor emeritus of
religious studies, Southern Methodist University; author, Marcion and Luke-Acts: A Defining Struggle
“Interesting [and] capable.... On target and constructive.... Jews and Christians, scholars and ‘real people’ would do well to read this book.”
—Journal of Ecumenical Studies
“Covers the highlights of the
Gospels and New Testament Christianity and makes [readers new
to the topic] feel more at home. Useful for all engaged in
Jewish and Christian dialogue.”
—Rabbi
Burton L. Visotzky, Appleman
Professor of Midrash and Interreligious Studies, The Jewish
Theological Seminary; author, A
Delightful Compendium of Consolation
“Important.... Essential reading in Jewish and Christian seminaries, university religion courses and in synagogue and church study classes.”
—Religion News Service
“Practical, pointed and
provocative.... Points out how and why Jews need to understand
this material. A welcome addition to both New Testament
scholarship and Jewish-Christian relations.”
—Amy-Jill
Levine, E. Rhodes and Leona B.
Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies, Vanderbilt
University Divinity School
“Groundbreaking.... Extraordinary
insights into a long-neglected and misunderstood subject.
Essential reading for people of all religions.”
—Rabbi A.
James Rudin, senior interreligious
adviser, The American Jewish Committee
“An exciting and exacting learning experience for the enrichment and betterment of two sibling religions committed to biblical narrative and teaching.... Forges an indisputable link between Jesus and the Jews, a lesson Christians ought to know and Jews need to discover. A bridge-builder.”
—Shofar
“Distills modern New Testament
scholarship in a way that will greatly aid Jews.... Christians
reading it will be fascinated by this Jewish ‘take’
on it, and challenged in a positive way where they disagree,
and they will, with some of the author’s conclusions.
A must read for anyone involved in Jewish-Christian
dialogue!”
—Dr.
Eugene J. Fisher, associate
director emeritus, Secretariat for Ecumenical and
Interreligious Affairs, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
“Highly recommended for anyone interested in a look at the New Testament from another perspective.”
—Midwest Book Review
“Sharp insights, broad scholarship
and straight language ... opens up the world of the New
Testament and the dynamics that produced it [and] will yield
fruit for virtually every reader. Provocative without being
explosive, an inspired and inspiring resource for the next era
of Jewish-Christian encounter.”
—Rev.
Peter A. Pettit, PhD, director,
Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding, Muhlenberg
College
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