Description
Book SynopsisThis volume contains a variety of essays that deal with the complex relationships between Judaism and Christianity. From the Jewish side, particularly in Orthodox circles, there is a position maintaining the independence of Judaism from outside influences including Christianity. Traditional Christian theology, on the other hand, held a supercessionist view in which Judaism was seen merely as a historical preparation for the later revelation of Christianity. Was there no real interaction? When and how did Judaism and Christianity become two distinct religions? When did the 'parting of ways" take place, if indeed there really was such a parting of ways? The present volume takes a bold step forward by assuming that no historical period can be excluded from the interactive process between Judaism and Christianity, conscious or unconscious, as a polemical rejection or as tacit appropriation.
Trade Review"Opening this book is like facing a banquet table of exotic foods. It is beautiful, overwhelming, and indigestible in one sitting. It covers not only the whole sweep of history, but also literature, art, architecture, and ritual. Fifty-six pages of stunning color plates complete the volume. Discerning the relations between Judaism and Christianity has yielded many metaphors, mother-daughter, siblings, ways that part or not, and parallel lines.n this volume is no different, presenting those whose methodological sobriety rejects any influence, to those who assert conscious borrowing." – Claudia Setzer, in: Journal for the Study of Judaism 41 (2010)
