Jewish - Christian Dialogue

"One of the finest books available on the subject. Novak is very sensitive in his understanding of 'where Christians are' in relation to Judaism, and he makes many positive suggestions for the advancement of the dialogue."

--James Breckenridge, Baylor University

"This is a book from which both Jews and Christians will learn as much about their own traditions as about the other's. Highly recommended for upper-division undergraduate, graduate, and public libraries. Destined to become a classic in this sensitive and most timely area."

--Choice

"A carefully worked out and clearly written argument for Jewish involvement in the Jewish-Christian conversation....It should be of as much interest to Christians as to Jews, in discussing the future of the dialogue of these faith communities in the emerging post-modern, post-Christian world."

--Missiology

"Novak's blend of careful historical criticism with rigorous theological argument makes this an extremely important addition to a field too often characterized by apologetics and inter-communal politics. Essential reading for everyone interested in the theological dimensions of Jewish and Christian dialogue."

--Religious Studies Review

"An impressive book and an important sign of how theologically serious and significant the dialogue has become."

--The Christian Century

Oxford University Press Web Site, May, 2001

Many studies written about the Jewish-Christian relationship are primarily historical overviews that focus on the Jewish background of Christianity, the separation of Christianity from Judiasm, or the medieval disputations between the two faiths. This book is one of the first studies to examine the relationship from a philosophical and theological viewpoint. Carefully drawing on Jewish classical sources, Novak argues that there is actual justification for the new relationship between Judaism and Christianity from within Jewish religious tradition. He demonstrates that this new relationship is possible between religiously committed Jews and Christians without the two major impediments to dialogue: triumphalism and relativism. One of the very few books on this topic written by a Jewish theologian who speaks specifically to modern Christian concerns, it will provide the groundwork for a more serious development of Jewish-Christian dialogue in our day.