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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 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
“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
“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
“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
“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
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
1 When Advice of Sages Ceases to Be Sage Advice
2 Results of Ignorance: Evolving Jewish Views of Jesus
3 Presenting the New Testament: Order and Dis-orders
Part Two: Basics We Should Know
4 Prisms for Viewing Early Christianity
5 Jesus and His Setting in the Land of Israel
6 Paul in His Diaspora Context
Part Three: Reasoning Matters Through
7 Characteristic Jewish Perspectives on the Gospels
8 Mastering “Gospel Dynamics”: Avenues to Ponder
Part Four: Christian Holy Days: Beneficial Applications of Jewish Gospel Study
9 Christmas: Why the Infancy (“Virgin Birth”) Stories Arose
10 Maundy (Holy) Thursday: Can We Right What's Wrong with Church “Seders”?
11 Good Friday: Responding to Blame for Jesus’ Death
12 Good Friday (Extended): Did the Sanhedrin and Barabbas Episodes Actually Occur?
13 Easter: Empty Tomb Enigmas
Part Five: Primary New Testament Writings: A Concern for Jews from Each
14 Romans 9–11: Why Paul’s Anxiety for Israel?
15 The Gospel of Mark: Destabilizing a Betrayal by “Judas” (“the Jews”?)
16 The Gospel of Matthew: Why So “Pro-Jewish” a Flavor to So “Anti-Jewish” a Gospel?
17 The Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts: Did Jews Flock to Christianity? Luke’s Myth of the “Myriads”
18 The Gospel of John: Why Are Jesus’ Enemies So Conspicuously Termed “the Jews”?
Part Six: When Wariness Is Warranted: New Testament Knowledge for Self-Defense
19 The Christian Apocalypse: Jews as God’s Odometer in End-Times Scenarios
20 Neutralizing Missionary Encroachment: Conceptual Frameworks
Part Seven: Integrating Matters
21 My Personal Positions: Where They May Be Distinctive
22 Is the New Testament “Antisemitic”?
23 Never Again! Never Before!
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