Christians & Jews—Faith to Faith: Tragic History, Promising Present, Fragile Future

Rudin, who was national interreligious affairs director for the American Jewish Committee for more than three decades, draws on his extensive experience in interfaith meetings for the observations he offers. He emphasizes Jewish-Christian relationships, but recognizes the necessity of including Muslims in current interreligious discussions. Most of the book is devoted to the birth of Christianity and the relationship between Jews and Christians in biblical times and in the Middle Ages, a focus that finally shifts when he discusses the distortions and deceptions of Hebrew Christians in missionary activities aimed at Jews. A chapter on the Holocaust emphasizes the role of Christians in murdering Jews and urges consideration of the Holocaust in “every interreligious encounter.” Rudin concludes with a plea for religious pluralism as “a necessary antidote” to “endless ethnic and religious conflicts.” He provides a discussion guide for Jewish-Christian study sessions and an eight-page list of suggested readings that includes four of his eight books. Rudin’s emphasis on history limits the value of this book; today’s issues provide more timely topics for groups wishing to improve interreligious relationships. (Feb.)