Jews & Christians:
Related but Distinct
Jesus of Nazareth was an observant Jew who, based on the historical evidence, did not intend to become the founder of a new religion. Rather, like many Jews before and after him, he questioned some of the ways in which Judaism was being practiced in his day.
After his death, his followers embraced a number of beliefs and practices which diverged from mainstream Judaism. Gradually, the two communities parted ways and evolved into two separate religious traditions, known as Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity.
Ever since this early parting of the ways, both Jewish and Christian thinkers have grappled with the question of how to define and understand the relationship between Judaism and Christianity – not just historically but also within the framework of their respective theological traditions.
The study series explores the writings of several exemplary thinkers who have proposed models for understanding the complex relationship between Judaism and Christianity. In addition, participants study and discuss public declarations by both the Jewish and Christian communities which call for a reassessment of traditional views in light of the Shoah.
