Jesus Wasn't Killed by the Jews: Reflections for Christians in Lent - by Jon M Sweeney (Paperback)

About the Book

"Christian and Jewish scholars respond to the role of Gospel texts (particularly Lenten readings) in fostering anti-semitism"--

Book Synopsis

The Passion narratives contain painful anti-Semitic tropes--particularly the Gospel of John, which is read world-wide every Holy Week. These readings have been used over the centuries to brand the Jewish people as "Christ-killers" and to justify discrimination and violence. Here, religious scholars and writers address the historical, theological, and exegetical considerations to be addressed by every Christian in order to move beyond this toxic history.

Review Quotes

"This is a treasure of a little book. Thankfully, before the living memory fades, Sweeney has captured intimate and unadorned recollections from Merton's Gethsemani novices to render an impressionistic montage, a verbal collage, a communal sketch of life under the tutelage of the spiritual giant of the twentieth century."-Kathleen Noone Deignan, CND, Director, Institute for Earth and Spirit at Iona College; editor, A Book of Hours by Thomas Merton

"This collection of memories from Merton's former students provides a valuable opportunity to go beyond the Merton we encounter from his books and private journals to see him as his students and fellow monks saw him--as a teacher, spiritual director, and friend."-Gregory K. Hillis, Professor of Theology & Religious Studies, Bellarmine University; author, Man of Dialogue: Thomas Merton's Catholic Vision

"For the last two thousand years, Christians have wondered, asked, and been confused about this question. This new book is a tremendously helpful resource, drawing upon the work of some of the world's most learned experts, and will help you answer this essential question fully and finally." --James Martin, SJ, author, Jesus: A Pilgrimage

About the Author

Jon M. Sweeney is Editor at Large at Orbis Books and the author of more than forty books including The Pope Who Quit, which was optioned by HBO, The Complete Francis of Assisi, Meister Eckhart's Book of the Heart (coauthored with Mark S. Burrows), and Thomas Merton: An Introduction to His Life, Teachings, and Practices, published by St. Martin's Press and Penguin Random House Audio.