Modern Jews Engage the New Testament - by Michael J Cook (Paperback)

About the Book

The New Testament has a surprisingly rich and fascinating history of composition. By understanding the processes by which these writings came to be, you will have the tools you need to engage the New Testament critically.

Book Synopsis

The New Testament has a surprisingly rich and fascinating history of composition. By understanding the processes by which these writings came to be, you will have the tools you need to engage the New Testament critically.

Review Quotes

"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

About the Author

Rabbi Michael J. Cook, PhD, is professor of intertestamental and early Christian literatures and holds the Sol and Arlene Bronstein Professorship in Judaeo-Christian Studies at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. He is author of Modern Jews Engage the New Testament: Enhancing Jewish Well-Being in a Christian Environment (Jewish Lights) and is a leader in the field of Jewish-Christian relations.

Rabbi Michael J. Cook, PhD, is available to speak on the following topics:

• Jews, Jesus and "Gospel Dynamics" Why the Future Is Not What It Used to Be
• From Calvary to Oberammergau 2010: The Impact of Jesus' Death on Jewish Life
• Now That Jesus Hasn't Returned, What Does It Mean for the Jews?
• Jesus Was No Myth, But Who Then Was He?
• "And as They Were at Table Eating" (Mk 14): Could the Last Supper Have Been a Seder?