Jews and Christians: The Myth of a Common Tradition

Jacob Neusner proposes that “there is not now, and there never has been, a dialogue between the religions of Judaism and Christianity.” The first part of the book represents historical discourse through which Professor Neusner underscores that, from the very beginnnings, the Judaic and Chrisitian religious worlds scarcely intersected (with the exception of the fourth century). In the second part, Neusner spells out theological reasons underlying the “myth” of a Judeo-Christian tradition. He calls for an understanding of religions as systems so that each party can describe fully, honestly and accurately the religion it proposes to bring into dialogue with the other. Only when both parties grasp what is meant in context can dialogue actually occur.

Throughout this absorbing book, Professor Neusner summons readers to make an effort to treat as legitimate and authentic religions other than their own, and to value a religion’s account of itself. Then genuine dialogue may be possible, and such dialogue is essential for world peace.