Product Description

What starts as Rabbi David Rosen’s staunch defence of his tradition against Dr R. T. Kendall’s use of ‘Pharisee’ as a derogatory term blossoms into a fascinating exchange in which the two men openly discuss the basic tenets of their respective faiths. They explore the common ground that these two related religions share, and discover the fundamental differences that set them apart.

This groundbreaking publication is a rare opportunity to read the heartfelt correspondence of two prolific religious leaders, both acclaimed theologians, as they seek to both vigorously defend their own beliefs and allow themselves to be challenged by the claims of the other. As the discussion continues we see mutual respect grow and a strong friendship forged before the relationship is inevitably tested as they reach points of seemingly irreconcilable difference.

Is it possible for Christianity and Judaism to proactively co-exist when the bedrock of one denies the rationale of the other? This dignified book poses such difficult questions whilst offering greater understanding and hope for the future.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #198478 in Books
• Published on: 2006-03-16
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Chief Rabbi René-Samuel Sirat, former Chief Rabbi of France
A fascinating book of dialogue between a leading preacher and one of the most famous rabbis of our time.

Review
This is absolute gold dust. I have never read anything like it before. As a Christian leader with a Jewish family background, and a great love for Jewish people and Jewish roots, I shall treasure and promote widely this amazing volume. (Mark Stibbe )

This is absolutely brilliant. It will be one of the best books ever on Jewish Christian relations. It is the real thing, simply excellent. (Canon Andrew White )

Judaism and Christianity have for centuries been divided by the same holy scriptures. Anyone seeking to understand the chasm, and how to bridge it, should start by reading this erudite, civilised and charming debate between a Christian pastor and a 'Pharisee' rabbi. Their exchange of letters not only explains the common roots of two great religions in ancient Palestine, but also illuminates the today's conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

(Anton La Guardia, Diplomatic Editor, Daily Telegraph )

A fascinating book of dialogue between a leading preacher and one of the most famous rabbis of our time.

 

(Chief Rabbi René-Samuel Sirat, former Chief Rabbi of France )

No punches are pulled, no fundamental question of faith is avoided – but with humour, kindness, respect and love, fundamental issues of religion are discussed and probed. A timely and amazing book.

 

(George Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury )

What an interesting book this is! Two learned and deeply religious believers joining in a frank yet respectful dialogue that is marked by a no-holds-barred discussion and a brilliant exegetical study of Sacred Texts they both revere. Every religious person will find these exchanges fascinating, even if they may not accept their ultimate conclusions.

(Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop of Washington )

About the Author
Dr R. T. Kendall was for 25 years Minister of Westminster Chapel in London, and now lives in Florida, from where he continues his career as a popular Christian preacher and writer. His best-selling books include Total Forgiveness, The Anointing and Out of the Comfort Zone. Rabbi David Rosen, previously Chief Rabbi of Ireland, has for the last twenty years lived in Jerusalem where he currently holds a number of important posts, including Director of the Department for Interreligious Affairs and Director of the Heilbrunn Institute for International Interreligious Understanding of the American Jewish Committee, President of the World Conference on Religion and Peace and Honorary President of the International Council of Christians and Jews.

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Customer Reviews

A fascinating exchange between two religious leaders
This was a fascinating book - the chance to hear what modern Judaism actually is and to read of the interpretation of familiar Old Testament texts, so beloved by Christians, within a Jewish framework. The book is an exchange of letters between RT Kendall and Rabbi David Rosen, sometimes rather clumsily edited for publication, but showing the friendship and respect that these two men have for each other. They discuss the differences between Jewish and Christian views of belief, faith, the messiah, the nature of sin and routes to salvation amongst many topics. By the middle of the book I found RT Kendall's strong evangelistic stance to David Rosen rather toe-curling; the book was meant to be a debate but was moving away from that into a conversion attempt that felt rather awkward and embarrassing - especially when David Rosen explained how offensive proselytising can be to Jewish people. However there is evidently genuine affection and trust between the two people writing these letters and I was very drawn towards the humble and godly writing of David Rosen and the excellent way in which he described modern Jews, the descendants of the Pharisees of Jesus' day, and the ways in which Christians and Jews should work together for peace.