I'm currently reading Finding Messiah: A Journey into the Jewishness of the Gospel by Dr. Jennifer M. Rosner. Dr. Rosner was one of my seminary professors, and I learned so much from her! You can visit her website here.
I think it is so important for us to understand the Jewish roots of our Christian faith, the perspectives of our Jewish siblings, and Jesus' Jewish context. I have found that exploring Judaism enriches my faith and understanding of Jesus, far from inhibiting it. Here is GoodReads' summary of the book: "Jesus was Jewish, and his Jewish identity informed every aspect of his work, words, and witness. He came as the Messiah of Israel, God's covenant people, and he spoke the language of God's faithfulness to this people. So why does it seem that Judaism has little to do with our Christian discipleship today? Jennifer Rosner, a scholar of Jewish-Christian relations, takes us on a personal and corporate journey into the Jewish roots of Christian faith and practice. Understanding Judaism―and the way in which Judaism and Christianity became separate religions―is essential for a rich and holistic Christian identity. As a follower of Jesus who was raised in a Jewish home and who continues to live a Jewish life, Rosner has seen firsthand how a Christian faith can become impoverished when divorced from its Jewish roots. Finding Messiah follows Rosner's own journey in rediscovering the role of Judaism and God's covenant with Israel in Christian life and practice. When we begin to understand Christianity's indelible relationship to Judaism, key aspects of the Christian faith come alive and the wonder of the gospel becomes clear in new and powerful ways. Jesus' Judaism provides the foundation for the church that is built upon his name. Rediscover the Jewish Jesus, and in so doing, experience a deeper and richer faith than ever before." This is a book I emphatically recommend! Feel free to reach out with your thoughts, too. -- Pastor J Comments are closed.
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