Tag Archives: theology

A Jewish Trinity has been published

My book, A Jewish Trinity: Contemporary Christian Theology through Jewish Eyes, has finally appeared. I thank my generous colleagues for some amazing blurbs for the book.

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Trinity-Contemporary-Christian-Theology/dp/1506484239

Bookshop.org

Barnes & Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-jewish-trinity-alan-brill/1146818166?ean=9781506484235

A Jewish Trinity: Contemporary Christian Theology through Jewish Eyes is a groundbreaking study that signifies a new development in the relation of Jews to Christianity. Alan Brill should be commended for the breadth and depth of his scholarship, as well as for his openness of mind and respectful approach to Christian tenets of faith. This is a unique achievement, and both Jews and Christians will greatly benefit from reading it. Yaakov Ariel, professor of religious studies, University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill

This book brims with generosity to Brill’s Christian interlocutors, grounded in his lifelong serious study of Christian texts and theologies and in his mastery of Jewish traditions. That such a book exists is a cause for rejoicing. Too often, Jewish and Christian thinkers avoid talking together in a constructively comparative way, due to a paralyzing fear of getting things wrong or being criticized by the other. This book is a treasure trove for future conversation, undertaken in a spirit of respect while avoiding a false syncretism. Matthew Levering, James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary, and author of Engaging the Doctrine of Israel

Alan Brill is central to the new age of Christian-Jewish theological dialogue and cooperation. Here, he shows his unique mastery of the greats of modern Christian theology. Brill reviews traditional Jewish and Christian background materials to modern positions to reveal fascinating parallels and important differences between Christian and Jewish theology. The book will be of great interest to Christians interested in comparisons between Jewish and Christian theology. In addition, it holds deep resources for work in constructive Jewish theology and contemporary Christian theology. Steven Kepnes, professor of world religions and Jewish studies, Colgate University

Brill’s approach to Christian and Jewish theologies as two vibrant, diverse, and constantly evolving traditions makes this book a true tour de force in comparative theology. Brill compellingly demonstrates that these two traditions coexist in a shared theological “neighborhood,” at times intersecting and at times diverging, without ever renouncing their common intellectual and spiritual milieu. A Jewish Trinity offers an inspiring, illustrative, and delightful journey into the multidimensional relationship between Christian and Jewish theologies, through which one can learn much about both oneself and the other. Karma Ben Johanan, Department of Comparative Religion, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and author of Jacob’s Younger Brother: Christian-Jewish Relations after Vatican I

Alan Brill is a master of Jewish and Christian sources, and this is a breakthrough book. He examines key Christian doctrines, showing commonality, difference, and intriguing unanswered questions arising from his comparative exercise. Brill keeps the conversation open and avoids any facile assimilation. Gavin D’Costa, professor of interreligious theology, Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas, Rome, and emeritus professor of Catholic theology, University of Bristol

The work of theological reflection in Jewish-Christian dialogue too often has been lop-sided, with Christian theological perspectives dominating. In this book, Alan Brill offers a Jewish counterweight, indicating new pathways for Jewish comparative theological reflections on core Christian doctrines. Such work is needed in order to propel the dialogue further. Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski, Kraft Family Professor and director of the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning at Boston College, and author of The More Torah, the More Life: A Christian Commentary on Mishnah Avot

Alan Brill’s direct engagement of Christian systematic theology helps advance the profoundly important but neglected area of theological study in the dialogue called for by the Second Vatican Council. The book significantly deepens the theological dimension of contemporary Christian-Jewish dialogue. Matthew Tapie, associate professor of theology, and director of the Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies, Saint Leo University

The end of weak thought?

Recently, several people have noted the similarities between the message of Chief Rabbi Sacks and Pope Benedict, both offering a critique of materialism and the lack of truth in modern life.

In the 50’s-70’s, people looked for meaning, in the 80’s until today people looked for a moral order – either conservative or progressive- but without a sense of universal truth.  Is there a return to reason in religion? Are we entering a new era of truth?

Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer, archbishop of São Paulo in Brazil, suggested that the great contrast between Ratzinger and Benedict has nothing to do with politics, but with his legacy and impact. Ironically, Scherer suggested, this consummate theologian may well make his most important contributions as pope not in theology, but rather in philosophy and even cultural criticism.

Surveying Benedict’s efforts so far, Scherer identified three key themes: the relationship between faith and reason; natural law; and the centrality of the human person. All three, Scherer said, offer a challenge to what Italians call the pensiero debole, or “weak thought,” of the modern world, meaning a lack of confidence in the ability of the human mind to ever find objective truth.

“This may seem a little out of place, because logically you’d expect a pope to talk about the importance of faith,” Scherer said. “That obviously is also important to Benedict XVI. Yet from the beginning, the pope also has been calling attention to human reason, the human capacity to reach the truth.”

In that sense, Scherer suggested, the real surprise of the papacy so far is that Ratzinger the theologian has emerged as Benedict the philosopher.

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