.- Prominent
reform Rabbi Michael Cook says many Jews are paralyzed by their
ignorance of New Testament writings, and is urging their study in order
to improve interfaith relations and answer Christians who ask why Jews
don't accept Jesus as the Messiah.
Cook says this
lack of knowledge about the New Testament is the Jewish "Achilles'
heel," reported the Associated Press. Jews they must learn how the
Gospels molded Christian attitudes toward Judaism, he says. This
"self-imposed ignorance" is dangerous, he adds.
"The New
Testament is the greatest single external determinant of Jewish
history, and deleteriously so in it’s causing Jews grievous problems,"
Cook, a New Testament professor at Hebrew Union College-Jewish
Institute of Religion, told the AP.
"Once Jews catch
on to this, most will recognize how valuable this venture can be," Cook
was quoted as saying. He is working on a book he plans to publish next
year, "Modern Jews Engage the New Testament.”
Many scholars
agree that Jews would benefit from studying the Christian texts. But
most Jews shun Christian Scripture due to both religious law and
historical experience.
Fellow scholars
say there are too many other pressing issues in Jewish education,
including the increasing secularization of Jews, to make New Testament
learning a priority.
Currently, the
text is almost completely absent from coursework for rabbinical
candidates, students at American Jewish colleges and the many young
people enrolled in Jewish high schools. There are a few Jewish colleges
that include a course on New Testament studies.
Jews are paralyzed by not studying New Testament, says Rabbi
Related news
Related articles
* The number of messages that can be online is limited. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages
Featured Videos
May
19
Catholic Daily
Gospel of the Day
John 20,19-23
Gospel
Date
05/19/13
05/18/13
05/17/13
Daily Readings
First Reading:: Acts 2:1-11Second Reading:: 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13Gospel:: Jn 20:19-23Homily of the Day
John 20,19-23
Homily
Date
05/19/13
05/18/13
05/17/13
Most Popular
Ads by AdsLiveMedia.com
