The Misunderstood Jew

Starred review from October 30, 2006
It is a simple truth that Jews and Christians should be close friends, since they share common roots and a basic ethical system. But the gulf between the groups seems vast. Levine, professor of New Testament studies at Vanderbilt, presents a strong and convincing case for understanding Jesus as "a Jew speaking to Jews," and for viewing Christianity as a Jewish movement that ultimately swept the world in its influence and authority. But with this expansion came an insidious anti-Jewish sentiment, fed by some New Testament texts (wrongly understood, the author urges) and the emerging political power of the Christian church. Levine does a masterful job of describing the subtleties of anti-Semitism, across the years and across the religious spectrum, from the conservative evangelical mission to convert the Jews to the liberation theologians who picture Jews as adherents to an older, less merciful religion. In the end, Levine offers a prescription for healing and mutual understanding; a chapter titled "Quo Vadis?" outlines steps that can be taken by Jews and Christians alike to bridge the divide that has caused so much suffering over the centuries. Written for the general public, this is an outstanding addition to the literature of interfaith dialogue.

February 15, 2007
Levine, a professor of New Testament studies at Vanderbilt, joins the ranks of Bart Ehrman, John Dominic Crossan, and others in the search for the historical Jesus. In the first several chapters, Levine treads familiar ground, discussing Jesus within the context of Judaism and examining how Christianity evolved from a Jewish sect to a gentile church. This information can be found in other, more clearly written sources, but what Levine does very well is discuss Jewish-Christian relations throughout the millennia, even as she provides a context for discussion. Though Levine clearly shows how Judaism has become a scapegoat of Christianity and offers many examples of Judaism's tenets taken out of context by church writers, she is not writing to stir up trouble. What she wants readers to understand is that lifting Jesus from Judaism is not helpful to either group and that there are plenty of ways to focus on similarities. As Levine concludes, "As different as they are, church and synagogue have . . . the same destination whether called . . . the kingdom of heaven or the messianic age."(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)

December 1, 2006
Levine (New Testament studies, Vanderbilt Univ. Divinity Sch.) here seeks to shed light on the Jewish message of Jesus and his followers. She explains that Jesus's message is "very Jewish" and that understanding his connection to Judaism can enlighten Bible students of any faith. Levine examines many Jesus parables familiar to New Testament readers but does so in a Jewish light, showing the particular characteristics that would have "provoked, challenged, and disturbed" Jesus's audience. By identifying with this audience, the reader can better understand the intent and purpose of Jesus himself. Scholarly to the hilt yet enjoyable and easy to understand, this book does not point the finger of blame, but instead sets about to teach, or reteach, what has become very familiar to New Testament readers. For example, the reader is asked to reexamine the Lord's Prayer through Jewish eyes and to see that it, in a very Jewish way, "fosters belief, promotes justice, and consoles with future hope." Such insights are valuable and important for anyone seeking to grasp the New Testament. Highly recommended.Wesley A. Mills, Empire State Coll., SUNY

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