Stumbling blocks to stepping stones. The torah as a key to jewish-christian reconciliation: A new model
Citation:
McKinley, J., Stumbling blocks to stepping stones. The torah as a key to Jewish-Christian reconciliation: A new model., Trinity College Dublin, Irish School of Ecumenics, 2019Download Item:
Abstract:
In recent decades, and particularly since the Second Vatican Council, Christians and
Jews are beginning to ask questions about one another’s traditions and slowly erode
some of the age old barriers of suspicion and prejudice. The resulting dialogue that
is unfolding necessitates a laying aside of inherited stereotypes and presumptions, in
order to establish genuine relationship and ‘meet’ the other authentically. For in order
to listen and ‘see’ another in a new or fresh way, there must be a turn or move toward
that other. And to turn toward another requires a conscious, deliberate shift in
posture, a decisive change in position and body language, which in turn alters
perceptions and has the potential to alter, or transform, relationships.
There can be little historical doubt that the different postures maintained by Jews and
Christians toward the Torah has led each community in different theological
directions. And yet, the Torah remains part of the living sacred canon for both
communities. It is therefore an appropriate touchstone on which to centre a
conversation about the Jewish-Christian relationship. This thesis considers the Torah
as a very particular aspect of the Jewish-Christian relationship, and investigates its
potential importance for Jewish-Christian reconciliation. At its heart, this
consideration takes the form of a simple question - is the Torah a ‘stumbling block’
to a deeper, more fruitful relationship between Christians and Jews, or a potential
stepping stone? Asking this question necessitates a deeper examination of the
Christian posture toward the Torah. It is here we encounter the ‘reception
history’ (Wirkungsgeschichte) of the Torah within Christianity, which in no small part
stems from the reception history of the Pauline epistles, and some of the more
challenging verses within those epistles.
Author: McKinley, Julia
Advisor:
Pierce, AndrewPublisher:
Trinity College Dublin. School of Religion, Irish School of EcumenicsType of material:
ThesisAvailability:
Full text availableKeywords:
Jewish-Christian reconciliation, Judaism, Christianity, Bible, TorahMetadata
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