Divine Fragmentation

Reconciliation Between Judaism and Christianity

By: Juan Marcos Bejarano Gutierrez

Narrated by: Eric T. Fowler

Length: 2 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Despite the Jewish origins of specific theological ideas, the proximity of concepts that appear to have become central to Christian faith raises a measure of theological uneasiness and concern, if not fear, among many Jews. There is a real apprehension, perhaps as one of my teachers, Rabbi Moshe Berger said, of being assimilated spiritually and losing one’s identity. In any case, unintentionally perhaps, the theological topics that seem too Christian, become, if not taboo, then relegated to the domain of scholars where the impact is rarely felt.

This reality presents a unique opportunity that goes far beyond exploring and discussing topics in Jewish studies that may not be typical. It raises the opportunity to consider Christianity and Judaism in a different light. I regularly come across individuals who were either born Jewish and have converted to Christianity or vice versa, individuals who come from Christian backgrounds and have converted to Judaism. There is often an unfortunate link between some of them. Many of them hold incredibly angry sentiments against their previous religious traditions and community. Now, at first glance, that might make sense.

Some people do not convert to another religion unless something significant happens to cause them to look elsewhere. However, the animosity and the rancor that many such individuals maintain is disturbing. It does nothing to fight antisemitism, specifically in Christian sectors, nor does it do anything to promote the general welfare of spiritual communities. Christianity and Judaism are seen as evil or deceptive by either side. Age-old accusations often surface as if nothing has occurred in the post-Shoah world. However, much has changed, though much remains to be done in combating misconceptions about either group.

Now, all that being said, why should any Jew in their right mind wish to consider or perhaps reconsider, Christianity from a different vantage point? It is a fair question. There are potentially many reasons. Intellectual honesty is an important one, I believe. A reactionary approach to Christianity may bode well from an emotional and even historical perspective. It may even justify a rejection of Christianity, theologically. However, does it do justice to the reality that many of the theological bricks that Christianity is constructed on are “Jewish bricks”? That does not mean, as Gabriele Boccaccini, has pointed out that the house itself is Jewish. My interpretation of Boccaccini’s approach is that Christianity is a Judaic system, bereft of Jewishness.

This book seeks to explore alternative approaches to Christianity that permit Jews to consider it as something else besides idolatry without abandoning traditional Jewish theology.

©2020 Juan Marcos Gutierrez (P)2021 Juan Marcos Gutierrez

The similar root of Judaism and Christianity

As a Christian of later 20th/early 21st century America, I might have, before reading this book, have distilled the difference between Christianity and Judaism to a simple matter of the status of Jesus. There is however, much more to consider. The author presents a case for reconsideration of points of Christian theology from a perspective that is wholly consistent with Jewish theology. There is a fascinating exploration of authentic lines of Jewish thought that shares some similarity to Christian thought and may even represent a path not (yet) taken in rabbinical teachings. In essence, the author lays out paths within Jewish theology that might foster some degree of reconciliation between these two faiths. Even in the current times here in the United States where Jews and Christians seem to share a strong rapport, the ideas will likely be challenging to many Jews. Further, in the section addressed to Christians, there is an fully appropriate challenge to understand the very real differences between Christian and Jewish theologies as well. This nonfiction text (no story) is powerful food for thought as the US and world become increasingly pluralistic. Finally, the reading by Mr. Eric Fowler was fantastic. I hope to hear from Mr. Fowler again.

well done

the individual who voiced this did a great job enunciating while also speaking in a calm calculated voice that was easy to follow, and interesting to listen to. very much enjoyed this audiobook