Introduction to Messianic Judaism: Its Ecclesial Context and Biblical Foundations

by David J. Rudolph, Joel Willitts

This book is the go-to source for introductory information on Messianic Judaism. Editors David Rudolph and Joel Willitts have assembled a thorough examination of the ecclesial context and biblical foundations of the diverse Messianic Jewish movement. The work brings together a team of respected Messianic Jewish and Gentile Christian scholars, including Mark Kinzer, Richard Bauckham, Markus Bockmuehl, Craig Keener, Darrell Bock, Scott Hafemann, Daniel Harrington, R. Kendall Soulen, Douglas Harink and others. Opening essays, written by Messianic Jewish scholars and synagogue leaders, provide a window into the on-the-ground reality of the Messianic Jewish community and reveal the challenges, questions and issues with which Messianic Jews grapple. The following predominantly Gentile Christian discussion explores a number of biblical and theological issues that inform our understanding of the Messianic Jewish ecclesial context. Here is a balanced and accessible introduction to the diverse Messianic Jewish movement that all readers will find informative and fascinating.

Genres: Religion, Theology

336 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2013

Reviews

[Robert Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what an eye-opener. I admit, I was quite ignorant of the current state of Messianic Jewish theology before reading this volume. It is quite unique and sure to meet the ire of both orthodox Christians and all manner of Jews. Perhaps (like me) you think this movement is just about "people of Jewish descent" who have taken on the belief that Jesus (Yeshua) is the Christ (Messiah). That was the case about A HUNDRED YEARS ago! Since then, the movement has taken on a new direction.

About 40 years ago, a group of Hebrew Christians (the name of the old movement) consciously decided to embrace "Jewish" as their primary identity. Hence the difference between "Hebrew Christian" and "Messianic Jew". This has done nothing, by the way, to appease Jews, who still see one iota of Jesus-acceptance as disqualifying, even from the most liberal, unbelieving, atheistic, secular forms of Judaism. The Messianic concern to not endanger the survival of Judaism as a people (a very valid concern, BTW) leads some in the MJ camp to eschew missions to the Jews altogether, which goes against the core of Christianity. So, MJ's find themselves ostracized from the Jewish community and increasingly from the (Gentile) Christian community.

I would recommend this book to anyone who cares about Jewish-Christian relations. I don't really see MJ communities as an alternative for Jewish converts or intermarried couples. This book is an eye-opening insider's view of this emerging group.

[B. Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

great overview in a balanced way by academics - a Messianic Jew and a Gentile Christian. The subjects covered were very wide so each chapter was relatively short, which was a bit frustrating if one is interested in certain subject/chapter, but it shouldn't be any other way for a great introduction

[Josiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was a great book. I highly recommend it. Both parts worked quite well together. The only author I struggled with was Douglas Harink. His tone was begrudging. His use of Karl Barth to make his case instead of making his own argument defeated the purpose of the book. Otherwise, great introduction.

[Rai Keyri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tells the fundamentals of Messianic Judaism which is most of Judaism faith with combination of Christianity. Some of the later parts are boring especially about Paul's teachings in the New Testament that I already heard a dozen times before in churches as a former Born Again Christian.

[Dr. Paul T. Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are famous authors who have written in a very readable style - the basics of Messianic Judaism. This is a great choice for a book club, small group, study, etc.

[Michelle's Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

It delivered the information that was promised.

I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book cover is on my Pinterest board and my blog, Michelle Dragalin’s Journey.