Jewish-Christian Relations
Published: Dec 8, 2023
This course, led by Dr. David Mishkin, provides a comprehensive overview of Jewish-Christian relations, tracing the complex history from the biblical era to modern times. Beginning with an exploration of God’s covenant with the Jewish people, Dr. Mishkin addresses key theological issues like replacement theology, anti-Jewish sentiment in the New Testament, and the emergence of rabbinic Judaism. The series examines pivotal historical events, including the rise of Christianity as a predominantly Gentile movement, the Middle Ages' persecution of Jews, and the impact of the Spanish Inquisition. The course concludes by exploring the Protestant Reformation and the challenges of modernity, offering valuable insights into the evolving relationship between these two faith communities.
Total course time: 1 hour and 43 minutes
- 19:59Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 1: Who are the Jewish people?
In this episode, Dr. David Mishkin begins a study on Jewish-Christian relations by defining the unique roles of both groups, starting with the Jewish people. He traces the origins of the Jewish calling back to Abraham, highlighting the promises of land, seed, and blessing given to him and his descendants. Dr. Mishkin explains how these promises have carried through history, emphasizing that God’s covenant with the Jewish people has not been replaced. He also touches on the tension between Jewish and Gentile believers in Jesus and the misunderstandings that arose throughout history. This episode sets the stage for exploring the conflict and reconciliation between the two groups. - 210:02Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 2: Replacing Replacement Theology
In this episode, Dr. David Mishkin addresses the concept of replacement theology, also known as supersessionism, which claims that the church has replaced Israel in God's plan. He examines several New Testament passages, such as Romans and Galatians, that have been used to promote this view, emphasizing the importance of context when interpreting these scriptures. Dr. Mishkin argues that while Gentile believers are included in God's promises through faith in the Messiah, this does not nullify God's ongoing covenant with the Jewish people. The episode lays the groundwork for further discussion on the theological and historical implications of replacement theology. - 39:31Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 3: The New Testament and anti-Jewishness
In this episode, Dr. David Mishkin tackles the accusation of anti-Jewish sentiment in the New Testament, particularly in books like Matthew and John. He explains how passages that are often seen as problematic, such as Matthew 23 and John’s frequent use of the term "the Jews," must be understood within their original Jewish context. Dr. Mishkin argues that these criticisms are often part of in-house debates within Judaism rather than external attacks on the Jewish people as a whole. He emphasizes that the New Testament is a Jewish book, written by Jews, and is not inherently anti-Jewish. The episode prepares listeners to explore the historical events that led to a growing rift between Jews and Christians. - 49:42Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 4: The Origins of Rabbinic Judaism
In this episode, Dr. David Mishkin explains the emergence of rabbinic Judaism following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. He highlights how the Jewish people had to adapt to life without the temple, leading to the rise of a new system centered on the rabbis and their teachings. Dr. Mishkin discusses the foundational role of Rabbi Yohanan Ben Zakkai, who fled to Yavneh and helped establish the rabbinic tradition. He also addresses the theological divide between Judaism and the early Jewish followers of Jesus, as both groups responded to the loss of the temple and the shifting religious landscape. - 511:29Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 5: The early Church and the Jews
In this episode, Dr. David Mishkin explores the evolution of Christianity from a predominantly Jewish movement to one that became increasingly Gentile and, eventually, anti-Jewish. He traces this shift from the early days of the church, when Jewish believers led the movement, to the growing influence of Gentile believers, especially after the destruction of the temple in 70 CE. Dr. Mishkin highlights key historical events, such as the Council of Jerusalem and writings by early Christian figures like Justin Martyr and Tertullian, which contributed to the development of replacement theology. He also discusses how early accusations of "Christ-killing" laid the foundation for centuries of anti-Semitism. - 610:38Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 6: The Middle Ages, part 1
In this episode, Dr. David Mishkin discusses the significant changes in Jewish-Christian relations following Constantine's conversion to Christianity and the establishment of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. He explores how this marked a turning point, with Christianity and the Roman Empire merging and leaving the Jewish people as a persecuted minority. Dr. Mishkin highlights key events of the Middle Ages, including the Crusades and the institutionalized discrimination against Jews, such as forced ghettos and false accusations like the Blood Libel. He concludes by addressing how these developments laid the groundwork for centuries of persecution. - 711:41Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 7: The Middle Ages, part 2
In this episode, Dr. David Mishkin explores the widening rift between Judaism and Christianity during the Middle Ages, focusing on the intellectual responses of Jewish scholars to Christian persecution. He highlights the works of influential figures such as Rashi, who reinterpreted Isaiah 53 to symbolize the nation of Israel rather than the Messiah. Dr. Mishkin also discusses Maimonides’ contribution to Jewish thought, particularly his 13 Principles of Faith, which directly countered Christian claims about the Trinity. The episode concludes by examining the medieval disputations between Jews and Christians, which often resulted in further persecution and the banning of Jewish texts like the Talmud. - 89:20Dr. Dominick S. Hernández
Lesson 8: The Spanish Inquisition and beyond
In this episode, Dr. David Mishkin examines the Spanish Inquisition and its devastating impact on the Jewish community. He explains how the Inquisition arose in Spain and Portugal, targeting Conversos (Jews who had converted to Christianity) and Marranos (those who secretly maintained Jewish practices). Dr. Mishkin highlights the expulsion of Jews in 1492, which led to a significant dispersion of Sephardic Jews throughout the Mediterranean and the New World. He also delves into the theological and political motives behind the Inquisition, noting how this period became a defining moment in Jewish-Christian relations. The episode concludes by discussing how the Inquisition’s legacy further alienated Jews from Christianity. - 912:05Dr. Dominick S. Hernández
Lesson 9: The Protestant Reformation
In this episode, Dr. David Mishkin examines the Protestant Reformation and its impact on Jewish-Christian relations. He highlights how the Reformation's return to the authority of Scripture led some theologians to reconsider God’s plan for the Jewish people. While Martin Luther initially showed sympathy towards the Jews, his later writings were filled with harsh anti-Semitic rhetoric, which was later used by the Nazis. Dr. Mishkin also discusses how other Reformers, such as John Calvin and Theodore Beza, had more nuanced views, with some recognizing a future for Israel in God's plan. This episode underscores the complex legacy of the Reformation for Jewish-Christian relations. - 109:27Dr. Dominick S. Hernández
Lesson 10: Enlightenment and Jewish Believers in Jesus
In this episode, Dr. David Mishkin explores the dawn of modernity and the challenges that rationalism and skepticism posed to both Judaism and Christianity. He explains how the Enlightenment led to a reexamination of foundational beliefs and the emergence of new, more liberal expressions of faith in both traditions. Dr. Mishkin highlights how these developments generated a renewed academic and personal interest in Jesus among Jewish scholars. The episode also covers the growing exposure of Jews to the New Testament, particularly through critical scholarship in universities, and the rise of movements like Reform Judaism and modern Zionism.
