'Older Younger Brother: The Tragic Treatment by Christians of the Jews', by Canon Andrew White (self-published, 2014, 48 pages)

This short account of Jewish-Christian relations over the centuries contains a concise summary of the main historical events that feature in other books of this kind, but also adds some fascinating extra details not usually found elsewhere.

Andrew White, Vicar of St George's Anglican Church, Baghdad (known affectionately as the 'Vicar of Baghdad') is able to bring a clear personal perspective to this sorry tale of how Christians have mistreated the Jewish people. His background and training included studying at a Rabbinic seminary in Israel, which provided him with a spiritual passion for the Jewish people and a love for their Scriptures and other writings. This, together with his current role in the Middle East (especially in reconciliation projects), means he is well aware of the innate bond between Christians and Jews, how this has been shattered and what can be done about it.

Andrew traces how the Christian Church divided itself from its Jewish roots and examines the theological prejudices behind this. His brief survey of the Church Fathers is followed by an examination of key moments in the Middle Ages and the Reformation, leading to more recent events such as the Holocaust. All this may well be familiar to many, but he then adds an account of two important conferences aiming to combat the prejudices which had produce these catastrophes.

Andrew White is well aware of the innate bond between Christians and Jews, how this has been shattered and what can be done about it."

He quotes in full the 10 point statement produced by the International Council of Christians and Jews (ICCJ) held at Seelisburg in 1947, a statement which the author says "remained the most significant document on the issue of the relationship between Jews and Christians for over 60 years" (p25).

He then reproduces, also in full, the more extensive and updated statement published by the ICCJ following their 2009 conference in Berlin. This deals not just with Christian-Jewish matters but also considers two other important issues – relationships with Islam and the establishment of the state of Israel. His conclusion is that this is "a truly amazing document" which although "accepted by many academics and those concerned with Christian-Jewish relations" has sadly been ignored by many other Christians and whose precepts have not been followed by all churches (p30).

He then examines why this unhappy state of affairs still exists, mainly from a theological rather than political point of view. In this section he outlines the 3 R's of Christian theology towards the Jews. He explains the role of Replacement theology and its dangers and evils. He also compares this to Remnant theology (basically Christian Zionism which has become popular over the past hundred years) and the less well known Recognition theology, whose core belief is found in the Seelisburg Conference pronouncement mentioned earlier and which was largely formulated via the ICCJ.

The author allows us to make up our own minds on the latter two, as recent re-assessments of Christian attitudes towards the Jews, but he is certainly clear that "the evil of Replacement Theology is now once again poisoning Christian minds" (p30).

He doesn't leave it there, but explains how this resurgence of Replacement Theology is now centred upon the nation of Israel and its relationship with the Palestinian people. This is producing a new crisis between Jews and Christians, especially those who wish to show compassion towards the Palestinians.

Andrew's experience in the Middle East gives him valuable insights"

The author's experience of the Middle East (he is President of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East) gives him valuable insights, but he is also aware that "the great fissure within the church over Israel and the Jews is of enormous importance, with ramifications spreading far beyond the troubled region of the Middle East" (p44).

Overall this is a very useful contribution to the information and arguments usually expressed within the whole area of Christian-Jewish relations. How the Younger Brother turned against the Elder is a lesson of which we all need to take note. An awareness of where this has left us today, politically and theologically, is vital for all thoughtful and caring Christians.