This is a rather specialist book, but it is a fascinating read for those who want to know more about how the Church of England views the relationship between Jews and Christians. Subtitled, ‘Theological and Practical Perspectives on Christian-Jewish Relations’, this is the first attempt to formally set out in a single volume the teaching of the C of E in this area.

From beginning to end

In the Foreword, Archbishop Justin Welby (the Chair of the Commission), states that “Understanding the relationship between Christianity and Judaism is not an optional extra, but a vital component of Christian formation and discipleship” (p.ix). It is clear from this encouraging opening that the main thrust of the Commission’s report is that God’s calling of and upon the Jewish people must be appreciated if our revelation of God in Christ is not to be impoverished.

The Afterword is written by the Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, and reflects Jewish misgivings over the question of mission and evangelism. He expresses his concern that the book does not reject the efforts of those Christians who “dedicate themselves to the purposeful and specific targeting of Jews for conversion to Christianity” (p.103). Welby responds, in the Foreword, by accepting the Chief Rabbi’s words in the spirit of friendship even though they are tough to read. Welby admits that here is a challenge of immense seriousness that must be taken up.

Understanding the relationship between Christianity and Judaism is not an optional extra, but a vital component of Christian formation and discipleship.

The general and the particular

Between these two personal reflections, the book falls into two main parts. Part 1 discusses theological frameworks within two chapters headed ‘A Difficult History’ and ‘A Distinctive Relationship’. Here we learn about the origin of the term ‘antisemitism’ and the working definition provided by the UK government in 2016. There are also encouraging statements such as the fact that Paul’s message of ‘one new man’ has “never been wholly eclipsed, however much it has been darkened” (p.6) and that ‘supersessionism’ is a “flawed Christian theology that denies the continuing place of Jewish people and of Judaism as a community of faith in the purposes of God” (p.19).

Part 2 looks at four Critical Issues, with a chapter dedicated to each. The first of these is Mission and Evangelism which is presumably where the Chief Rabbi found his misgivings. The next chapter covers Teaching and Preaching, and the third one tackles the meaty topic of The Land of Israel. This takes the 1948 Lambeth Conference as its starting point and also discusses the various Christian responses to the formation of the new State of Israel, with particular emphasis on ‘Christian Zionism’. There are many useful points in this chapter.

God's kingdom

The final issue, and chapter, is entitled Ethical Discernment and Common Action. Here a main emphasis is that Christians and Jews share one hope, which is for the realisation of God’s kingdom on earth. Together we can wait for it, pray for it and prepare for it. “This Kingdom is nothing less than human life and society transformed, transfigured and transparent to the glory of God” (p.91).

Here a main emphasis is that Christians and Jews share one hope, which is for the realisation of God’s kingdom on earth.

Overall this was an interesting book to read as a contribution to the important topic of the Church and Israel. A key point made at the beginning is reiterated at the end: “The Christian-Jewish relationship is a gift of God to the Church, which is to be received with care, respect and gratitude, so that we may learn more fully about God’s purposes for us and all the world” (p. xiii, 88).

‘God’s Unfailing Word’ (121pp) is published by Church House Publishing and is available from Eden Christian Books at the specially low price of £6.50 (+ p&p) but is also available to read online for free).