Separated Siblings

“In this book, Jay Phelan presents Judaism and the Jewish people to evangelical Christians as Judaism and the Jewish people understand themselves. As such, in years to come, this work will come to be seen as a watershed moment that brought about mutual understanding between evangelical Christians and Jews.”
— Rabbi Yehiel Poupko
from the foreword

“Jews and evangelical Christians often pass like ‘ships in the night’ with little understanding of the other. Professor John Phelan, an experienced veteran of serious evangelical-Jewish dialogue, has provided a very timely and readable text with discussion questions and glossary. On most matters of Judaism, the author wisely draws on the perspectives of Jewish scholars, letting them speak for themselves. This approach provides valuable illumination for Christian readers on a variety of relevant issues such as revelation, commandments, prayer, the law, Jesus, Paul, Zionism, anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, and dialogue. Without acrimony that can plague sibling encounters, Phelan respectfully and effectively conveys his own evangelical commentary with clarity, honesty, and a palpable, irenic spirit. The author helps define the components and complexities of Judaism and some of the major challenges and responses Jews have faced throughout their oft-imperiled history. Phelan has provided a valuable, carefully researched book that explores areas Jews and evangelical Christians have in common and also where they differ. His illuminating work is must reading for those who wish to think more deeply and thoughtfully about why these respective siblings came to separate. But it also reveals how today there are some positive signs each sibling is seeking to listen to the other, shun caricatures, and grow in understanding, mutual respect, and sincere friendship.”
— Marvin R. Wilson
author of Our Father Abraham

“Writing with a devout heart, keen mind, precise prose, spiritual wisdom, and humility, John Phelan has written one of the finest introductions to Judaism and the Jewish people that I know. With his warm embrace of the Jewish story even as he affirms his Christian faith, Phelan offers a model for Christian-Jewish reconciliation, proving that ‘separated siblings’ can indeed be brought closer together. An instant classic that should become a standard reference for Christians—and for Jews too.”
— Yossi Klein Halevi
senior fellow, Shalom Hartman Institute

“In our day when the evil of anti-Semitism is rising, Christians need to know they stand on a Jewish foundation and are part of a Jewish story. Jay Phelan tells that story down to our own time and draws attention to the questions and efforts Jews made to live in alien cultures, particularly regarding theological issues such as the role of the law, particularity, and the land of Israel. In doing so he draws parallels to similar questions and dynamics in the Christian faith. This is a helpful contribution and will assist Jewish-Christian dialogue.”
— Klyne R. Snodgrass
author of Stories with Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus

“In a climate of religious and political polarity, John Phelan’s book is a welcome and timely contribution to the evangelical world and beyond. His insights clearly emerge not only from careful scholarship but also from faithful relationships with Jewish brothers and sisters. I learned much reading his book, and I recommend it for all who seek to reflect the handiwork of the creator in the diversity of peoples!”
— Michelle A. Clifton-Soderstrom
North Park Theological Seminary