14AR19-12

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Apologia Report 19:12 (1,195)

April 23, 2014

Subject: Surveying 19 centuries of "contempt for Jews and Judaism"

In this issue:

NEW TESTAMENT CRITICISM - Jewish New Testament surveys "nineteen centuries of Christian teachings of contempt for Jews and Judaism"

ORIGINS - "an excellent introductory resource on what science has to say about origins and biblical, theological accounts"

RELIGIOUS PLURALISM - chaplaincy study finds that "nobody likes Buddhists and Muslims less than evangelicals do"

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NEW TESTAMENT CRITICISM

The Jewish Annotated New Testament (JANT), by Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler [1] -- reviewer Regina A. Boisclair (Cardinal Newman Chair of Catholic Theology, Alaska Pacific University) reports: "Combining qualities of a commentary and a study Bible, this effort by fifty professional Jewish New Testament scholars provides noteworthy insights pertaining to the Jewish character of these Christian texts.

"JANT identifies features of first- and second-century Judaism that clarify New Testament premises. The text establishes connections between New Testament writings and Jewish postbiblical and rabbinic texts and contextualizes polemical features of New Testament passages that have fostered nineteen centuries of Christian teachings of contempt for Jews and Judaism. ...

"Annotations of each book are far more extensive than those of the average study Bible. While these notes are informed by the premises of contemporary critical scholarship, they concentrate on relevant Jewish concerns. The annotations clarify and enhance an appreciation of how Judaism informed the traditions as well as the redaction of these early Christian writings. While many study Bibles will include references to Old Testament and deuterocanonical writings, JANT adds references to rabbinic texts as well as relevant passages from the Dead Sea Scrolls, Josephus, and Philo, among others." Horizons, 40:1 - 2013, pp114-15.

ORIGINS

Origins: Christian Perspectives on Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design, by Deborah B. Haarsma and Loren D. Haarsma [2] -- Justin Topp (Associate Professor of Biology, Gordon College) begins his review by repeating the opinion of Darrel Falk, former president of the BioLogos Foundation (biologos.org): "I have wanted a book that clearly lays out the options in a textbook like fashion at the introductory level, one which allows the reader to come to his or her own conclusions without a sense of coercion, and one which provides a balance between theological and scientific considerations. This comes as close as any I have seen to being that book."

Topp adds that "Origins is an excellent introductory resource for Christians who are interested in what modern or mainstream science has to say about origins and how it fits with biblical and theological accounts. The authors begin with an introduction to the two 'books' (i.e., God's 'Word' and God's 'World'), the interaction of science and worldview, and the process of science. ... Next, the authors discuss concordist and nonconcordist positions on Genesis and science before moving to a thorough and concise presentation of the basis of origins from the sciences.... The authors then compare intelligent design theory with the intelligent design movement, providing nuance that is often lacking in treatments of intelligent design. The book next introduces scientific and theological issues of origins (including Adam and Eve) and provides responses to common questions that arise in discussions of origins. The book ends with a chapter commending science to the reader as leading to reverence and praise of the Creator God. ...

"Each chapter ends with a list of additional resources and discussion questions. The questions make the book ideal for small groups or introductory courses in Christianity and science. ... Throughout the text, there are links to additional resources and many short articles on the book's website <www.ow.ly/vXk7J > that provide more detailed content. ...

"[B]ecause it is written at an introductory level, those looking for greater exploration might be disappointed. ... I have found myself wanting more specific examples in their scientific exploration of origins. In addition, in multiple instances more nuance would have improved the book as certain atheist positons were at times misrepresented or oversimplified. ... Furthermore, it is likely that for the most conservative readers the treatment of the theological issues at stake in the discussion of origins (the image of God, the human soul, original sin, human mortality before the Fall) will not be satisfactory. ...

"Even with its limitations, the book is excellent and is one of the best available for its intended Christian audience. It is concise, easy to read, broad in scope, systematically organized, and grounded in grace." Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, 65:3 - 2013, pp210-212.

RELIGIOUS PLURALISM

Military Chaplains and Religious Diversity, by Kim Philip Hansen (assistant professor of Sociology, Mount St. Mary's University) [3] -- James C. Pakala, Library Director, Covenant Theological Seminary, begins his review by reporting that Hansen "reveals much about both religion and American culture, ... Christian denominations and diversity of clergy within them. Islam, Wiccans, and other challenges of pluralism within historically Protestant-dominated America receive careful scrutiny. ...

"Hansen's study clearly left him impressed by chaplains. As a rule, in their dual rule as clergy and military staff officers, they handle a myriad of difficult situations intelligently, pastorally, and without fanfare.

"Chapter 1 provides an overview of the U.S. military chaplaincy and how the author conducted his study. Chapter 2 deals with religious accommodation, both enablement and restriction. Chapter 3 compares various chaplains' experiences and attitudes regarding Muslims and Wiccans. How chaplains feel about diversity, including their own, is the topic of chapter 4. The final chapter's focus is evangelical chaplains. Their numbers have grown rapidly as Catholic and mainline Protestant representations have shrunk....

"Among the initial chapter's facts is that Catholic chaplains were first appointed during the Mexican war, the first Jewish in the Civil War. ... By 1987 there were 109 faith groups with chaplains in one or more service branches, and by 2009 there were 175! ...

"Hansen observes that nobody likes Buddhists and Muslims less than evangelicals do, only the non-religious like Catholics less than evangelicals do, and although evangelicals do have a high opinion of mainline protestants and Jews, 'the Jews don't reciprocate, as they only rate Muslims lower than the evangelicals.' Hansen says that evangelicals evaluate according to what is 'biblical' and believe that everyone must undergo 'an intensely emotional event where they decisively surrender their lives to Jesus.' They also have altar calls, are responsible to evangelize, and 'insist on strict behavioral norms.' Hansen says: 'From a strict evangelical point of view, pluralism amounts to a celebration of lies.' ... I [Pakala] deplore evangelicals' lawsuits claiming discrimination because they didn't get what they felt was their share of promotions in the Navy. 'At their best [says Hansen], evangelicals approach the military as a fission field with unique challenges that require restraint, courage, and sensitivity.' But the book overstates fears in saying that 'mainline Protestants, Catholics, and religious minorities have as much to fear from evangelicals as evangelicals do from them.' Hansen's postmodern bias comes through in a few statements implying that it is misguided to think one's own religion is true and others are not." Presbyterion, 39:2 - 2013, pp113-117.

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SOURCES: Monographs

1 - The Jewish Annotated New Testament, by Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler (Oxford Univ Prs, 2011, hardcover, 700 pages) <www.tinyurl.com/dy4jj8h>

2 - Origins: Christian Perspectives on Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design, by Deborah B. Haarsma and Loren D. Haarsma (Faith Alive, 2011, paperback, 315 pages) <www.ow.ly/vXkXB>

3 - Military Chaplains and Religious Diversity, by Kim Philip Hansen (Palgrave, 2012, hardcover, 252 pages) <www.ow.ly/vYlL6>

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