This book inquires as to whether theological dialogue between Christians and Jews is possible, not only in itself but also as regards the emergence of communities of Messianic Judaism. In light of David Novak's insights, Matthew Levering proposes that Christian theological responses to supersessionism need to preserve both the Church's development of doctrine and Rabbinic Judaism's ability to define its own boundaries. The book undertakes constructive philosophical theology in dialogue with Novak. Exploring the interrelated doctrines of divine providence/theonomy, the image of God, and natural law, Levering places Novak's work in conversation especially with Thomas Aquinas, whose approach fosters a rich dialogue with Novak's broadly Maimonidean perspective. It focuses upon the relationship of human beings to the Creator, with attention to the philosophical entailments of Jewish and Christian covenantal commitments, aiming to spell out what true freedom involves. It concludes by asking whether Christians and Jews would do better to bracket our covenantal commitments in pursuing such wisdom. Drawing upon Novak's work, the author argues that in the face of suffering and death, God's covenantal election makes possible hope, lacking which the quest for wisdom runs aground.

Author Biography

Matthew Levering is Professor of Theology at the University of Dayton, USA. He has most recently authored Biblical Natural Law (Oxford), Participatory Biblical Exegesis (Notre Dame), and Ezra and Nehemiah (Brazos). He also co-edited Vatican II Tradition within Renewal (Oxford), and is preparing the Oxford Handbook on the Trinity. He has written and edited numerous other books. He currently co-edits series on Classical Christianity (Brazos) and Reading the Scriptures (Notre Dame), and serves as co-editor of the quarterly journal Nova et Vetera.