Changing Christian World

For many Jews, discerning the differences among various Christian groups is a mystery. This accessible interfaith resource presents the essential doctrines that undergird most Christian beliefs as a way of understanding the differences among the various branches of Christianity. It addresses key concepts at the heart of the Christian faith tradition, including the notion of sin in Christianity, salvation, the role of Jesus as the Messiah, the Second Coming and Christian Zionism. Addressing each of the major denominations, this intriguing introduction to modern Christianity focuses on the evolution of the Roman Catholic Church after Nostra Aetate in 1965 and explores the contemporary developments of mainline Protestant churches. It examines the Southern Baptists and their view of the Jewish relationship to God, as well as the popular manifestation of Christianity, as evidenced in televangelism and mega-churches. It, also, looks at so-called Messianic Jews, and addresses the question "Are they really Jewish?" Intended to answer Jews' questions about Christianity - and stimulate new ones - this provocative overview helps readers understand the changing Christian climate and what its implications are for the future of Judaism and interfaith relations.