Judeo-Christian tradition

Judeo-Christian tradition (also spelled Judaeo-Christian) refers to concepts and values seen as held in common by Christianity and Judaism.

Problems with the terminology

The phrase "Judeo-Christian" has been criticized for implying more commonality than actually exists. It is frequently used in American political discourse, in an attempt to create a non-denominational American Christian religious consenus that does not appear anti-semitic by excluding Judaism.

The reality is more nuanced; Judaism and Christianity have both many areas of agreement, as well as sharply defined ethical and religious systems that are in some areas polar opposites. Given the differences, many religious Jews and Christians find the phrase "Judeo-Christian tradition" to be an oxymoron.

The phrase "Judeo-Christian" can also be criticised for excluding Islam. On the other hand, the phrase is about a common bible and history. Islam itself rejects the entire Bible as an inspired work, and instead holds only the Quran to be the true word of God.

Jewish-Christian dialogue

The Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant Christian denomination in the US, is currently attempting to end the Jewish religion by converting all Jews to Christianity. Many other Protestant groups are similarly raising funds for a massive effort convert Jews. Jews view these efforts with great distress, and some see them as anti-Semitism. In contrast, the Presbyterian Church, the United Methodist Church, and the Roman Catholic Church have ended their efforts to convert Jews.

[Southern Baptist views on Judaism and other faiths]

[Attempts to covert Jews to Christianity, and responses]

Recently over 50 rabbis from the non-Orthodox branches of Judaism signed a document called [Dabru Emet]? ("Speak the Truth") that has since been used in Jewish education programs across the US. Some Modern Orthodox rabbis have made statements in agreement with this document as well, but have not signed. This is because Orthodox Judaism is more strict than the other denominations in regards to the Jewish religious prohibition against inter-religion theological dialogue. (In the past such dialogues were forced, and had as their sole motive the conversion of Jews to other faiths.)

While affirming that there are differences between these two religions, the purpose of Dabru Emet is to point out the common ground between these two religions. It is not an official document of any of the Jewish denominations per se, but it is representative of what many religious Jews feel.

[Dabru Emet] [Relations between Christians and Jews]

See: Comparing and Contrasting Judaism and Christianity

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