Our Age: the Historic New Era of Christianjewish Understanding Book

For over thirty years, a quiet revolution has been going on between Jews and Christians. And now it's time for the whole world to learn about it. This new age of understanding began with Vatican II and its historic proclamation Nostra Aetate, “Our Age.”

In our age, Jews are considered an eternally-blessed people, not hated as enemies of Christ. Jews are loved and honored for their “irrevocable” covenant with God, not blamed or persecuted for the crucifixion. In our age, the sad, misguided anti-Semitism that had often marred the relationship between two great faiths, has given way to a new light, a new love, a new beginning.

In our age, Pope John Paul II became the first pope in history to enter a synagogue, embracing Jews as the Church's “elder brothers.” Anti-Semitism has been openly declared anti-Christian. And to this spirit of openness, the world Jewish community has responded, slowly letting go of past pain and suffering.

In this popular, easy-to-read book, requiring no special theological knowledge, Our Age chronicles these extraordinary events and more. It takes you step-by-step through the dramatic transformation in Christian-Jewish understanding.

Our Age is for everyone. Jews. Catholics. Protestants. And for all people who want to share in this revolution and create a better world.

Library Journal

In 1990, Rabbi Bemporad negotiated the controversial relocation of the Carmelite Convent in Auschwitz, Poland. He and his student and colleague Rabbi Shevack (Stupid Ways, Smart Ways To Think About God, Triumph, 1993) have now produced a clear, easy-to-read examination of the new age in interreligious affairs ushered in over 30 years ago with Vatican II and the "Nostra Aetate" proclamation, which acknowledged Christianity's Jewish roots, deplored anti-Semitism, and sought to build bridges between the two religions. It was, in the words of Bemporad and Shevack, "a breakthrough-the first doctrinal statement in history that goes hand-in-hand with a warm, respectful, loving presentation of Jews and Judaism." The authors touch on the text, issues, and controversies surrounding Jesus, the Christian Gospels, and the Jewish people. Most important, they examine developments since the "Nostra Aetate." They also discuss the great efforts of John Paul II to further the work of understanding. Their brief, readable, affordable study is recommended for most public libraries.-Paul Kaplan, Lake Villa District Lib., Ill.