Reflections on Covenant and Mission: Forty Years after Nostra Aetate
Introduction
Document discusses the response to "Reflections on Covenant and Mission," a study document from consultation between US Catholic Bishops and National Council of Synagogues in 2002.
Cardinal Avery Dulles led criticisms of the document.
Various Protestant and evangelical groups have also critiqued similar statements related to Jewish-Christian theology.
The discussion on the Jewish-Christian relationship has gained prominence recently.
Historical Context
Gregory Baum highlighted Vatican II's Nostra Aetate as a significant doctrinal shift recognizing the Jewish religion's spiritual status.
Historically, Christian theology often viewed Church as replacing Israel, relegating Jews to a marginal status unless converted.
Vatican II changed this perspective, recognizing Jews as part of an ongoing covenant with God.
Nostra Aetate did not "forgive" Jews for deicide, but instead refuted the charge's basis.
Theological Developments
Nostra Aetate and Protestant documents have shifted Christian theological views on Jews.
Johannes-Baptist Metz emphasized the need to revise Christian theology post-Holocaust.
Many Christian scholars have failed to integrate these changes into mainstream theology.
Key Theological Assertions
Jewish covenant remains valid post-Christ.
Christianity is not inherently superior to Judaism.
The Sinai covenant is crucial to Christian faith.
Christianity should incorporate its Jewish roots into its faith expression.
The Single and Double Covenant Perspectives
Single Covenant: Jews and Christians are united in one covenant; Christ enabled Gentiles to join the covenant.
Double Covenant: Highlights distinctiveness between Judaism and Christianity post-separation but emphasizes bonding.
Challenges and Controversies
Theological emphasis on the Jewish context of Jesus is crucial for an accurate understanding of Christianity.
Scholars like Rudolf Bultmann influenced a separation of Jesus from Judaism, which recent scholarship is challenging.
More comprehensive efforts are needed to integrate Jewish context and perspectives into Christian theology.
Mission and Conversion
Debate over Christian mission towards Jews, with some Christians arguing for conversion efforts and others against it.
Documents like "A Sacred Obligation" argue against targeting Jews for conversion.
Ongoing discussion about the notion of mission as integral to Christian identity.
Conclusion
Nostra Aetate initiated a fundamental rethinking of Christian identity in relation to Judaism.
The journey towards integrating these changes into mainstream theology continues, with opposition persisting in some quarters.