Maintains that interreligious learning takes place most beneficially among people who are reasonably secure in their own relationship with God and also are comfortable with the mystery of that relationship. Argues that people with little tolerance for mystery and ambiguity will become uncomfortable with other religious experiences. (MJP)

Explicates some of the forces and realities shaping the formation of religious identity in the modern world. Identity can no longer be be constructed in isolation from others and the community at large. People also are aware that identity is constructed socially. Discusses the impact of this on Christian-Jewish relations. (MJP)

Provides a brief historical overview regarding the development of a religious identity. Explicates a number of questions that both guide and complicate this effort in modern times. Argues that traditional texts should be evaluated more in terms of their positive contributions than their dated elements. (MJP)

Provides a personal perspective on the three-year Catholic-Jewish Colloquium through anecdotes of sharing and personal growth. Discusses this process in terms of a constant attempt to fit together the pieces of a puzzle. Includes a copy of a poem by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner. (MJP)

Presents a summary and interpretation of responses from the participants of the Catholic-Jewish Colloquium. The participants reflect on a number of issues including the changing nature of the relationship between Judaism and Christianity, the rationale and impact of this changed relationship, the particular elements involved in the…

Discusses some of the modern events that have mandated a reconceptualization of the traditional relationship between Christianity and Judaism. These include an understanding and awareness of past stereotypical representations, the birth of the modern state of Israel, and knowledge of the end result of intolerance as represented by the Holocaust.…

Maintains that the need for reconceptualizing the relationship between Christianity and Judaism grows out of an American Jewish experience that differs greatly from those of previous generations. Discusses this experience and locates its greatest dichotomy in the traditional Jewish emphasis on identity rooted in history. (MJP)

Maintains that an understanding of the different ways that people encounter God engenders in us an awareness of human finitude and of God's greatness and mystery. Recounts several examples of encounters during the Catholic-Jewish Colloquium that illustrate this concept. Argues for a shared vision of pluralism and tolerance. (MJP)

Outlines a series of components deemed essential for interfaith dialog and education: (1) productive interfaith education cannot occur in isolation; (2) interfaith education strengthens the separate faiths; and (3) these efforts should be initiated at an earlier age. Briefly addresses problems concerning curricula in religious institutions. (MJP)

Outlines a series of components essential to the construction of an interfaith dialog as a transformative experience: (1) study and reflection with and in the presence of the other; (2) an ongoing reevaluation of self-understanding in light of new information; and (3) formal and informal sharing of truths. (MJP)