Christian Anti-Semitism and Paul's Theology

Book excerpt: Reassessments of Christian theology in light of the Holocaust are paralleled by the tremendous shift taking place in the scholarly understanding of Paul's writings and theology. Sidney Hall's volume traces the toxins of twentieth-century anti-Semitism back through centuries of Christian use of Paul's letters and theology. Searching for a credible portrait of Paul that is inclusive of the Jews yet unabashed in its preaching of "Christ crucified", Hall focuses on Galatians and Romans. He guides the reader through the major findings of recent interpreters of Paul on the Law, covenant, and the Christ event to address their implications for a renewed - and chastened - Christian theology of the Jewish people.