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Unlocking Interfaith Dialogue: The Jewish Cardinal and the Jesus-Believing Orthodox Rabbi

Harold Powell

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Published in Conflicted Identities: The Jewish Cardinal And The Jesus Believing Orthodox Rabbi

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In the annals of interfaith relations, the story of Jean-Marie Lustiger and Pinchas Lapide stands as a beacon of understanding and cooperation between two ancient and often-contentious faiths: Judaism and Christianity.

Conflicted Identities: The Jewish Cardinal and the Jesus Believing Orthodox Rabbi

by Mark W. Harris

5 out of 5

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Lustiger, born in Paris into a secular Jewish family, experienced a profound conversion to Catholicism during his teenage years. His decision sent shockwaves through his family and the Jewish community, but it marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would eventually lead him to become the Archbishop of Paris and a Cardinal.

Lapide, on the other hand, was born into a devout Orthodox Jewish family in Vienna. Despite his upbringing, he developed a deep interest in Christianity and, after a period of intense study, came to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. This belief cost him dearly, as he was excommunicated from his synagogue and ostracized by his community.

Despite their vastly different backgrounds and beliefs, Lustiger and Lapide forged an unlikely friendship that would have a profound impact on interfaith dialogue. They met for the first time in 1992 at a conference on Jewish-Christian relations and quickly discovered a shared passion for fostering understanding and reconciliation between their two faiths.

Their friendship was not without its challenges. Some within both the Catholic and Jewish communities were critical of their association, seeing it as a betrayal of their respective traditions. However, Lustiger and Lapide remained steadfast in their commitment to dialogue, believing that it was essential for breaking down barriers and building bridges.

In 1996, Lustiger and Lapide co-authored a book entitled "Dieu est amour" (God is Love),in which they shared their personal experiences and reflections on interfaith dialogue. The book became a bestseller in France and was translated into several languages, sparking a global conversation about the possibilities of reconciliation between Judaism and Christianity.

The legacy of Lustiger and Lapide continues to inspire and challenge us today. Their willingness to engage in open and respectful dialogue, even when it meant challenging their own beliefs, is a model for all who seek to foster understanding and cooperation between different faiths.

In an increasingly polarized world, the story of Jean-Marie Lustiger and Pinchas Lapide serves as a reminder that dialogue and reconciliation are possible, even between those who hold deeply different beliefs. Their friendship and collaboration are a testament to the power of human connection and the transformative potential of interfaith cooperation.

Conflicted Identities: The Jewish Cardinal and the Jesus Believing Orthodox Rabbi

by Mark W. Harris

5 out of 5