Salvation Is from the Jews (John 4:22): Saving Grace in Judaism and Messianic Hope in Christianity

AARON MILAVEC, Salvation Is from the Jews (John 4:22): Saving Grace in Judaism and Messianic Hope in Christianity (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2007). Pp. xviii + 201. Paper $23.95.

Milavec's thesis is that, despite the progress of recent decades, the "poison of antiJudaism" remains to undermine some of the ways in which Roman Catholics understand such fundamental beliefs as atonement, grace, and salvation. M. views his work as a "testament" to a journey of exploration that began in his youth (p. xi).

In the first six chapters, M. discusses salvation and forgiveness, law and grace, the separation of the church from Judaism, Jewish and Catholic understandings of messianism, evangelization, and the mission of the church. In a final chapter, M. comments on Reflections on Covenant and Mission, the document published in 2002 by the Bishops' Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs (BCEIA) of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in collaboration with the National Council of Synagogues.

Milavec's work is theological and historical, drawing on a variety of sources: biblical texts; postbiblical...