The Bridge Builders Forum Catholics and Jews Today: Building the Future Begun by Nostra Aetate - A Conversation with Dr. Philip Cunningham
In 1965, the Catholic Church issued Nostra Aetate, a groundbreaking declaration that dramatically transformed its relationship with the Jewish people — rejecting centuries of theological hostility and opening the door to renewed friendship and respect.
Sixty years later, the legacy of Nostra Aetate continues to shape Jewish-Christian relations. But what still needs to be done?
In this episode, Ryan Lambert speaks with Dr. Philip Cunningham, co-director of the Institute for Jewish-Catholic Relations at Saint Joseph’s University, and a widely respected scholar in Catholic-Jewish dialogue. Together they explore:
What Nostra Aetate actually said — and why it was revolutionary
How Catholic teaching on Jews changed so dramatically in 1965
Why the Apostle Paul is central to Nostra Aetate’s vision
How Catholic preaching and education have been transformed (or not)
How Jews themselves have responded to Nostra Aetate
Why Pope Francis speaks of receiving “treasures of wisdom” from Judaism
What the next 10 years could look like for Jewish-Christian relations
If you care about overcoming misunderstanding between Jews and Christians — and building a future of mutual respect, learning, and covenantal partnership — this episode is for you!
Institute for Jewish-Catholic Relations at St. Joseph's University: https://www.sju.edu/college-arts-and-sciences/ijcr
Dr. Cunningham's recent lecture on Nostra Aetate at Boston College: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYTUg3hWmAY
Nostra Aetate, Paragraph 4: https://www.christianunity.va/content/unitacristiani/en/commissione-per-i-rapporti-religiosi-con-l-ebraismo/nostra-aetate-n--4.html
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