Jews and Mormons : Two Houses of Israel (SIGNED BY BOTH AUTHORS)

Johnson, Frank J.; Leffler, William J.

ISBN 10: 0881256897 / ISBN 13: 9780881256895

Published by Ktav Publishing House, Incorporated, Hoboken, NJ, U.S.A., 2000

About this Item

xii, 242 pages. DJ archival MYlar protector. Signed by both authors, one a retired Rabbi living in Maine and the other a Mormon living in Arizona, and dated in the year of publication. An interesting combination of signatures that will be hard to replicate. Small first printing, went into a 3rd printing before end of 2000. In alternating chapters, the Mormon and Rabbi take turns explaining their own religion's viewpoint on various topics. They write the final chapter together. Also includes some interesting appendices, including separate glossaries for the Mormon and Jewish chapters.Carefully packaged and shipped in a box to PREVENT shipping damage.

Seller Inventory # 000407

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Jews and Mormons : Two Houses of Israel (SIGNED BY BOTH AUTHORS)
• Publisher: Ktav Publishing House, Incorporated, Hoboken, NJ, U.S.A.
• Publication Date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0881256897
• ISBN 13: 9780881256895
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition, First Printing
• Condition: As New
• Dust Jacket Condition: As New
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Mormons & Utah

About this title

Synopsis

A retired rabbi and a retired Mormon high priest engage in an interfaith dialog, exploring the special relationship between the two faiths based on the Church of Latter-day Saints' view of itself as a branch of the biblical house of Israel as well as sources of friction. Includes a glossary of religious terms, but lacks an index and references. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Reviews

In the tradition of 1997's How Wide the Divide? A Mormon & an Evangelical in Conversation, old Dartmouth roommates Johnson, an LDS high priest, and Leffler, a retired Reform rabbi, enter into a dialogue about Mormonism and Judaism. But this t?te-?-t?te never quite matches the level of the historic 1997 book, because the writing is mediocre and because the authors lack the fundamental attitude of interfaith respect that characterized the earlier work. After discussing their traditions' history, theologies and basic practices, the authors focus on areas of common misunderstanding, including Mormons' claim to be descendants of the 12 tribes of Israel (a lineage many Jews dispute or find offensive). Some intriguing issues arise hereAe.g., the controversy over Mormons' former practice of performing proxy baptisms for Holocaust victimsAbut these points of interfaith controversy are underdeveloped. The book may have been aided by a less stilted, impersonal tone; we know from the author biography that Johnson converted to Mormonism thirty years ago, but we never learn why. The authors refer to each other as "Mr. Johnson" and "Rabbi Leffler," rather formal titles for men who have been friends for half a centuryAperpetuating the sense that this is not an interfaith conversation but a standard debate, with a projected winner and loser. (Aug.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Who could possibly argue that dialog between people of different religions is a bad idea? When those engaged in the conversation have been friends for over 50 years (and former Dartmouth College roommates, to boot), the potential for intercultural understanding is enormous. Eight of the nine chapters here were individually written by either Leffler (a retired rabbi) or Johnson (a convert and retired Mormon high priest) on some aspect of their faiths and practices. The concluding chapter is coauthored and points out areas of friction and misunderstanding, as well as some striking similarities. Here, their obvious goodwill is evident. Though clearly of divergent worldviews even on basic questions, the authors manage a civility borne of obvious affection that is a model for such dialogs. Members of both religious groups will broaden their horizons by reading this book. Recommended for public libraries with interested clientele."David Azzolina, Univ. of Pennsylvania Libs., Philadelphia
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.