Abstract

This book is an intellectual biography of James William Parkes, one of the true pioneers in the field of Jewish-Christian relations and the study of antisemitism. This ordained Anglican priest made significant and controversial contributions as both historian and theologian, carefully documenting how Christianity from its earliest centries to the present has continuously misunderstood the nature and history of Judaism and Jewish history and to shake off historical and theological misconceptions that have prevented a clear understanding of the Bible and of Christian theological traditions. By placing these aspects of Parkes' work in context, Robert Everett shows that Parkes was not simply a 'philosemite' but rather a Modernist theologican who applied his Modernist theological critique of Christianisty to the question of Jewish-Christian relations. In writing this book, Robert Everett researched the life and work of his subject thoroughly and became very well acquained with him personally. Actively involved in discussions between Jews and Christians, Everett has written a book that opens a door to the deeper understanding of James Parkes.