Common Ground: A Priest and a Rabbi Read Scripture Together [Paperback]

Andrew M. Greeley (Author), Jacob Neusner (Author), Martin E. Marty (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1996

Written in alternating chapters by a liberal Catholic priest and a conservative Jewish rabbi, this thoroughly revised and updated edition of The Bible and Us illustrates differences, reveals shared beliefs, and inspires readers to gain a new understanding of the Bible and its teachings. "One of the most popular Bible commentaries."--Kirkus Reviews

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

What happens when two of the most prolific religion scholars in America sit down and, together, read sacred texts (some of which they have in common) of their different religions? Will they engage in a genuine dialogue? Or will their readings devolve into a kind of one-upsmanship in which each scholar shows off his own intellectual capacities in defending his traditions? In Common Ground, a revised and updated edition of their The Bible And Us (Warner, 1990), Catholic sociologist and novelist Greeley and Jewish rabbinical scholar Neusner do a little of both. The book is structured like a conversation in which one scholar introduces a topic and the other responds to the former's reading. Thus, Greeley explores the life of Jesus through a reflection on His words, deeds, historicity, etc. Neusner then responds by demonstrating the traditional Christian misreadings of Jesus' Jewishness that have fostered anti-Semitism. Greeley's readings, as in his Harold Robbins-like novels, are preoccupied with sexuality, while Neusner's are more balanced and reflect a more sophisticated interpretative mind. While there are moments of significant dialogue here, the overall impression is one of two showmen barking their wares at a religion sideshow.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Andrew M. Greeley is a priest, distinguished sociologist, journalist, and best-selling author. He is also professor of sociology at the University of Arizona and a research associate with the National Opinion Research Center (NORC), University of Chicago.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Pilgrim Press; Rev Sub edition (March 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0829811206
• ISBN-13: 978-0829811209
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,226,606 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Changed My Life, March 26, 2000

By 

Richard Hogan (Lexington, Kentucky) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Common Ground: A Priest and a Rabbi Read Scripture Together (Paperback)

I read this book in it's original form (The Bible And Us) and then purchased and read - several times - this version. My original reason for reading this was a fascination with the concept of a priest and a rabbi reading scripture together. The reading is much more than the concept. Greeley's section on the Song of Songs will create a new wonder for your relationship with God. Neusner's insight into the Torah and the Holocaust let's you know what wonders and answers are available from the word of God. Normally one would say that a good review is in its recommendation to others. I have purchased this book again and again as gifts for many.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent - Something for the general and the serious reader, April 16, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Common Ground: A Priest and a Rabbi Read Scripture Together (Paperback)

Fr Greeley is always insightful, funny and mind opening. He is also, clearly, a good judge of coauthors.