Christian Scholars Group releases short videos on interpreting the passion narratives

For Lenten and Holy Week Study and Reflection

Presenting the Passion … without blaming “the Jews”

In collaboration with the Council of Centers on Jewish-Christian Relations (CCJR) and the International Council of Christians and Jews (ICCJ), the Christian Scholars Group on Christian-Jewish Relations has released a series of short videos on various aspects of the Gospel passion narratives for use by preachers, teachers, and the general public. The CCJR is the United States national member organization of the ICCJ.  

In these videos, ten scholars discuss how the story of Jesus’ Passion is retold through readings in Christian services during Holy Week. Tragically, over the centuries, these retellings have caused enmity between Christians and Jews and have even led to murderous violence. Such sinful consequences are contrary to the Good News of Christ. 

In this series, members of the Christian Scholars Group on Christian-Jewish Relations, along with two Jewish advisors, explore four scenes in the Passion story.  Based on decades of research, they consider how Jesus’ Passion can be presented in fresh ways that repudiate anti-Jewish biases and illuminate the gospel message. They believe this task to be a sacred obligation (see A Sacred Obligation: Rethinking Christian Faith in Relationship to Judaism and the Jewish People). 

The four videos: 

1. Judas and Betrayal (“Do you betray me with a kiss?”) with Ruth Langer and Jesper Svartvik. 
   
    
2. The Jewish Leaders and Conspiracy (“Looking for a way to arrest Jesus…and kill him.”) with Katharina von Kellenbach and Peter A. Pettit.
   
    
3. The Jewish Crowd, Pilate, and Guilt (“His blood be on us and our children.”) with Victoria Barnett, Philip Cunningham, and Adam Gregerman.
   
    
4. The Crucifixion and Accountability (“And they took him away and crucified him.”) with Mary Boys, John Pawlikowski, and Elena Procario-Foley

 ACCESS THE VIDEOS ON THE ICCJ WEBSITE HERE.