In the Shadow of the Cross examines the historical and theological relationship between Judaism and Christianity, and puts forward a new theory as to the psychological roots of anti-Semitism. Rather than seeing the Oedipal Complex as the pivotal impulse behind the persecution of the Jews, Professor Sheleff proposes that the Rustum Complex provides a better explanation. He illustrates his theory with an in-depth comparison of the central events of the Old and New Testaments: the Akedah - God's command to Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac; and the Crucifixion - God's decision to sacrifice his own son, Jesus.

In the Shadow of the Cross examines the historical and theological relationship between Judaism and Christianity, and puts forward a new theory as to the psychological roots of anti-Semitism. Rather than seeing the Oedipal Complex as the pivotal impulse behind the persecution of the Jews, Professor Sheleff proposes that the Rustum Complex provides a better explanation. He illustrates his theory with an in-depth comparison of the central events of the Old and New Testaments: the Akedah - God's command to Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac; and the Crucifixion - God's decision to sacrifice his own son, Jesus.