Marcus Braybrooke – författare

In this first original English contribution to the series, Marcus Braybrooke, a former director of the Council of Christians and Jews, introduces Judaism to a Christian audience.

For the author of this important book, a revised understanding of Judaism, and of Christianity's relationship to the Jewish people, is vital for the future of Christian Jewish dialogue. Braybrooke views the record of Jesus' ministry not as a Christian argument against Judaism but as a contribution to the continuing discussion about the obedience that God requires, which cuts across religious divides. He makes it clear that the first Jews who believed in Jesus did not think they were joining a new religion. It was only when the Christians became predominantly Gentile and adopted Hellenistic ways of thought that christological and trinitarian doctrines developed, creating an unbridgeable gap between the two religions. This major contribution to interfaith relations concludes that Christians need to return to the thinking of the New Testament, not only to heal centuries of anti Judaism and Christian triumphalism, but to make sense for today of the, conviction that God was in Christ. The recognition of God's presence, not only in Jesus, but in all the great world religions, is essential if Jews and Christians, and all people of faith, are to work together for the healing of the world. Concluding chapter by Rabbi Tony Bayfield, Chief Executive of the Reform Synagogues of Great Britain

With a different meditation or inspiration for each day of the year, this is a wonderfully inspiring collection that will open readers' hearts and mind and show them the way to find peace and contentment whatever their mood or situation. A fresh, attractive design featuring sympathetic line drawings adds to the appeal of this gift package. Author Marcus Braybrooke has drawn upon poetry and prose, sacred and secular, from all around the world and from all ages, from the Upanishads and the Tao Te Ching to the speeches of Mahatma Gandhi and the great 19th and 20th-century poets such as Walt Whitman, Rainer Maria Rilke, Wallace Stevens and Seamus Heaney. The inspirations and meditations are arranged thematically, following a structure that reflects the idea of love radiating outward – from self-esteem, the acknowledge of spirit within oneself; through love for family and friends; through love for humankind in general; to love for the One, the spiritual essence that animates all existence. Readers can choose to follow this order, or dip into the book at random, or select an area that they feel particularly drawn to work on. Containing the wisdom of all the world's great spiritual traditions, this is a book that will appeal to people of all faiths, as well as to those who believe in spiritual values without subscribing to a particular religion or even belief in a divinity.