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The Bible which consists not only of the Old Testament but also the New Testament in which Christ proclaimed a New Covenant in which all men -- all human beings -- could participate?

I know this may not be a popular view among some Christians, since I think many people have the misperception that when Christ spoke it all pertained to Christians.... but that is not the case. Paul's messsage of God's grace and reconciliation was for all, but Christ spent most of His ministry preaching the Kingdom to the Jews, the promised Kingdom he will establish when he returns at the end of this age and where he would rule for a 1000 year reign of peace. Many of Christ's parables were targeted to the Jews... many specifically to the Pharisees. (Most notably the parable of the rich man and lazarus.)

You might also find it interesting to read Barbara Tuchman's "Bible and Sword" where she explores the forces that led up to the Balfour and creation of Israel. Those forces were at work long before Hitler and the Holocaust.

I loved her book on the 14th century, "A Distant Mirror" ... she's wonderful. I had no idea she'd written on the subject.

Indeed, the forces were at work for a couple centuries in advance. I will definitely look for her book, thanks!

You know ... a priest I heard speak recently mentioned that one reason the early Christians were so hard on the Pharisee was because many had been Pharisees themselves. A sort of distancing from or repudiation of their past.

And I suspect more than a few of the early Christians -- many of whom yet practiced Judaism as well -- had to remember that indeed Gentiles were every bit the "target audience" that their fellow Jews were. Only natural it would be that way, I suppose.

The Bible which consists not only of the Old Testament but also the New Testament in which Christ proclaimed a New Covenant in which all men -- all human beings -- could participate? I know this may not be a popular view among some Christians, since I think many people have the misperception that when Christ spoke it all pertained to Christians.... but that is not the case. Paul's messsage of God's grace and reconciliation was for all, but Christ spent most of His ministry preaching the Kingdom to the Jews, the promised Kingdom he will establish when he returns at the end of this age and where he would rule for a 1000 year reign of peace. Many of Christ's parables were targeted to the Jews... many specifically to the Pharisees. (Most notably the parable of the rich man and lazarus.)

Amen!

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits, that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. (Rom.11:25)

As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes; but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers sakes. (Rom.11:28)

Amen! Thanks for the recommendation.