Center for Jewish, Christian and Islamic Studies

For more than three decades, CTS’ Center for Jewish/Christian Studies, now expanded to include Islamic Studies, has supported academic and community-oriented programs that promote interfaith dialogue and collaboration among the “religions of the book.” The Center embodies CTS’ long-time pledge to work in partnership with Jewish and Islamic communities, as expressed in our Statement of Vision, Mission and Commitment:

We are committed, in conscious response to the Holocaust and in recognition of the toll taken by religious
divisions in our world, to fostering better understanding and collaboration among religious traditions, paying particular attention to cooperation among Christianity, Judaism and Islam toward the end of realizing the aims of the prophetic traditions.

Jewish and Islamic Studies courses are offered at all degree levels. Recent classes have included “Liturgy of the Synagogue,” taught by Rabbi Herman E. Shaalman, CTS adjunct faculty since 1984; “The Book of Books: Jewish Readers/Christian Readers,” taught by Rabbi Laurence E. Edwards and “Interfaith Action in the World,” taught
by Eboo Patel, Executive Director, The Interfaith Youth Core.

Community chapel services include interfaith expressions. Recent worship services have featured reflections by a guest rabbi, lessons in traditional Jewish folk dance and readings from the Holy Koran.

Recent doctoral dissertations, completed in the CTS Ph.D. Program as part of the seminary’s commitment to Jewish, Christian and Islamic Studies, include Resurrecting the Pharisees: Ideology and Identity Between Christians and Jews by Rabbi Laurence E. Edwards and Damning Praise: Zechariah and the Politics of
Dissent by Judith R. Phillips.