Covenantal Conversations

The Rev. Dr. Darrell Jodock, the Drell and Adeline Bernhardson Distinguished Professor of Religion at Gustavus Adolphus College, is the editor of a new book titled, Covenantal Conversations, that was released on March 1, 2008.

The book explores the relationship between Judaism and Christianity through several conversations between leading thinkers of the two faiths. Specifically, the book delves into the shared theological framework, special historical relationship, and post-Holocaust developments and current trouble spots that situate the relationship today.

In the book’s introduction, Jodock writes, “Sixty years ago, in many parts of the United States, it was possible to be a church member and a citizen and have no contact with Jews or Muslims and no reason to ponder Jewish-Christian or Muslim-Christian relations. It is much less likely the case today.”

Jodock continues by saying, “The relationship between Judaism and Christianity is special. No other religion shares so much with Christianity as does Judaism. Both religions affirm the same God. Both religions see God active in history, working toward a goal of shalom. Both regard God to be a God of justice and mercy, who makes covenants and is faithful to them.”

Each chapter of the book is written by one person “in conversation with” another. Contributors to the book include theologians Barry Cytron, Isaac Kalimi, Ralph Klein, Esther Menn, and Krister Stendahl.

Covenantal Conversations is the latest in a long line of works published by Jodock. His other books include, Catholicism Contending with Modernity: Roman Catholic Modernism and Anti-Mondernism in Historical Context , Ritschl in Retrospect: History, Community, and Science, and The Church’s Bible: Its Contemporary Authority.

Jodock was the winner of Gustavus’ Covenant Award in 2007, which annually celebrates the efforts of individuals who have made distinctive contributions towards strengthening the partnership between Gustavus and member congregations of the College’s Association of Congregations.

In 2006 he drafted the Statement of Church Relatedness for the College. In 2002 he helped design “Pastor-to-Pastor,” a program encouraging pastoral excellence sponsored by Gustavus and the Southwestern Minnesota Synod-ELCA.

During his time at Gustavus he has also served on the 2003 Nobel Conference Committee, the faculty personnel committee, the Honor Board, and the board of the Center for Vocational Reflection.

An ordained pastor rostered in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA, Jodock received his bachelor’s degree in 1962 from St. Olaf College, his divinity degree in 1966 from Luther Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. in religious studies from Yale University in 1969.

Covenantal Conversations is available for purchase in the Book Mark.