Very interesting book, with a somewhat weak theology.

It is well laid-out, easy on the eyes, and written in a very fluid language, can be read fast.

It was badly revised: quite some typos, specially in the latter half or so, such as hyphens separating words in the middle of lines, or missing letters. Also the footnotes are quite confusing, leading one to chains of references that at least once I gave up on following.

Theologically it assumes a Neoarminian, Neoevangelical approach without quite making it explicit. One can only wonder about how would be a similar book by a Reformed Baptist Hebrew Christian (or Messianic Jew).

A bit weak too on the historical side, but it points to some interesting resources. This is not necessarily a failure, because as a successor to the Messianic Judaism Manifesto by the same author one of its proposals are to point out which resources Hebrew Christians still do lack, and this is one of the gaps it points out.

Perhaps the biggest theological fault is a somewhat glib approach on interpreting the ‘Israel of God’, and too easily identifying occupation of the Land of Israel as a requisite for modern Jews. In this aspect, it is quite the mirror image of Palmer’s _The Israel of God_. I suspect I have exegetically to agree more with Palmer, even if I like better Stern’s general attitude. It seems to me Palmer dismisses the current State of Israel too lightly with one or two consequential non sequiturs, and even if Stern’s sympathy towards it may be theologically unfounded, at least it recognises better the essential justice of Jewish colonisation of Palestine. ( )

Title: Messianic Judaism (A Modern Movement with An Ancient Past)
Author: David H. Stern
Pages: 321
Year: 2007
Publisher: Messianic Jewish Publisher
My rating 4 out of 5 stars.
A friend and I were getting together weekly to discuss various chapters in the book. One thing we quickly observed was that the book was ten years old and therefore a lot had changed in the Messianic community since the book was published. So, we looked at the book with more of a historical perspective and for what we could learn about Messianic Judaism and the people.
We also observed that at times the author seemed inconsistent with his views almost as if he wasn’t settled with the issue he lays forth. The other observation was that the author had some kind of heart wound about Christians in the past that we didn’t quite grasp why he brought it up in the book. There were some interesting ideas, views and thoughts that were quite interesting. We both hope that the author will update this book because there has been such an explosion of Messianic material and more happening with the relationship between Christians and Jewish people.
When you read the book with discernment, glean what you can about the Messianic Community and how the bridge can be made between Christians and Jewish people. My friend and I both love Israel and the Jewish people and desire to learn more about the Jewishness of the Scriptures, land and people. We hope you will join us on this quest that has really opened our eyes and heart to the chosen people of God, and His Word! ( )