Levine has worked to improve how Christians and Jews understand each other
The Catholic Biblical Association has chosen Amy-Jill Levine, a Jewish scholar of Christian Scriptures, to lead the organization, according to the Associated Press. Peter Smith, writing for the AP, reported that the selection has prompted antisemitic backlash.
When Levine was a child in Massachusetts, a schoolmate in her predominantly Catholic hometown told her she was guilty of killing Christ because she was Jewish, according to the AP’s biographical account. Her mother reassured her that wasn’t the case.
Rather than pull away, the young Levine began attending a Catholic catechism class to learn more about her Christian neighbors and their beliefs, the AP reported. That experience shaped what the AP described as a decades-long academic career in an unusual role: a Jewish scholar of Christian Scriptures.
Levine has worked to improve how Christians and her fellow Jews understand each other. She has spoken at many churches and taught students about the ancient Jewish context of Jesus’ life and teachings. She has authored numerous books, some in tandem with Christian scholars; she and a co-author presented one book personally to Pope Francis.