Hope against Hope: Johann Baptist Metz and Elie Wiesel Speak Out on the Holocaust (Stimulus Books)

In light of the Holocaust, what is the significance of the fact that Christianity has its roots in Judaism? The disquieting question is only one of many addressed in this new book by renowned Catholic theologian Johann Baptist Metz, author of The Passion for God. His reflections are joined by those of Jewish writer and activist Elie Wiesel, author of Night, who says that the reflective Christian knows it was not the Jewish people who died at Auschwitz, but Christianity itself. In independently conducted interviews, these two men show why they are today's most important commentators on the Holocaust. Though they were on opposite sides of the war, these are men of deep faith who share the sense that the Holocaust was a rift in history itself, after which nothing could ever be seen in the same way as before. And yet for both, there is hope "nonetheless." For each man, the book includes a biographical introduction, the major influences on his thought, and his reflections on anti-Semitism, interfaith dialogue, the meaning of God and faith, and why both the Church and God were silent at Auschwitz. The two are united by their common passion for memory, the remembrance of human suffering, and the suffering unto God. This is a work of enduring interest to anyone involved in Holocaust studies, Jewish/Christian dialogue, theological studies, and the problem of evil.