Jean de Menasce, né en 1902 dans l’aristocratie juive d’Alexandrie et impliqué dans le mouvement sioniste, demande le baptême à l’âge de 23 ans, à la suite d’un jeune cousin passé du communisme au séminaire. Il entre dans l’ordre dominicain et le sacerdoce et intègre le réseau de sociabilité maritainien. Étudiant d’Émile Benveniste, il devient spécialiste du mazdéisme et enseigne de 1938 à 1948 l’histoire des religions et la missiologie à la faculté de théologie de l’université de Fribourg en Suisse avant d’occuper la chaire « Religions de l’Iran ancien » à l’École pratique. L’originalité de sa trajectoire est multiple. Elle tient d’abord au fait qu’il entre dans l’Église avec une expérience juive dense et complexe. Il se distingue par un regard porté non pas exclusivement sur le judaïsme des origines chrétiennes ou sur la théologie d’Israël, mais sur un judaïsme étudié dans sa consistance historique et sur le monde juif contemporain, avec une attention particulière à l’État d’Israël. S’il semble d’abord s’orienter à l’instar de nombreux convertis du judaïsme vers une spécialisation dans un renouvellement des relations entre juifs et chrétiens, cet engagement originel s’intègre à deux lieux plus vastes : d’une part les fondements et exigences de la mission et du « dialogue » avec les religions non-chrétiennes et le monde sécularisé, surtout le marxisme ; de l’autre, la science des religions et son épistémologie, dont on mesurera ce qu’elles doivent, à côté d’une formation philosophique et littéraire et d’une expérience de linguiste et de traducteur, à la théologie des religions. / Jean de Menasce, born in 1902 in the Jewish aristocracy of Alexandria and involved in the Zionist movement, converted to Catholicism at the age of 23, following a young cousin who moved from Communism to the seminary. He entered the Dominican order and was ordained priest. A student of Emile Benveniste, he became a specialist of Mazdeism. From 1938 to 1948, he taught History of Religions and Missiology at the Theology Faculty of Fribourg, Switzerland, and then, Religions of Ancient Iran at the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes. The originality of his trajectory is multiple. Menasce had a rich and complex Jewish experience before his conversion. As a Catholic, he was not exclusively interested in Judaism related with the origins of Christianism, or in the theology of Israel. He studied Judaism in its historical consistence and paid attention to the contemporary Jewish world, in particular the young State of Israel. He first seems, like numerous converts from Judaism, to be inclined towards a specialisation in the renewal of the relations between Jews and Christians. This original commitment blended in two larger issues: on one hand, the foundations and demands of the mission, and of the “dialogue” with non Christian religions and the secularised world, especially Marxism; on the other, the science of religions and its epistemology, whose practice and development are linked with the theology of religions, alongside the influence of a philosophical and litterary training and an experience as a linguist and a translator.

This thesis examines how women negotiate their identification within and as a group when engaging in interreligious dialogue. It is an in-depth case study of the women’s interfaith book groups, the Daughters of Abraham, located in the Greater Boston Area. This focus facilitates an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of relationships within one group, between different groups, and as situated in the American sociocultural context. I explore the tensions arising from religious diversity, and the consequences of participating in an interreligious dialogue group for understandings of religious self and others. Categories such as boundary, power, sameness, difference, self and other serve to explore the complexities and fluidity of identity constructions. I answer the following questions: How do members of the Daughters of Abraham engage with the group’s religious diversity? How does their participation in the Daughters of Abraham affect their self-understanding and understanding of the “other?” What can we learn about power dynamics and boundary drawing from the women’s accounts of their participation in the Daughters of Abraham and from their group interactions? Two interrelated arguments guide this thesis. One, I show that Daughters members arrive at complex and fluid understandings of what it means to identify as an American Jewish, Christian, and Muslim woman by negotiating various power dynamics arising from ideas of sameness and difference of religion, gender, and sociopolitical values. Two, I contend that the collective emphasis on commonalities in the Daughters of Abraham is a double-edged sword. Explicitly, this stress intends to encourage engagement with the group’s religious diversity by excluding those deemed too different. However, whilst this emphasis can generate nuanced understandings of religious identity categories, at times it highlights differences detrimental to facilitating such understanding. Moreover, this stress on commonalities illuminates the power dynamics and tensions characterizing this women’s interfaith book group. Scholarship has by and large overlooked women’s interreligious engagements with explicit ethnographic studies of such being virtually non-existent. This thesis addresses this gap by using ethnographic methods to advance knowledge about women’s interreligious dialogue. Furthermore, it pushes disciplinary discourses by speaking to the following interlinked areas: Jewish-Christian-Muslim relations, formalized interreligious dialogue, interreligious encounters on the grassroots level, women’s interreligious dialogue, a book group approach to engaging with religious diversity, and interreligious encounters in the American context post-September 11th 2001.

Cette thèse examine les relations entre la littérature et la Bible à travers trois personnages mythiques qui représentent le Juif comme l’Autre, un concept à la fois effrayant et fascinant. Elle explore l’évolution des représentations des personnages juifs ainsi que leurs convergences et divergences dans le roman anglais, allemand et français du dix-neuvième siècle. Présupposant l’existence d’un inconscient collectif commun à toute l’humanité, nous avons démontré, en partie grâce à la mythocritique, que ces personnages juifs rejouent ces trois mythes, dont la présence également dans le domaine de la peinture témoigne de leur vitalité au dix-neuvième siècle. La dernière partie, consacrée à la littérature juive de l’époque en Europe constitue une réponse à ces trois mythes évoqués et met à jour un dialogue constructif entre les auteurs juifs et non juifs, ainsi qu’une introspection respective. / This thesis examines the relations between literature and the Bible through the myth of three characters, who construct the collective of ‘the Jew’ as a dangerous and fascinating Other in the nineteenth-century European mind. It examines the evolution of the representations of these characters, and their convergences and divergences in French, English and German nineteenth-century novels. The mythocritique method, taking into account the collective unconscious, reveals that the chosen characters re-enact three major myths, which demonstrate their vitality, not only in literature and theology, but also in art. A response can be found in comparative Jewish literature to these myths, completing the study and revealing a constructive dialogue and self-examination.

O presente trabalho procura analisar a polêmica judaico-cristã em relatos de martírio durante a perseguição romana aos cristãos até o século IV. Abordaremos as principais temáticas que compunham essa polêmica em outras fontes cristãs e judaicas para indicar um cenário possível que pudesse alimentar conflitos entres os dois grupos religiosos. Defenderemos que essa rivalidade presente no discurso dos líderes servia para demarcar a alteridade religiosa e que não necessariamente era vivenciada pelo conjunto dos fiéis em conformidade com os textos, sobretudo, quando a identidade judaica e a identidade cristã estavam em construção. Mesmo em um momento crítico de perseguição religiosa, a multiplicidade de manifestações religiosas tanto no judaísmo quanto no cristianismo, contribuiu para a circulação de práticas, de crenças e para um contato mais estreito entre judeus e cristãos nesses primeiros séculos. Defenderemos que apesar da concepção de martírio judaico ser diferente da concepção cristã é possível estabelecer relações entre os dois martirológios. As Atas dos Mártires dão alguns indícios de que o conceito de martírio cristão desenvolvido pelo cristianismo gentio estabeleceu essa afirmação de alteridade diante de sua matriz judaica. / The aim of this work is to analyze the Judeo-Christian polemics in martyrdom reports produced during the Roman persecution of Christians until the fourth century. We will cover the main themes that made up this controversy in other Christian and Jewish sources to indicate a possible scenario that could fuel conflicts between both religious groups. We will defend that this rivalry in the discourse of leaders served to demarcate the religious otherness and that it was not necessarily experienced by all the faithful according to the texts, especially when Jewish identity and Christian identity were under construction. Even at a critical time of religious persecution, the multiplicity of religious manifestations in both Judaism and Christianity contributed to the circulation of practices, beliefs and to a closer contact between Jews and Christians in those early centuries. We will argue that despite the difference between the Jewish and the Christian conception of martyrdom, it is possible to establish relations between the two martyrologies. The Acts of the Martyrs give some evidence that the concept of Christian martyrdom developed by Gentile Christianity stated the otherness from its Jewish mother.

O presente trabalho procura analisar a polêmica judaico-cristã em relatos de martírio durante a perseguição romana aos cristãos até o século IV. Abordaremos as principais temáticas que compunham essa polêmica em outras fontes cristãs e judaicas para indicar um cenário possível que pudesse alimentar conflitos entres os dois grupos religiosos. Defenderemos que essa rivalidade presente no discurso dos líderes servia para demarcar a alteridade religiosa e que não necessariamente era vivenciada pelo conjunto dos fiéis em conformidade com os textos, sobretudo, quando a identidade judaica e a identidade cristã estavam em construção. Mesmo em um momento crítico de perseguição religiosa, a multiplicidade de manifestações religiosas tanto no judaísmo quanto no cristianismo, contribuiu para a circulação de práticas, de crenças e para um contato mais estreito entre judeus e cristãos nesses primeiros séculos. Defenderemos que apesar da concepção de martírio judaico ser diferente da concepção cristã é possível estabelecer relações entre os dois martirológios. As Atas dos Mártires dão alguns indícios de que o conceito de martírio cristão desenvolvido pelo cristianismo gentio estabeleceu essa afirmação de alteridade diante de sua matriz judaica. / The aim of this work is to analyze the Judeo-Christian polemics in martyrdom reports produced during the Roman persecution of Christians until the fourth century. We will cover the main themes that made up this controversy in other Christian and Jewish sources to indicate a possible scenario that could fuel conflicts between both religious groups. We will defend that this rivalry in the discourse of leaders served to demarcate the religious otherness and that it was not necessarily experienced by all the faithful according to the texts, especially when Jewish identity and Christian identity were under construction. Even at a critical time of religious persecution, the multiplicity of religious manifestations in both Judaism and Christianity contributed to the circulation of practices, beliefs and to a closer contact between Jews and Christians in those early centuries. We will argue that despite the difference between the Jewish and the Christian conception of martyrdom, it is possible to establish relations between the two martyrologies. The Acts of the Martyrs give some evidence that the concept of Christian martyrdom developed by Gentile Christianity stated the otherness from its Jewish mother.

Though discovered in 1945, the First Apocalypse of James from Nag Hammadi Codex V, 3 has received very little attention from the scholarly community. This is primarily due to the fragmentary condition of the text. Previous scholarly engagements with the text have led to the conclusion that the purpose of such a revelatory dialogue was to impart instructions for the ascent of the soul to one about to be martyred. The recent discovery of a second copy of the text simply titled “James” as part of the Tchacos Codex has led to not only a greater amount of scholarly interest, but also to different possible interpretations. From NHC V, 3 it was possible to ascertain a pre- and post- martyrdom revelation of Jesus to James, however, the text from Al Minya clearly shows a third revelatory section wherein the martyrdom of James is used as a means of revelation to Addai, the legendary founder of Eastern Syrian Christianity. Chapters one and two answer the question of why James was chosen as the protagonist of the narrative. In chapter one I look in detail at the literary construction of the martyrdom of James and problematize the development of the traditions. Chapter two then turns to a discussion of the figure of James as an authority in the developing Christian community. Chapters three and four are concerned with the literary classification of the text. Chapter three situates the First Apocalypse of James within the overarching genre of apocalyptic literature, and the specific sub-genre of gnostic apocalypses. Chapter four discusses how the text might be understood as a commission narrative while interrogating the lineage of descent beginning with the transmission of the revelation from James to Addai. Following this in chapter five I explore the cosmology of the text with particular attention to the ascent of the soul.

O presente trabalho procura analisar a relação entre judeus e cristãos no segundo século a partir dos elementos apresentados por S. Justino no Diálogo com Trifão. Para tanto, julgamos necessário contextualizar a obra no conjunto de transformações ocorridas no interior do Império Romano e na atuação do Estado frente às duas religiões. Desta forma, as Guerras Judaicas na Palestina e as perseguições aos cristãos repercutiram na relação entre judeus e cristãos. Além disso, pensamos que o judeucristianismo e algumas características do cristianismo na cidade de Roma nos ajudam a compreender melhor as intenções de Justino com sua obra. Discutiremos as principais teorias a respeito dos destinatários do Diálogo. Acreditamos ser possível investigar pontos de encontro e de aproximação entre judeus e cristãos, a partir daquilo que Justino demonstra conhecer sobre o judaísmo de seu tempo. No entanto, também é possível perceber no texto as tensões e rivalidades entre os dois grupos de crentes gestadas em um ambiente polêmico. Ambos os casos requerem uma análise mais crítica das palavras do apologista. / The aim of this essay is to analyze the relationship between Jews and Christians in the second century from the evidence presented by S. Justin in the Dialogue with Trypho. For this, we deem necessary to contextualize the work in the set of changes within the Roman Empire and the state action against the two religions. Thus, the Jewish War in Palestine and the persecution of Christians affected the relationship between Jews and Christians. Furthermore, we believe that Judeo-Christianity and some features of Christianity in Rome help us better understand the intentions of Justin with his work. We will discuss the main theories about the recipients of the Dialogue. We believe it is possible to investigate points of contact and rapprochement between Jews and Christians from what Justin knows about the Judaism of his time. However, the text also reveals the tensions and rivalries between the two groups of believers, gestated in a controversial environment. Both cases require a more critical analysis of the apologist´s words.

The diploma thesis deals with the question of work and rest in the life of a contemporary Czech person. This includes the development of western Europe in past centuries before and after the industrial revolution up to the present situation characterized by the emphasis on speed and profit. The next part deals with the development of the Czech countries in the twentieth century that have undergone significant dramatic changes reflected even in the field of work and rest. The changes that took place with the commencement of capitalism are reflected from the position of the Jewish-Christian tradition and the social encyclicals issued from the late nineteenth century. It also focuses on the risks closely associated with an imbalance of work and rest both on the level of an individual and also his/her surroundings. Finally, current problems and possible solutions from the side of the state, the employer, the society and the individual himself/herself.

O presente trabalho procura analisar a relação entre judeus e cristãos no segundo século a partir dos elementos apresentados por S. Justino no Diálogo com Trifão. Para tanto, julgamos necessário contextualizar a obra no conjunto de transformações ocorridas no interior do Império Romano e na atuação do Estado frente às duas religiões. Desta forma, as Guerras Judaicas na Palestina e as perseguições aos cristãos repercutiram na relação entre judeus e cristãos. Além disso, pensamos que o judeucristianismo e algumas características do cristianismo na cidade de Roma nos ajudam a compreender melhor as intenções de Justino com sua obra. Discutiremos as principais teorias a respeito dos destinatários do Diálogo. Acreditamos ser possível investigar pontos de encontro e de aproximação entre judeus e cristãos, a partir daquilo que Justino demonstra conhecer sobre o judaísmo de seu tempo. No entanto, também é possível perceber no texto as tensões e rivalidades entre os dois grupos de crentes gestadas em um ambiente polêmico. Ambos os casos requerem uma análise mais crítica das palavras do apologista. / The aim of this essay is to analyze the relationship between Jews and Christians in the second century from the evidence presented by S. Justin in the Dialogue with Trypho. For this, we deem necessary to contextualize the work in the set of changes within the Roman Empire and the state action against the two religions. Thus, the Jewish War in Palestine and the persecution of Christians affected the relationship between Jews and Christians. Furthermore, we believe that Judeo-Christianity and some features of Christianity in Rome help us better understand the intentions of Justin with his work. We will discuss the main theories about the recipients of the Dialogue. We believe it is possible to investigate points of contact and rapprochement between Jews and Christians from what Justin knows about the Judaism of his time. However, the text also reveals the tensions and rivalries between the two groups of believers, gestated in a controversial environment. Both cases require a more critical analysis of the apologist´s words.

This thesis deals with some aspects of the religiosity of the members of the Czech community, who claim to be a part of a Messianic Judaism movement. The text is based on the field research I did within the congregation. In the introduction, I attempt to present definitions of this type of religiosity, describe the historical development of the movement, make connection to evangelical religiosity, outline its basic pillars, clarify the role of non-Jewish believers in this movement, and ultimately outline possible forms of worship. Next, I describe my journey into the field, the development of my relationships with the informers and then I evaluate my insider-outsider position in the community. In the practical part of the thesis, I try to reveal the path of individual church members to this type of religiosity, relying on Kaell's concept of "born-again seeking". Based on testimonies from individual believers, I try to uncover why the congregation does not accept more elements of Pentecostal religiosity, as can be seen in many Messianic communities, especially in the United States and England. On the contrary, the church's aims seem to be a counterweight to emotional Pentecostal religiosity. On the phenomena of the celebration of Jewish holidays, the observance of the Sabbath, the relations to the...