Secularism and Interfaith Dialogue in Modern Nation-States: How the Concept of “Judeo-Christian” Tradition Illuminates the Shaping of French and American Democracy

Join us for this event in the CJH-Fordham Lecture Series in Jewish-Christian Relations with Joel Sebban.

By focusing on the origins of the concept of “Judeo-Christian tradition” from the end of the 18th century to the mid-20th century in France and the United States, Joel Sebban offers a rereading of the history of this controversial phrase. The notion of a “Judeo-Christian tradition” derives from a complicated process of redefining Judaism and Christian denominations within the framework of modern nation-states, more specifically in France and the United States, the first countries to emancipate Jews in their respective continents at the end of the 18th century and to fully separate Church and State. The history of the “Judeo-Christian tradition” opens new perspectives on the construction of state secularism on both sides of the Atlantic as well as on the acculturation process of Jews into mainly Christian societies. It eventually helps us understand the ways religious communities rethink their texts and traditions within the democratic public space.

A reception with vegetarian refreshments will follow.

All Fordham events in Jewish studies are free.