I think the problem for some is that some seem to object to the term “Messianic Jew”. Some seem to be saying that that is what is deceptive. They are saying if one believes in Jesus, call yourself a Christian not a Messianic Jew.
Kind of odd, because I see your point too. If one is trying to convert another with words, then it can’t be very deceptive, in a sense. But in another sense, I can see the point of those who object to the term “Messianic Jew”. Just call yourself Christian and be done with it.
I’ve always kind of thought that myself. Don’t be half in one religion and half in another. Commit to one. The only reason I (as a Christian) don’t make too much of an issue about it is because many Jews claim you can be a Jew by birth, so by ancestors, but not one in religion, if you don’t practice the faith. Hence the term “Agnostic Jew” which I’ve seen some people (not here but in society) describe themselves as.
So, all of this is to say the term Messianic Jew seems just as acceptable as “agnostic Jew”, so why not? In other words, when Jews decide as a whole that Jews can’t be Jews just by ancestry, then the term “Messianic Jew” should be discarded (just as agnostic Jew). But until then, until all Jews agree the term “Jew”’means more than a mere ancestral indication, then they should just put up with the term. Because I’ve seen many Jews say you can be a Jew just by ancestry, and others who say you must also practice the faith. So it’s not settled.
Hence can’t see much to disagree with about the term “Messianic Jew”. Those are obviously people who believe Jews can be Jews just by ancestry. And who’s to tell them they are wrong? Me? You? Someone else on FR?
Is there a Jewish Pope that can settle the question?
RE: Don’t be half in one religion and half in another.
I’m not sure being a Jewish believer in Jesus makes one half Jew and half Christian.
If you are a believer in the Messiah, why can’t you celebrate the Passover, Yom Kippur, Sukoth and Hanukah? It’s not as if these festivals are in conflict with the New Testament.
The difference is only in the MEANING you put into them. a Messianic Jew would consider the Passover as PERMANENTLY FULFILLED by Jesus, the ultimate Passover lamb. This is simply in keeping with their traditions. Hey, the Apostle Paul, a rabbi himself still went to the Synagogues to worship.
This not a half and half thing. It is in fact a COMPLETELY FULFILLED THING.