Posted on 01/17/2002 5:35:50 AM PST by Israel
Recently, as a result of an article I posted, I was asked to comment on a recent event wherein a Hebrew teacher in a Jewish school in Israel burned a copy of the New Testament given to a 6th grade student by a Christian missionary. Clearly, it was wrong to burn the Bible of another's religion. However, to be fair, it was equally wrong to gift such a book to an impressionable Jewish youngster. The book burning will, no doubt, sort itself out but, the matter of Christian missionaries trying to convert Jews to some sect of Christianity remains a problem.
To convert a Jew to another religion plainly states that the all-seeing G-d was wrong in selecting the Jewish people to serve him. Most, if not all, religions agree that G-d is perceived to be clear-minded about the future all the way into what is called the 'End of Times'. Therefore, He knew the Jewish people would ebb and flow in their mission. He allowed the Jewish Prophets to glimpse the future so that they could issue warnings for the people and their Kings to mend their ways and stay steady on the path intended as a "light unto the nations".
Sometimes they succeeded and sometimes they failed but, either way, G-d was not unaware of these lapses yet to be. The successes and failures were both well documented in the Hebrew Bible, the first five books of Moses as given by G-d to Moses on Mt. Sinai. There was no attempt to hide the weaknesses (or the strengths) of Jewish leaders and these failures were held out as a lesson for future generations. Men are not angels although in different ages a handful have reached the level of Tzadikim (righteous ones).
There are other religions whose level of expectations was to minimally accept the seven Noahide laws which have indeed marked the progress of Christianity. One can reach higher and adopt more advanced levels of behavior but, too often religion has been used as an excuse to persecute, torture and even destroy "the other" of different religions. Domination via conquest of others was always viewed as a sign in primitive thought that their god was more powerful and theirs was the only correct god to follow. Regrettably, that belief seems to prevail even today as exemplified by our struggle in Afghanistan and the Middle East. It is ramping up even now between India and Pakistan.
The Jews were not instructed to proselytize or press other religions into accepting the Jewish 10 Commandments plus the additional 603 'Mitzvot' (rules of conduct) which the Jews had accepted to live by. They were merely to be servants to HaShem (lit. "The Name" of G-d) and, in doing so, to be a light (example) unto the nations. Granted, they (we) failed frequently and were duly punished for our inability to stay the course. Jews were also not instructed to tell those of other religions that they too were able to cross the threshold of entering the Covenant given to the Jews IF they adopted the laws of Torah.
However, it was not up to men who chose other pathways to G-d to instruct the Jewish people in the belief that G-d had made a mistake in selecting them for this difficult mission. It is understandable that the evolvers of new religions wished their followers to worship in their own ways. It is NOT understandable for them to presume that G-d was mistaken in putting the burden or privilege of servitude on the Jewish people. Moreover, not having spoken directly with G-d as did Noah, Abraham, Moses, how is it possible to challenge or to correct G-d's pronounced judgement in the Torah from these ancient Prophets?
Within the Roman Catholic Church it is believed that the Pope is infallible. Can the one G-d be less so? Can mankind presume to fathom G-d's Mind, Plans and His Vision through all infinite eternity and conclude that He was in error? The hubris of men, to presume to probe the Mind or Intentions of G-d - who rules billions of galaxies out into infinite space - beyond what He has said to do, is presumptuous.
Is it right and proper for various Christian sects who surely believe in their G-d then to come to Jewish youngsters and, in effect, tell them that their Jewish history, their destiny was NOT pre-ordained but the Christian version is? That G-d has changed his mind because He did not or could not see the future. Can anyone say to the Jewish people that "it is our destiny to replace you because, in our opinion, you have failed your mission and G-d's judgment was misplaced"?
The Jewish people are deeply familiar with book burning. During the Church-inspired Inquisition, Torah parchment scrolls were wrapped around rabbis and those who refused forced conversion to Christianity and then set on fire. The parchment was dampened with water so the Jewish victim being burned at the stake would burn to death more slowly and have the opportunity to repent his stubborn dedication to G-d's Covenant and accept conversion.
We recall Hitler's thugs confiscating Jewish holy books and scrolls, using them to create huge bonfires. Later, they burned knowledgeable Jews in the Krupp ovens - with children often thrown in alive. Neither the Catholic Church nor Islam protested. In fact, the world remained curiously silent. Here the motive was not conversion but disposal of a people who would always remain Jewish.
The surge of radical religions has an unhappy past. The Christian Crusades swept through Europe and the Holy Land, killing everyone in their path always proclaiming this was being done in G-d's Name. Christianity raged at that time - certain they were doing G-d's work. Had they actually received G-d's Word or was this merely the zealous imagination of self-anointed clerics thwarted in their self-appointed mission?
Similarly, the Muslim nations surged back against the Crusaders, imposing Islam on the Holy Land and into Spain and France. They also believed that conversion by the sword was what Allah would applaud. Each in their time of glorious conquest demanded obedience to their gods as did the earlier Romans.
Now, in the present, we see Christians being driven out of most Arab and Muslim-dominated countries. They would be allowed to stay IF they accepted conversion to Islam and the correct pathway to their G-d who the Muslims called Allah. This same formula would, of course, apply to the Jewish nation as it always has down through the centuries.
Pursuing other religions with the intent to convert them by aggression or stealth is a sure fire way to inspire hatred and war. Is it not passing strange that down through the ages first Christianity and later Islam sought to meld the lineage of the Jewish tribe of Abraham through conversion with their growing religions even as they proclaimed the Jew had failed the Covenant G-d gave them? Is it possible to dismiss and demonize a people and yet still claim to be the correct heir to their heritage back to their first conversations with G-d?
A Hebrew teacher in Israel, protecting his students from what he considered undue dangerous influence of missionaries using a New Testament book drafted in the Hebrew Language as a tool of conversion, chose the wrong response. He should have visited the school or offices of that Christian sect and returned the book with a public protest.
I have often thought that it would be right and proper for Jewish students, knowledgeable in Torah law, to gather around those who come to proselytize and provide them with an education of why a Jew follows HaShem's laws of instruction in how to lead his life. They must be reminded that HaShem (G-d) had specifically instructed the Jews that: "There shall be no other G-d before Me." Shall a Jew leave G-d's Covenant and break his obligation to the one G-d who revealed Himself to the Jewish people? Has the lesson been forgotten wherein Eve was seduced to break G-d's instructions, resulting in great punishment for all?
Shall we listen to creative men advocating their religions because they can finesse language and thought so they are entirely convincing to others? Perhaps it would be better if they choose as their opponent the G-d who made the rules. I grant you that may be difficult, since G-d seems to have stopped talking to us humans in voice or even through Prophets.
However, if He spoke to us once, perhaps he will do so again. Until that time, wherein He comes to judge us and issues rulings, I think the effort to convert Jews to other ways should be put aside. Presently, we have the Ten Commandments, included in the 613 Mitzvot, and the ethical/moral judgement of wise men who instruct us to treat each other with respect. That is sufficient for now. We are not, however, unaware of the assistance our Christian friends have given Israel during its difficult times and for this we thank you. We understand your efforts to save us are according to your beliefs.
As for the material actually given to the Jewish youths for the purposes of conversion, simply gather it up and return it to the entrance of the institution from whence it came.
Tell that to Peter.
I'd be interested to know if they distribute condoms in the schools in Israel.
My impression of Jews up to this time was dedicated, reasonable, studious and tolerant. Why didn't he just reason with the child and convince him why he should reject the Christian teachings of the New Testament and let him make up his own mind? This story reminds me of another famous personage who burned books and then turned to burning people.
Why are so many in love with this lie?
First, a Christian merely shares the message of the Gospel - any conversion is done by God.
Second, as you well know, Jesus was Jewish. Christianity is based on the fulfillment of the Jewish prophecy of a Messiah. The difference between Jews and Christians is that Christians believe that Jesus IS that Messiah while Jews do not. Although, obviously some Jews have and do believe. Peter was a Jew and the focus of his ministry was to preach the Gospel to Jews. (Paul's was targeted at non-Jews).
It is understandable that some Jews today might characterize Christianity as just "another religion" and the use of the word "sects" betrays the author's bias. The reality is that Judaism and Christianity, while separate, are inseparable. Islam, although an Abrahamic religion, is much more distant and any bundling of it with Christianity, when separating religions from Judaism, is misleading at best.
Having said all that, I, as a Christian, believe that the Jews are the chosen people God. I can believe that without be inconsistent. Further, I do not see a conversion of a Jew to Christianity as contradictory with God's plan. On the contrary, it is completely consistent with Biblical (both Old and New Testament) teaching.
Of course it wasn't, because they were all part of the continuing revelation. (Even if you don't presonally believe that, at the very least you must admit that they did). Likewise with the New Testament.
Translation: Christianity is wrong in its claim that Jesus was the Messiah.
I'd put more stock in what the guy has to say if he'd honestly state his position up front. (Though later he does strongly imply that Christianity is a violation of the First Commandment.)
One wonders whether this fellow would follow the Messiah at all -- given the number of words he's used to avoid clearly stating his real position on Christianity, I suspect he would not.
Which brings us to the real question: was G-d who was wrong, or was it Emanuel A. Winston, Mid East Analyst & Commentator?
One of the things I find fascinating about Jewish belief and practice (among those who reject their Messiah Yeshua (Jesus)that is) is this LACK of proselytization. If Judaism IS the truth, and the rest of religions, including Christianity are distortions of the truth, you'd think for the love of others Jews would WANT to tell us that. I mean Christianity, according to Jewish thought, is actually blasphemy--in that we call a mere man, God ... If that doesn't condemn us in this life, surely it should in the next, correct? Why the entire lack of concern for the rest of humanity, being content just to practice Judaism while the rest of the world can go to hell?
On the other hand if perhaps other religions ARE good for other peoples, doesn't that simply say contemporary Jewish belief may very well be wrong? One way for God's chosen people and other ways for everyone else? Seems a very schizophrenic view of human nature...
Jesus directly fulfilled in detail HUNDREDS of messianic prophecies from the Torah--its too bad most Jewish people can't handle facing that and know their Messiah.
Those who are born Jewish by race and believe the scriptures will believe that Christ is the Messiah and be saved just like Abraham...they will still be Jews, but be saved...they can also call themselves Christians because they believe that Christ is the Messiah...it's not really changing religions, just meeting places...
Christians believe just like Abraham, King David, Isaiah: that God would send a Messiah--Christ....
The way i see it Jews and Christians worship the same God.....the problem is that the Jewish faith does not "know" him due to their denial of the savoir that God promised them....
God was/is not wrong in choosing the Jewish people as his "choosen people".....the Jews were wrong and missed the boat when they failed to recognize the "promised savior". God still watches over his choosen people and rejoices whenever one comes to "know" him.....God knew before hand that his choosen people would reject him as a whole.....
First, dealing with the title: yes, "G-d" is wrong. There is no Biblical precedent for calling God "G-d." Anyone who does so shows he is not content with Biblical revelation.
Second, here is what the Torah says about Messiah, taken from the old American Standard Bible translation (where Jehovah is used for Yahweh):
15 Jehovah thy God will raise up unto thee a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; 16 according to all that thou desiredst of Jehovah thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of Jehovah my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. 17 And Jehovah said unto me, They have well said that which they have spoken. 18 I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. 20 But the prophet, that shall speak a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die. 21 And if thou say in thy heart, How shall we know the word which Jehovah hath not spoken? 22 when a prophet speaketh in the name of Jehovah, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which Jehovah hath not spoken: the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously, thou shalt not be afraid of him.
Debarim [Deuteronomy] 18:15-22
Now, let us single out three indisputable facts, and one inescapable inference, from this passage:
First, the three indisputable facts:
Now, the inescapable inference, which I will develop in a four-point progression:
This isn't rocket science.
Dan
Biblical Christianity web site
Every race has it roots somewhere....we all, even by the theory of evolution have common ancestors but at some point we split off in to "races"....The Jews IMHO are a race of people as much as say the North American Indian.....then you have the Aztecs.....who came from the same ancestors of the Native Indians but you have 2 seperate races.....alittle closer to home....how about the Mexicans.....are the a race??? sure they are....a newer race which is a combination of the original inhabitants and the spainards....
The difference is that Jews do not believe that you need to convert to Judaism in order to be 'saved'. We believe that the righteous of all nations will have a place in the World to Come. Judaism is more interested in actions than in beliefs. Additionally, the bulk of the Law applies to Jews only, not to gentiles. Christianity may be an acceptable form of monotheism for gentiles, even as it would be unacceptable for Jews. Converts are welcome, but we do not proselytize.
Jesus directly fulfilled in detail HUNDREDS of messianic prophecies from the Torah--its too bad most Jewish people can't handle facing that and know their Messiah.
Uh, nope, he didn't. There are only a handful of messianic prophecies in the Hebrew scriptures, and Jesus did not fulfill them. The 'hundreds' of 'prophecies' to which you refer are the result of Christians reading Jesus into the Tanakh, ripping passages completely out of context. Most of these so-called prophecies aren't even prophecies, let alone having anything to do with the messiah.
We do, we just differ on our understanding of His nature.
the problem is that the Jewish faith does not "know" him due to their denial of the savoir that God promised them.
Your believing this does not make it true.
If you want that statement to fly you are going to have to provide a little more detail. Your comments, for example, on Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 would be of interest. Of course, that would just be a start - it is but a simple thing to find the entire 300+ list on the net.
Would you like to understand one of the big reasons Jews do not accept Jesus as the Messiah?
From Dennis Prager's book, The Nine Questions People Ask About Judiasm, Judaism does not believe that Jesus was the Messiah because he did not fulfill any messianic prophecies. The major prophecy concerning the messianic days is that "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor shall they learn war anymore" (Isaiah 2:4; see also Isaiah 2:1-3, 11:1-10). World peace must accompany the Messiah, and should peace not come, the Messiah has obviously not come...
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