Catholic Messianic Judaism: Oxymoron, Utopia, or Divine Plan?

Time will tell which side does the flow go.

I tick the "oxymoron" box.

Islamic Messianic Judaism: makes about as much sense. In some ways it might even make more sense, ie. they both typically abstain from swine and statues/icons, but it would still be a joke.

But it is not important what I think. The point is to be aware that one has a unique view, and don't pretend that one's view makes sense to others. It makes sense to you, but not to others, and you're actually going to have to learn to accept, and live with, that reality, if you have not already. I have accepted that my religious views are far from mainstream, and I don't pretend that they make sense to most people. Most people see my combined belief in Yeshua and observance of Torah as oxymoronic. And I accept that.

Open Heart said:

Here is another article from my new favorite website:
Catholic Messianic Judaism: Oxymoron, Utopia, or Divine Plan?
http://www.catholicsforisrael.com/articles/jewish-christian-relations/226-catholic-messianic-judaism

Five characteristics of MJ:

1. Messianic Judaism as eschatological sign: As Scripture tells us, the Jewish recognition of Yeshua as Messiah of Israel indicates that His return is very close. (cf. Mt 23:38-39; Lk 13:35)
2. Messianic Judaism as bridge of communication between the Church and Synagogue: Messianic Jews are a living hope for Messiah’s Body that all Israel will be saved. (cf. Rom 11:26)
3. Messianic Judaism as demonstration of God’s faithfulness: the return of the Jewish people to the Promised Land is a sign that God will fulfill his purpose with His people, not only restoring them to the land but also to Himself.
4. Judaism in the Messiah: Messianic Jews are a sign to the Church and Israel of what it means to be the “Church of Israel” – which raises the question of the role of the Torah in the Messianic age.
5. Messianic Judaism as the “missing link” between the Church and Israel: the movement is needed in order to reveal the “one new man” spoken of by St. Paul (Eph 2:15), in which distinct Jewish and Gentile identities co-exist as one entity.

Click to expand...

Messianic Judaism has been around since the first days of the Church. The book of Acts reports that there were Priests (Sadducees) and Pharisees in the congregation of believers at Jerusalem. And they thought that Jesus would return at any moment too!

Open Heart said:

the movement is needed in order to reveal the “one new man” spoken of by St. Paul (Eph 2:15), in which distinct Jewish and Gentile identities co-exist as one entity.

Click to expand...

I like that part...

Open Heart said:

You like the part about one entity? That would mean there are no Jews. Is that what you really want?

Click to expand...

No, that would mean one people... just like all the mixed multitudes and the Hebrews were considered one people at Mount Sinai. The mixed multitude were placed as members of the different tribes because they were absorbed. From that moment forth they were one entity.... united by their loyality to God, His Way, His Truth, His Life which today will be found only as it is in Yeshua.

I see it as more like a chimera; a mixture of things that do not belong together.

What is it in particular that we will be communicating about with the Catholic? Exchanging pleasantries? Surely, anybody who values time, will not waste it talking religion with Catholics.

I think the 5 characteristics are too ethnic to be palatable to those who adhere to a one law perspective. Each one identifies the existence and focus of Jews being Jewish and honoring Yeshua as Messiah. They are all about restoring Messianic Jews to their proper place according to God's will through Yeshua. Not one of them identifies installing Messianic Gentiles to their promised place as member of Israel according to Torah. That said, I can't imagine you're going to get any appreciation for this expression of Messianic Judaism here. Which is sad, because it is a valid form and expression of MJ. They first and foremost support Israel, her existence, and the Jewish people, and our existence. They seem to support both of these things on par with existing Messianic Jewish communities.

My perspective? The more the light gets shown the more the divisions will become apparent. Which is why those against this 'Jewish' movement want to grey out the distinctions. IMO.

Thanks for posting this OH, good witness!

Open Heart said:

The mixed multitude became Jews. There were still Gentiles in the world: Israel and the Nations.
The goal of Christianity is for everyone to get saved. That would mean everyone in the world was one people. Without being set apart from the world, there essentially are no Jews.

Click to expand...

or.. they are now the true kind of God's people, peculiar, all part of the tribes... and the Jews will be the elders.

Open Heart said:

...one entity... That would mean there are no Jews...

Click to expand...

Open Heart said:

The mixed multitude became Jews. There were still Gentiles in the world: Israel and the Nations.
The goal of Christianity is for everyone to get saved. That would mean everyone in the world was one people. Without being set apart from the world, there essentially are no Jews.

Click to expand...

Is that your goal, and/or the goal of Catholicism as you understand it ?
Ephesians 2:15 is about Jews getting saved and hence ceasing to be Jews ?

The book of Revelation shows us the New Jerusalem. Each gate named after one of the tribes. Judah has a gate. Nothing about Jews ceasing to be, conceptually or otherwise, in my Bible.

"Messianic Judaism as demonstration of God’s faithfulness: the return of the Jewish people to the Promised Land is a sign that God will fulfill his purpose with His people, not only restoring them to the land but also to Himself." (OP)

Why is this on the list ?
What does the return to Israel have to do with MJ ?

Hoshiyya said:

"Messianic Judaism as demonstration of God’s faithfulness: the return of the Jewish people to the Promised Land is a sign that God will fulfill his purpose with His people, not only restoring them to the land but also to Himself." (OP)

Why is this on the list ?
What does the return to Israel have to do with MJ ?

Click to expand...

... it is the restoring them to Himself as their Messiah.

visionary said:

... it is the restoring them to Himself as their Messiah.

Click to expand...

Again, what ?

The return of Jews to the land, beginning in the 1800's,
and separately, the turning of some Jews but mostly gentiles to MJ in the last few decades, are two different things.
I just don't see how the return of Jews to the Holy Land is a "characteristic of MJ".

I mean, it is an awkward connection, don't you agree ?

So anyway I find it to be a strange entry on the list, or at least the intended meaning is unclear to me. But it doesn't really matter, this is the least of the problems of the list and the creators of the list.

Each step is one step closer.. to the ultimate reunion of God with His people.

In answer to OP question... I say it is two masters and one will overrule.