I agree with this, in that I do not believe dividing the people will do any good, nor is healthy for any community.
I suggest we do not separate 'the people' but to divide 'the topics' that separate us. Meaning, the sub-forums at the top should not be for certain 'individuals' but certain 'theological differences' within Messianic Judaism.
I think you can sum the whole issue up in Torah observance. Two sides; one says 'after' salvation the indwelling of the Spirit leads all to follow the law given through Moshe, as Yisrael. The other side says, 'after' salvation the indwelling of the Spirit leads all to follow the Words given through Yeshua, as Jews or as Gentiles. One says that through the Spirit they have become One with Yisrael. The other says that through the Spirit they have become One with God through Yeshua.
So my suggestion would be to contain these theological differences within the two sub-forums. That way it's not a personal identification issue but simply a doctrinal issue. Then the restrictions wouldn't be based on the persons claimed identity (Jewish Christian/Messianic Judaism) thus dividing the community into sides, but based on what doctrine is being discussed. Then as a whole we can individually decide which forum to enter, based on our desire to participate in that groups lifestyle (belief).
If you want to discuss Messianic Judaism as defined by the theological definition that once saved the Spirit leads you to observe the law given Yisrael, as Yisrael, then there is a forum to discuss this to your hearts content. And to explain to all who may ask in reference to that theology your belief.
And, if you want to discuss Messianic Judaism as defined by the theological definition that once saved the Spirit leads you to observe the Words given through Yeshua, as Jew or Gentile, then there is a forum to discuss this to our hearts content. And to explain to all who may ask in reference to that theology our belief.
Each individual here could identify within their own theological forum. Torah observant as Yisrael, or Torah observant to the Words Yeshua spoke. And flaming would be a universal restriction, as always.
I disagree that the main forum would be dead, and the sub-forums would be overlooked. I don't really believe that someone wouldn't take the time to make one more click to get to their destination.
And when the post is the last post made, it doesn't matter where it was made, sub or main, it gets seen as the top post to the outside world.
Divide the topics, not the community. The community is divided enough over the topics.......
Hence, I don't believe a name change should indicate a 'people group' (Messianic Hebrew Christians/Torah Observant Messianic Believers) but a topic of discussion that defines our differences.
As an example, I think it would be neat to have a forum named "Tent of David" to express our belief in a 24/7 worship and relationship with God that happens OUTSIDE of the Tent of Moshe. That while that Tent's observances were being done, the presence of God was in another tent being worshiped by the King himself. A way to express our Torah observance OUTSIDE of being bound to the Tent of Moshe. Identifying the New covenant through Yeshua as opposed to the Old covenant through Moshe. AND yet still be identified as Jewish, or Gentile, whichever you were born.
Maybe the term 'Renewed Covenant' or such would work for the other side, but that is just a suggestion to throw out there. The other theological camp can come up with their own title, I'm sure.
Lulav had a great title for the Torah observant topics did you all see that suggestion?
