I wish first to offer an apology. I believe this is where this thread should go; however, I am most likely wrong. If a moderator or administrator would be so kind to relocate it, if applicable, I would be most grateful.
A cornerstone of Judaism is the hope of allyah, which, in Hebrew means "ascension", is the belief in religious Jewish return to the State of Israel.
For as long as I can remember I have been an avid Zionist - the Jewish return to Israel is a great and beautiful thing that should be supported. Yet... doubt arises within me.
I was born and raised in a Southern Baptist home and found salvation early. However, later I found my own interpretation of the Almighty's Words and found myself studying for conversion to Judaism. While studying I learn quite a lot, but three things in particular are relevant here - the three cardinal sins of Judaism. For those who do not know they are, in order of worst to least, renouncing one's faith, sexual misconduct, and murder. To be honest, one cannot hope for salvation from these; yet, many Orthodox Rabbis maintain that a life of devout and pious behavior may atone for them. Back to this in a moment...
Whenever God wanted the men and women of Israel to reside in Israel He not only instructed them to do so, but He also made it short of a paradise for them. The land would flourish, buildings would go up with ease, etc. When He wanted them to leave He would turn the land against them, making a hostile desert and filling the waters with poisonous plants and thorns and such.
Today we see Israel as a thriving nation. While I studied conversion I learned of the magnificient hydroponic orchards and the techniques used to transplant animals and people where the land would not have them. A testament to man! But a spit in the eye to the Almighty?
God says when the religious Jews may have their land back, not the Jews. Yet we see them working against God's tried and true methods of keeping people out with our wonderous, miraculous technology.
Further, the constant war there is causing many religious Jews to break one of their cardinal sins - murder. All Israeli citizens must serve in their armies and, if they see combat, will cause them to murder other human beings. Usually this is of little concern, to be harsh, because it can be a commandment to protect the land of God. Was it not God who told the Jews to eradicate the Amalekites?
But now, with the people in a place God may not want them, performing a deed which might tarnish their soul irrepairably - can we honestly say this is in the best interest of religious Jews?
I still do not know how I stand now. I still support an independant Jewish nation with the right to defend itself and it's people, but not if God says no.
And you. Where do you stand? Traditionally Christians support Israel, do you? Why?
There is nothing we can really do about this situation, but it would be nice to hear some of your opinions.
~ Shaeykh
A cornerstone of Judaism is the hope of allyah, which, in Hebrew means "ascension", is the belief in religious Jewish return to the State of Israel.
For as long as I can remember I have been an avid Zionist - the Jewish return to Israel is a great and beautiful thing that should be supported. Yet... doubt arises within me.
I was born and raised in a Southern Baptist home and found salvation early. However, later I found my own interpretation of the Almighty's Words and found myself studying for conversion to Judaism. While studying I learn quite a lot, but three things in particular are relevant here - the three cardinal sins of Judaism. For those who do not know they are, in order of worst to least, renouncing one's faith, sexual misconduct, and murder. To be honest, one cannot hope for salvation from these; yet, many Orthodox Rabbis maintain that a life of devout and pious behavior may atone for them. Back to this in a moment...
Whenever God wanted the men and women of Israel to reside in Israel He not only instructed them to do so, but He also made it short of a paradise for them. The land would flourish, buildings would go up with ease, etc. When He wanted them to leave He would turn the land against them, making a hostile desert and filling the waters with poisonous plants and thorns and such.
Today we see Israel as a thriving nation. While I studied conversion I learned of the magnificient hydroponic orchards and the techniques used to transplant animals and people where the land would not have them. A testament to man! But a spit in the eye to the Almighty?
God says when the religious Jews may have their land back, not the Jews. Yet we see them working against God's tried and true methods of keeping people out with our wonderous, miraculous technology.
Further, the constant war there is causing many religious Jews to break one of their cardinal sins - murder. All Israeli citizens must serve in their armies and, if they see combat, will cause them to murder other human beings. Usually this is of little concern, to be harsh, because it can be a commandment to protect the land of God. Was it not God who told the Jews to eradicate the Amalekites?
But now, with the people in a place God may not want them, performing a deed which might tarnish their soul irrepairably - can we honestly say this is in the best interest of religious Jews?
I still do not know how I stand now. I still support an independant Jewish nation with the right to defend itself and it's people, but not if God says no.
And you. Where do you stand? Traditionally Christians support Israel, do you? Why?
There is nothing we can really do about this situation, but it would be nice to hear some of your opinions.
~ Shaeykh
