- Dec 28, 2011
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The content that I quoted above is something I find to be very pleasing. It has led me to wonder about one thing: What is the history of Messianic Judaism?
Since the early histories of those who followed Yeshua did not use this term, most think of defining MJ in terms of the mid-20th century and forward. Is that what you had in mind?
Just FYI, I agree with most of what Qnts wrote, but disagree that Gentiles have no relationship to the Torah. Just as Israel was called to be Torah observant at Sinai, it is my view that the grafting in process makes us part of that Torah observant community.
As some of you know, I am examining the faith to find what is right for me.
It is always good to pursue this sort of study. There are a lot of voices out there, claiming to have a monopoly on "The Truth".
I have some questions:
I will be happy to share the fruit of my own studies and experiences. I have been an elder at a Messianic congregation since 1985, up until 2007 when I left as a result of disagreements with the rabbi. Now, I am a teacher at a different shul in the Baltimore area, as well as teaching online for a Messianic organization called, the "Coalition of Torah Observant Messianic Congregations" (CTOMC).
Question 1)
Do Messianics believe in Transubstantiation?
I know of none who accept either transubstantiation or its cousin, consubstantiation. All agree that the language used to justify this teaching is metaphorical, applying the symbolism of the Passover seder to the work of the Messianic King.
Question 2)
Do Messianics believe in The Communion Of Saints, and if so, what do they believe concerning it?
Most Messianics received their early training as believers in Protestant churches, and don't even know what this doctrine means.
My own view is that the Messianic community is a sectarian subset of the nation of Israel. Thus, to me, the term can only be an expression of solidarity with the Jewish people. I do not believe God has a chosen community that exists outside of Israel.
Question 3)
How do Messianics celebrate the Eurcharist?
The Eucharist ceremony derives from a misunderstanding of Yeshua's final "supper", which was a Passover ceremony. Messianics tend to follow one of two paths in this regard. They either ignore the later development of the Christian "communion ceremony" and simply follow the annual Passover (my own view); or else they follow the Protestant practice of a performing the remembrance at a randomly selected periodic time--weekly, monthly, semi-annual, etc.
Question 4)
As a gentile christian, am I required to abstain from blood just as it says to do in the book of acts?
This takes us into the interpretation of the council decision in Acts 15. Fundamental to understanding that passage is the question of whether the decree was meant to be an end point ("this is all a Gentile ever need do... ever") or a beginning point ("a Gentile must do at least these things until he has been with us long enough to learn more"). Christian teachers tend to take the first view. I take the latter view.
Question 5)
Do you guys do infant baptisms? Regardless, is immersion the only acceptable form, or do is pouring over the head or sprinkling accepted as well?
I know of no Messianic congregation that practices, or advocates for, infant baptism of any sort. Remember that MJ is fundamentally "a Judaism". Our rite for integrating children into the covenant community is circumcision on the 8th day, as given by God.
We don't really even discuss all the forms of getting wet. The rabbinic discussion doesn't really even consider sprinkling, dipping, pouring, etc. That is exclusively a Gentile Christian discussion. The ancient Jewish practice of the mikveh is quite clear--in order to perform a ritual washing ceremony, regardless of the purpose, there must be approximately 150 gallons of water in a container large enough to hold an average sized man.
Question 6)
Scripture alone, or like the RC and Orthodox Church do you believe in extra-scriptural documents to be used for the basis of doctrines as well as teachings.
Again, this is a Church issue. Judaism emphasizes the practice, rather than the doctrine. And the community practice has come to us through a continuous implementation of the Torah.
The traditional Jewish position would be something like, "We believe the rabbis have taught accurately what was given by God in the Scriptures". The Torah is at the root of all revelation. The role of the Prophets is to call the people back to the Torah. The Writings tend to reflect the mentality of life within a Torah observant community.
Messianics tend to lean in the direction of the Protestant churches, adopting a "sola scriptura" perspective for the most part. But I credit that to the fact that nearly all Messianics come through a church before engaging the Messianic Jewish community. I encourage people to study the Jewish sages, so we at least have a baseline for community discussion, whether we agree with them, or not.
I am very disappointed that gentile christians today do not celebrate the passover.
This isn't set out as one of your questions, but I definitely agree with the sentiment. It is a loss to the churches.
Sorry for so many questions. Forgive me....
Heavens! No apologies necessary. We don't learn if we don't ask questions!
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