That is a difficult question, because it depends on who you ask. Some will say there is no difference at all, and some will say the differences are many. Then there is everything in between. Messianic Judaism cannot really be defined, because there is such a huge difference of opinion. That is why you have not received many replies. All you can do is start reading about it and see where it takes you.Please excuse my ignorance, but what is the difference between the two?
Im pretty interested.
Wouldn't it be fair to say that Messianic Judaism is a form of Christianity? That is the belief of being saved by faith in Jesus and his divinity?
Unfortunately, so does this MJ forum. That has always bothered me too. I'm one of those weirdos that believes the Tanakh should be the foundation for all Biblical doctrines. If something in the NT is directly opposed to the teachings of the Tanakh it should be tossed. Period. And there are indeed instances of that very thing. Some attempt to explain it away by claiming it is just a "misunderstanding of Sha'ul" or something to that effect [I was in that group at one time] but that is not always the case. I think the heart of that situation lies in the fact that the NT was tampered with by biased redactors. There is really no way around that one. Sometimes it can be proven, sometimes it can't.Christianity is about following, or being a disciple of, Yeshua. It usually revolves, almost exclusively, around the latter part of The Book (NT)....
Unfortunately, so does this MJ forum. That has always bothered me too. I'm one of those weirdos that believes the Tanakh should be the foundation for all Biblical doctrines. If something in the NT is directly opposed to the teachings of the Tanakh it should be tossed. Period. And there are indeed instances of that very thing. Some attempt to explain it away by claiming it is just a "misunderstanding of Sha'ul" or something to that effect [I was in that group at one time] but that is not always the case. I think the heart of that situation lies in the fact that the NT was tampered with by biased redactors. There is really no way around that one. Sometimes it can be proven, sometimes it can't.
Unfortunately, so does this MJ forum. That has always bothered me too. I'm one of those weirdos that believes the Tanakh should be the foundation for all Biblical doctrines. If something in the NT is directly opposed to the teachings of the Tanakh it should be tossed. Period. And there are indeed instances of that very thing. Some attempt to explain it away by claiming it is just a "misunderstanding of Sha'ul" or something to that effect [I was in that group at one time] but that is not always the case. I think the heart of that situation lies in the fact that the NT was tampered with by biased redactors. There is really no way around that one. Sometimes it can be proven, sometimes it can't.
Avodat said:I find none of the problems we have on here in my relationship with Jews.
Wow, I really respect the work your doing, Avodat. If only we all took Tikkun Olam as seriously as you do, we would hasten the Mashiakh's glorious return! Keep up the great work, Bro! I have a new-found respect for you, that's for sure.
By the way, did you notice that I didn't quote your lengthy post?
Thanks - it is the way I have worked for a couple of decades now. No great fuss, I just get on with the call I have in educating Christians about their whole Bible and countering the rubbish they, in turn, often teach about Jews, with whom I have never had a bad relationship. My daughter now teaches Religious Studies and, having learned from me, she just loves teaching about Judaism (that is why I paid for her to go to Israel with me) - my love for these things has rubbed off on my daughters, thankfully. For me, it is a way of life, not a 'job'.
Yes, I did notice the absence of a whole page quote. Sometimes, though, it can be a problem if a poster doesn't use the 'quote' button and is obviously addressing an individual, but no one knows whom, except the poster
I used to be an Academic Tutor as part of the Associate Faculty of a Bible College. I am a self employed minister working in a denominatonal Church in England teaching (not preaching) the whole Book from a Judaistic viewpoint, week by week, and in Bible Studies and pastoral care. I belong to a couple of organisations (here and in Israel) that work across religious divides to break down the wall between Jews and Gentiles by confronting anti-Judaism / anti-semitsim / Replacement Theology / divestment etc., etc.
How is teaching the whole bible from a Judaic point of view being accepted? And does the church you teach this 'practice' anything related to let's say the feast days or if not do you see a willingness? Or that's not the focus?
If you participated in this forum wearing a Christian faith icon instead of a MJ faith icon WHY wouldn’t you be just as well received (or even more so) on this forum in “relationship with Jews” as you were received by a number of Jews in Israel. But then you wouldn’t be able to participate in MJ Only threads.Where I live, I am working to get Rabbis and Christian congregation leaders to meet and get to know each other informally so that, over time, we can feel able to talk through areas that raise difficulties, one with the other, without appearing to be a threat to each other.
I got on exceptionally well with the Jews around me at the table and the Rabbi made us very welcome in his home. I went to a prayer time where there were a number of orthodox Jews (the women being separated into another room, of course). I also spoke to a number of other Jews, making it clear that I am Christian minister, and found them to be very, very polite, interested in my (MJ) views (after I assured them I was not an MJ bigot). I had a chat with a guy in Mea Shearim - explained I was a Christian minister (it was actually he that started the conversation) and that I was visiting, not evangelising, and we had a very long chat together.
I find none of the problems we have on here in my relationship with Jews.
If you participated in this forum wearing a Christian faith icon instead of a MJ faith icon WHY wouldn’t you be just as well received (or even more so) on this forum in “relationship with Jews” as you were received by a number of Jews in Israel. But then you wouldn’t be able to participate in MJ Only threads.
It would be helpful on this MJ forum if you explain how you went about assuring them you were not a “MJ bigot”. Wouldn’t such a forthcoming explanation be most relevant to Jaded and corrupt, MJ Jewish and Gentile members as well as denominational Christians.
No, they are a long way from keeping moedim!
Wouldn't it be fair to say that Messianic Judaism is a form of Christianity?