- Oct 28, 2006
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I would agree with that, it isn't our job. We have two entirely separate religions at this point. Even if Christianity came out of Judaism and was viewed as a sect of Judaism in the first century and until about 1/3rd of the way through the 2nd, we still have been apart from what are really brothers for almost 1900 years. Since then, rabbis changed the face of Judaism, decrees passed by early counsels were done deliberately to distance ourselves from our Jewish roots and we have built upon those decrees as more time passed... I don't think it is up to either to judge the other in that regard. And because of the divisions through denominations we see even with Christianity, I would suggest brother, that our authority rests within our local congregations UNLESS we see a brother who is either about to stumble or about to cause others to stumble. I am just not sure how far we can go without encroaching on the authority of other elders and pastors beyond that.
Unfortunately though, many have tried to force. We have a historical record of forced baptisms, the forcing of eating unclean meats, and even death in the name of Jesus over the lack of acceptance of Jesus (sounds like how some in Islam currently act) and it makes it hard to overcome the paradigm that Jews are born into regarding us.
Respectfully, I disagree. I think the best witness we have is our walk. Paul wrote that in everything we do in word or deed we are to do it in the name of Yeshua. "Name of" to a Hebrew like Paul...meant in the authority of... or in the character and reputation of. So brother, factor in the Great Commission. The "Go!" isn't in command form... it is a passive participle, it is "going." The idea is, "as you are going, teach." The "teach" is in command form but we first have to go, live, and reflect the Lord in our words and deeds and when anyone, Jewish or not, asks questions because they see him in our words and deeds, then we have a willing student and can fulfill the Great Commission.
I don't think Hitler was...he might have THOUGHT he was but so do Arian white Supremacists and KKK members. I am simply saying that the Jews no more are responsible for knowing if Hitler was or wasn't as you are able to judge if Bin Laden was a good representation of all of Islam.
I understand that we can't expect Jewish people to simply recognize Jesus as Lord, and that it wouldn't be fully rational either for us to expect them to clearly understand that Hitler, and his ugly army, wasn't Christian; I also understand that it is the Lord who has to play a part in their individual, epistemic recognition, their calling, and their salvation--He has the greater part, we the Church have the lesser.
However, Hitler was not a Christian and had little of the same beliefs, theology, or philosophical understanding that--I'm sure--you and I mostly share in Christ. So, please forgive me, but among my several philosophical and theological commitments, one of these is to knock down common assertions that Hitler counts as a Christian in nearly any capacity, other than that he darkened the doors of churches at times during his life (emphasize the term "darkened"). We have a right in Christ, and an obligation to our Lord's Truth, to do so, even if it turns out that it was the Lord who allowed Hitler to run amok in Europe as a punishment and/or test for everyone involved.
In addition to this, discernment as to the nature of who is a True Prophet or even a True Christian is an important implication in the whole of Biblical teaching; it is something all of us are supposed to be cultivating day by day, whether we are Jewish or Christian. This notion is supported by principles in the Old Testament and by principles in the New Testament, and it is something we are all to do, even if we are to do so slowly, wisely, patiently, compassionately and without bitterness between ourselves.
Also, I moderately disagree with the point about our not asserting that we should at least make some "judgements" about fellow brethren, even between denominations and/or factions, or other historical divisions among the people(s) of God. Paul and Peter did, and they admonished us to grow in wisdom so as to do likewise. So, even though we are to be Ecumenical and affirm each other in the Lord, that doesn't mean that we adopt some laissez–faire approach to the whole of faith.
However, I do agree with you about the fact the Great Commission implies we Gentiles are also to "go to all nations," which would include going to our Jewish spiritual cousins who do not yet believe due to their ongoing interpretive framework of the Torah, Prophets, and Writings; for they are but one step away from accepting their unrecognized Messiah. They are just ... one ... step ... away! Just one.
Respectfully. (And of course, even if I disagree on a few points with you, I think you're a brilliant brother, and I'll definitely keep you on my "Who I'm Following" List. )
Peace,
2PhiloVoid
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