Question:

[DaBronx]

Hey guys,

Blessings in Christ Jesus!

I'm doing a study on world religions and need to know what does your religion feel about the Jews... are they still the chosen people... or do Christians and Christianity replace them?

thanks!!

 

[buzuxi02]

The Orthodox Church is Israel. It was through the hebrew race that the messiah would come and that happened. When Christ withered the fig tree, is interpreted by us as the withering away of the jews as the chosen people. The fig tree no longer beared fruit so Christ made it wither. Anotherwords after Christ the jewish race no longer brought forth any prophets, Christ was the end of the line and are no longer needed as a chosen people, those who follow Christ replaced them.

 

[Chesterton]

Read what Jesus had to say: The Parable of the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1) and the Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen (Matthew 21:33).

 

[DaBronx]

Wow... very interesting... thanks so much!!

Now, let me ask this: What happens to the modern day Jew who comes to faith in Christ? Do they stop being Jewish and become Christian or is there no hope for them anymore?

Blessings,
Lorry

 

[Chesterton]

Wow... very interesting... thanks so much!!

Now, let me ask this: What happens to the modern day Jew who comes to faith in Christ? Do they stop being Jewish and become Christian or is there no hope for them anymore?

I think it depends on how you use the word. If "Jew" is a race, obviously you can't stop being what race you are. If "Jew" is a religion, then the answer is they stop being Jewish and become Christian. There are a couple of Jews in my Church. I have no idea whether to think of them as "Jews" or "former Jews". Are St. Peter and St. Paul Jews or ex-Jews? I just think of every Christian as a Christian regardless of race or former religion.

 

[All4Christ]

I guess the concern with saying that they are still Jews is that they can't necessarily follow the Jewish religious traditions still, in the same way that Messianic Jews do. (Feel free to correct me on that). Some of these traditions have Orthodox Christian feast days or traditions that would need to take precedence over following Jewish traditions - and others just don't mesh with the Orthodox Christian beliefs.

I would say that a Jew who became Orthodox Christian could definitely appreciate and remember their heritage. However, just as an Orthodox Christian can't be Protestant and Orthodox at the same time - I don't think an Orthodox Christian can be both Jewish (religion-wise) and Orthodox.

Nonetheless - I would say that just because those who follow Christ are now the 'chosen people' as opposed to the Jews, doesn't necessarily mean that someone who is (was) Jewish cannot become one of the chosen people again. Remember - in Christ - there is neither Jew nor Greek, etc etc. Jews have the same requirements for being one of the chosen people as the non-Jews do. They just need to follow Christ (i.e. convert).

 

[DaBronx]

LOL... That's true... regarding the Jews in my Bible study I still consider them Jews... funny, I didn't think about that when I posed my question... Thanks!

 

[DaBronx]

I guess the concern with saying that they are still Jews is that they can't necessarily follow the Jewish religious traditions still, in the same way that Messianic Jews do. (Feel free to correct me on that). Some of these traditions have Orthodox Christian feast days or traditions that would need to take precedence over following Jewish traditions - and others just don't mesh with the Orthodox Christian beliefs.

I would say that a Jew who became Orthodox Christian could definitely appreciate and remember their heritage. However, just as an Orthodox Christian can't be Protestant and Orthodox at the same time - I don't think an Orthodox Christian can be both Jewish (religion-wise) and Orthodox.

Nonetheless - I would say that just because those who follow Christ are now the 'chosen people' as opposed to the Jews, doesn't necessarily mean that someone who is (was) Jewish cannot become one of the chosen people again. Remember - in Christ - there is neither Jew nor Greek, etc etc. Jews have the same requirements for being one of the chosen people as the non-Jews do. They just need to follow Christ (i.e. convert).

Thank you so much!!

 

[E.C.]

If you ever get a chance, try getting a copy of "Surprised by Christ" by Fr. James Bernstein.

He is an Orthodox priest and (religion wise) a former Jew. I have not read the book, but I have met him in person and can say that he is a very nice guy.

 

[DaBronx]

If you ever get a chance, try getting a copy of "Surprised by Christ" by Fr. James Bernstein.

He is an Orthodox priest and (religion wise) a former Jew. I have not read the book, but I have met him in person and can say that he is a very nice guy.

Will do... thanks!