by J.K. McKee
With the month of February about to close, we are now ten months away from the year 2010. I have believed for quite some time that the next decade is going to be a time of significant change and/or upheaval for the Messianic movement—not because of some end-of-the-world event—but because spiritually and theologically our faith community is behind the curve. On the whole we have no coherent vision for the future, and we cannot figure out who we are or what we need to do. This is going to change, but not easily.
Last week I was involved in two Messianic blog postings, each of which erupted in a proverbial firestorm among Messianic teachers, congregational leaders, and then normal people desiring for civility among brethren. This began when a Messianic Jewish teacher and leader took offense when someone else asked, as respectfully as he could, that Messianic Judaism reconsider its position toward non-Jews as not having to follow God’s Torah (Part 1, Part 2). While the response to this inquiry was also posted with as much respect as the Messianic Jewish teacher could muster, the comments that followed on his blog page were anything but respectful or constructive.
This gave rise to a colleague of mine, who is a Messianic blogger, writing on how the Messianic world seems to be fragmenting greater and greater, much like a good part of the Christian world. While I thought it was a bit humorous, some took offense at his posting of a Where’s Waldo? image to make the point that we really do not know where we are. This blog, more than the previous ones, provoked even more ubiquitous comments that were just all over the board. As we all sought to sort through what our differences and similarities were, Messianic Judaism’s problems with the independent Messianic movement that have arisen in the 2000s emerged to be:
- God’s Torah is only to be followed by the Jews and/or Messianic Jews, as is concurrent with Jewish theology today which views the Torah as only being the possession of Israel and not to be shared with the nations.
- While Paul says that all Believers are a part of the Commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:11-12), this is a collective commonwealth and not a singular entity. Non-Jewish Believers do not have the same kind of citizenship responsibilities as Jewish Believers.
- The One Law and Two-House movements have invented forms of Torah observance that deride Jewish custom and tradition. This most notably includes people who use a different calendar than the Jewish community, the preponderance to use the Divine Name, and a general rejection of customs associated with the appointed times, protocol in the assembly, and halachah in general.
This year I have tried to dialogue with Messianic Jewish congregational leaders, because I specifically do want to know where the channels of communication broke down in the 2000s, specifically between those holding to convictions along the lines of either One Law and/or Two-House. Can anything be accomplished? Can we lessen the rhetoric out there? Can we come together as reasonable people and discuss the issues at hand as mature adults in a calm and rational way? Can we respectfully disagree and respect the callings that God has upon us in the diverse spheres of influence where He has placed us? Can we recognize anything that we might agree upon, and strive to stop the animosity of the past ten years?
From the perspective of today’s Messianic Judaism, I am found guilty of teaching that God’s Torah is to be followed by all His people—especially as born again Believers are to mature in holiness and their knowledge of Him, emulating the obedience of Messiah Yeshua. I am also found guilty of teaching that all of God’s people are a part of the Commonwealth of Israel, something to be likened as to one being a part of a singular entity, like the Commonwealth of Virginia or the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I reject that the Bible teaches that in the end we will not all be united as a singular people of God. Perhaps there will be diversity within that people, and perhaps “Israel” when it is all over and Yeshua returns may be more of a tossed salad than a melting pot. Before today’s Messianic Judaism I stand guilty of teaching that Jewish and non-Jewish Believers (and even men and women!) are equals before the Lord (Galatians 3:28). This is something I will not apologize for.
At the same time, the independent Messianic movement, largely composed of Messianic non-Jews, has put some major stumbling blocks before our Messianic Jewish brethren that have impeded unity. There has been a widescale rejection of mainline Jewish traditions, and a summary dismissal of the Bible’s emphasis that Israel does have a Jewish leadership (Genesis 49:10; Romans 3:2; 11:29)—and a Pharisaical leadership at that (Matthew 23:2-3)! When congregations follow a different calendar, follow a different protocol for their worship services, and generally do not at all look Jewish, Messianic Judaism rightly takes offense. And such independent congregations, as I have directly witnessed multiple times, do not often possess the same stability or longevity as Messianic Jewish congregations. I had to tell my Messianic Jewish critics that in spite of my disagreements with them, I have always been willing to “take on my own party” and champion philo-traditional forms of Torah observance consistent with today’s Messianic Judaism.
The independent Messianic movement has often chosen (poorly) to pick fights with Messianic Judaism over the form of how things are done. Many keep the appointed times on a different calendar, many have a different kind of Shabbat service, many are unfamiliar with basic Jewish literature like the Mishnah and Talmud, and many treat the word “tradition” as though it were a curse word. In contrast to many of the people in the One Law and/or Two-House sub-movement today, I actually do not have problems with your basic Messianic Jewish congregation in these areas. Now I think Messianic Judaism has not done a very good job at explaining the significance of the various Jewish customs and traditions, and the role that they play for the Torah observant (something to be surely improved upon), but Messianic Jewish congregations to their credit are ten to twenty times more stable than the alternative. (And not to be confused, do note that most Messianic Jewish congregations do not follow a style of Torah observance on the level of Orthodox Judaism, and neither would I advocate such a level.)
If the independent Messianic movement should pick any fight with Messianic Judaism at large, it should not be over Torah halachah, but rather over what it advocates about the separation of God’s people. Are we all equal before the Lord as human beings or are we not? Are Jewish Believers actually closer to God than non-Jewish Believers? Is “Israel” supposed to be an exclusivist club, or God’s people empowered to their fullest? Is God’s purpose for raising up the Messianic movement to only see that a generation of Jews are saved, or is it to result in the restoration of Israel—a worldwide event affecting all people? How small or how big is this “Messianic” thing supposed to be?
Down the road, I am expecting that the unfortunate circumstances of the 2000s will correct themselves. When a person attends an established Messianic Jewish congregation one week, and then an independent Messianic congregation the next week, I expect that both congregations will basically mirror one another in the terms of protocol. The differences will not be over the calendar followed or on what days the appointed times are celebrated. The differences will not be over the order of the Shabbat service or the liturgy used. The differences will be over whether everyone is welcome or not. The differences will be over who possesses the edge in fulfilling God’s greater mission for the world, including a well-defined theology consistent with His intent for the Torah to be taught to all (Isaiah 2:3; Micah 4:2).
Of course, in order to see this accomplished, more firestorms are likely to manifest themselves, even though undesired. The kind of Messianic movement that needs to come forth consistent with the trajectory of Scripture may only come forth in pain. What I would tentatively describe as an egalitarian Messianic Judaism is something that will not please everyone in today’s Messianic world. And perhaps most ironically, what makes this idea so controversial is that it is the only model thusfar that will welcome all into the community as equals before God, and it will not avoid the pressing theological issues of our day—be those issues Messianic-specific or not.
If the events of last week have shown me anything, the firestorm that I witnessed is likely just a foretaste of what is coming to our faith community in the 2010s. I do not want this to happen, but I think that it is largely unavoidable. This is not something that surprising to my family, having been a part of Messianic Judaism since 1995 and the independent Messianic movement in the 2000s. We have always had to make our own way.
There are some inaccuracies in what you say that are rather vital. My objection to Nate [Long] was not primarily about Gentile keeping Torah (I’m fine with Gentiles doing this voluntarily out of a sense of calling and if there is respect for the peoplehood of Israel).
I objected to Nate saying that Judaism is a misnomer and that Messianic Jews are Christians. I objected to Nate saying that Christianity, not Judaism, should teach us how to keep Torah, and so on.
I do not subject Judah [Himango] to such critiques even though he does believe in Gentile obligation.
Finally, I do not imply nor does my Jewish theology of the Torah imply a lesser status for non-Jews. That is a serious charge (its a charge of racism, really, and I’d appreciate a retraction). If I believe there are certain special things between God and the Jewish people, and if I object to non-Jews taking those things for themselves without availing themselves of the opportunity to join with Israel (conversion), then I hope you can see this is not about racism. It is about supersessionism and disrespect for something God calls holy.
Derek Leman
*****
JKM: Thank you for your comments. I do not know how familiar you are with our ministry teachings, or our somewhat “progressive” evangelical approach to Messianic faith, so I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt. Obviously as a ministry blog, this posting is primariliy geared toward those who follow and support our ministry, and my point of view is a reflection of much of what I have been teaching on in my recent Galatians and Ephesians Bible studies from Fall 2007 to last month. This blog, more than anything else, was spurred on by the ensuing comments from those previous blog postings.
I think we would both agree that just as many of us have been enriched by embracing our Jewish Roots and spiritual heritage in the Synagogue, learning about Jewish approaches to Scripture and the Torah, that evangelical Christianity can likewise teach us many things not only about the historicity and reliability of the Torah and Tanach, but also about what the Torah teaches us about missiology and the role of God’s people in the world. Christopher Wright’s 2006 book The Mission of God is probably one of the best summaries of this in recent theological thought, as would be Walter Kaiser’s 2008 The Promise-Plan of God.
The unity that Jewish and non-Jewish Believers are to experience in the Body of Messiah is to manifest itself in the formation of a one new humanity (Ephesians 2:15), brought about by the removal of ton nomon tōn entolōn en dogmasin, which I view not as the Torah or even the ceremonial law, but rather “the religious Law of commandments in dogmas,” unjustified extra-Biblical injunctions that would have erected a wall of division in the Temple complex to keep people out (most especially something like 1QS 1.9-11 and people of one community being allowed to hate those of another). The Apostle Paul writes the Believers in Asia Minor that we are all a part of the Commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:11-12), and fellow heirs together via the work of Yeshua (Ephesians 3:6). This kind of magnanimous unity is to be a sign to the greater cosmos of the further redemption to come in the eschaton (Ephesians 3:10).
The dilemma that exists today is that in describing the salvation of Israel in the eschaton (Romans 11:26-28), Paul applies prophecies from Isaiah 59:10 and Jeremiah 31:33 that even though promised to Israel, non-Jewish Believers are largely recipients of because of the Jewish people’s widescale rejection of the Messiah (Romans 11:30-31). This requires people such as myself have a great deal of respect for Judaism and the Synagogue (Romans 11:29), as Yeshua Himself says “salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). It is encumbent upon people such as myself to provoke the Jewish people to jealousy, and not place in front of them an unnessary stumbling block such as using a different calendar, using the Divine Name, stubbing my nose at liturgy, or anything in regard to halachah that generally sits outside of normative Judaism (Romans 11:11). If we are to follow the Torah, I agree that haphazardly doing what is right in your own eyes is not the way to do it (Judges 17:6; 21:25). At the same time, though, the very fact that we are Messianic means that there will be points of disagreement with the Synagogue on at least the issue of Yeshua’s Messiahship, and concurrent with this how one becomes a part of God’s people.
As a beneficiary of the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-33; Hebrews 8:8-12), the promise that God will write the Torah onto the hearts of His people, are individauls such as myself required to go through a conversion process in order to be considered part of His people? Paul answers this in his letter to the Galatians, where the issue is what to do with the inclusion of the new non-Jewish Believers in the assembly. Galatians 5:3a informs us that the issue of “circumcision” is not that of a medial procedure, as is easily seen by the clause panti anthrōpō peritemnomenō–not meaning “every man who receives circumcision,” as the male specific anēr is not what is employed–but instead “every human being who receives circumcision.” Because women are referenced here as well as men, this is an excellent indicator that the issue is proselyte conversion for covenant inclusion, when faith in God and Israel’s Messiah is the determining factor (Galatians 3:7-9). (Here, we are indebted to many of the proposals made in by the New Perspective of Paul. Note how I will be writing a summary in my planned article for March, “The Message of Galatians.”)
I believe that the differences we will see in the future between Messianic Judaism and the various One Law advocates primarily concern this issue of equality, and how faith in Yeshua brings us into the covenant people. Obviously, I feel somewhat disadvantaged because I am a non-Jewish male. This is why I feel so strongly about being consistent with my application of the new status envisioned by Galatians 3:28, believing that not only are Jewish and non-Jewish men equal members of the Commonwealth of Israel, but also that women are equals. (And not to belabor the point too much, I do believe that qualified women can lead and teach.)
I hope this clarifies my perspective and vantage point of the issues, as no charge of racism was at all intended. (It is, in fact, my intention to primarily address issues external to the Messianic community throughout 2009.) May we all endeavor to be one in Him, as our Lord so urgently prayed (John 17:21)!
By: derek4messiah on 26 February, 2009
at 3:02 am
Very well put! While it grieves me that my Messianic Jewish brethren seem to think me less in the eyes of God, I do not need to dwell on this, but on the truth of who He says I am in His Word. I can still love them and even fellowship with them at times, without the need to dwell on our differences. Is this not the unity that Yeshua Himself prayed for amongst his followers?
*****
JKM: This unity will come given time–as He promises it! We have to remember that Messianic Judaism itself is still a first generation movement. The Lord has worked mightily through Messianic Judaism to see many Jewish people come to salvation. Messianic Jews have given up a great deal to believe in Yeshua and still retain their Jewishness, so much of the skepticism toward non-Jewish Believers joining with them should not be totally unexpected.
The questions that will be facing us regard the coming second and third generations, which is where you will see a great deal of variance in terms of missiology and theology.
By: Teresa on 26 February, 2009
at 1:38 pm
Shalom,
I appreciate your desire and call for unity in the Messianic Torah community and pray that people begin to put down some of their fears and prejudices that are the catalyst to most of the infighting.
One thing that seems to be the most difficult balance is the issue you addressed which is the prejudices that run both directions (that have developed over centuries) and still manifest today. Some Jewish (if that can even truly be defined these days, is it based on blood type and if so, how much do you need to be “officially” Jewish, there is no clear standard even within Judaism), believers reject and are not soft in their approach to allowing non-Jews into the community, while some gentiles become arrogant simply because they either don’t understand or have some prejudice toward traditions in general because they feel the traditions are somehow exclusive to Jews and since they aren’t Jews, why should they do things “that way.”
Clearly prejudice on both ends is the driving force.
For myself, I love, learn and embrace tradition where it enhances and validates the truth of Messiah and the Torah and do so out of respect for those whose lives made it possible for me to recieve the truth today. Any implimitation of a command, even if put in modern form, should be done with respect to the traditions that we have inherited, while being rejected ONLY if they are seen as being rejected by the Master Himself, or clearly cause a conflict with a stated Torah command itself.
On the other hand, this year I was sick of never seeing a New Moon on Yom Teruah. After two years of the moon not being there, I asked the Lord, since I was in charge of setting the calendar for our community, which calendar to follow for the Fall 2008 holidays since I am dependant on outside sources for follwoing either one. Since there would be ZERO illumination on the traditional Jewish calendar, I opted for the calendar based on the current year’s Aviv in Israel, but was nervous with my decision to step out because I had come into the movement in a community that follows the traditional calendar. To my delight we finally observed the New Moon on Yom Teruah, thus we were actually able to keep that command to observe it on that night.
Furthermore, the stock market took a nose dive EVERY SINGLE DAY between the real Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur according to the Aviv this past 2008, exactly between the judgement week days. That to me was further validation for my decision to follow the Aviv calendar now that it is available, but I STILL RESPECT my teachers and individuals who use the Rabbinic calendar and understand and pray that Lord willing, these calendars will be brought together soon as rabbi’s in Israel seek to go back to finding the Aviv as their method rather than the set calendar of Hillel II as they continue themselves NOT to be able to observe the New Moon on Yom Teruah.
So there is a possiblity in my mind of all of us coming together, but it has to start with putting away prejudices and pride.
Blessings to you and your ministry. I enjoy reading your posts each week!
Christy
*****
JKM: Thank you for your comments. We are all trying, as best as humanly possible (which will always fall short of the mark unless we entreat the Lord for His Spirit), for the unity that He desires among us as His people. As religious history reveals, this is something that will always take time and a great deal of effort.
I appreciate for your respect of those of us who are convicted that following the mainline Rabbinical calendar is best for today’s Messianic community, and especially for its interactions with the Jewish community. In my judgment, the issue of the calendar, because of its diviseness to fracture God’s people, is one of the reasons (among several) why Moses delivered the following instruction in Deuteronomy 17:11:
“According to the terms of the law which they teach you, and according to the verdict which they tell you, you shall do; you shall not turn aside from the word which they declare to you, to the right or the left” (NASU).
Here, the Hebrew clause al-pi ha’torah; can be literally translated “upon mouth (of) the torah/instruction/law.” It is rendered as: “in accordance with the instructions” (NJPS); “According to the tenor of the law” (YLT); “the verdict they announce” (NLT). It regards what the leaders of Israel rule regarding proper jurisprudence.
Even within the Torah, I see the indication that there is some kind of oral instruction that goes along with it, specifically so that God’s people are not torn apart during seasons of the year that they should be bound together. Now obviously, I would never advocate any kind of blind obedience to the Oral Torah or Jewish tradition, any more than I think Paul expects us to blindly obey the government (cf. Romans 13)–I would in fact be an advocate of a Messianic-kind-of Wesleyan Quadrilateral (Scripture, tradition, reason, experience). Yet it is interesting that among the issues that the Messiah takes the religious authorities to task for, nowhere do we see the calendar as an issue. If anything, Yeshua and His Disciples observe the appointed times along with the rest of the Jewish population.
In time, I think we both agree that the Lord will sort things out.
By: Christy Anderson on 26 February, 2009
at 3:53 pm
If we ever get to the point of equality being the only major point of contention in the Messianic circles, well, praise God, because that would mean we’ve finally got past all these other issues that have been battled to death.
In some ways, equality is an issue now. Without stepping on toes, I suggest the One Law issue is one of equality. And as you mention, the equality of men and women is a major point of contention today, and perhaps was what gave fertile grounds for [name withheld]’s polygamy sect, tragically.
You said last week’s firestorm is just a taste of what’s coming. Boy, I sure hope not. Honestly, I don’t have a desire to participate in those things any more. (Are they beneficial at all? I wonder sometimes!)
It is good to teach and correct, but I will be partaking less in these heated theological arguments. They’re often hurtful to people that really love Messiah, gosh. It’s a poor example we’re giving to the world and to Christianity and to unbelieving Judaism when the thing we’re famous for isn’t doing good works, isn’t being different from the world, but instead the thing we’re famouse for is: fighting, fighting, fighting! Amonst ourselves! Jeez.
To this end, I’m focusing on improving my own obedience. I’ve placed a lower priority on battling Messiah-lovers over theological differences.
*****
JKM: It is good to see that you are focusing on your own self, as this is something that we all need to do to make sure that we are spiritually fit for the service of God today.
I wholeheartedly agree that if equality is the only pressing issue that may divide us, then we will have come a long way in sorting through many of the other elementary matters of faith (Hebrews 6:1-2). However, having recently completed a 61-page article on the intermediate state between death and resurrection (third edition of “To Be Absent From the Body“) I think we have a ways to go in many areas.
While it is easy to get discouraged, we can look at all of these occurrences as a chance to learn and grow (even if some hard work is involved). Someone would have asked about polygamy sooner or later, because anyone who reads the Bible encounters it. Someone would have asked about the role of women, at the very least because of a female teacher from elementary school or how one’s mother, grandmother, aunt, etc. played an important role in life–and wonder why women are not given a greater role in the Messianic community.
Whether we can approach these sorts of issues with an objectivity and matureness, or as Bible thumpers whose job is to prove everyone else “wrong” (the difference between dogma and doctrine)–is entirely up to us, I believe.
By: judahgabriel on 26 February, 2009
at 4:09 pm
“Of course, in order to see this accomplished, more firestorms are likely to manifest themselves, even though undesired. The kind of Messianic movement that needs to come forth consistent with the trajectory of Scripture may only come forth in pain.”
J.K. – speaking of future additional “pain”, what exactly do you foresee coming that hasn’t already happened?
*****
JKM: The kinds of painful changes that I believe are in store primarily relate to our Biblical Studies and in joining ourselves to a larger conversation. I address some of the issues that I foresee hitting in the future in the closing section of my article “Answering the ‘Frequently Avoided Questions’ About the Messiahship of Yeshua,” all of which have been (unknowingly for most) opened by the anti-missionary movement.
By: Gene Shlomovich on 26 February, 2009
at 5:30 pm
Shalom – Personally I have found your teachings to be closer to Truth than most out there today! Torah maintains that there is one law for Israel and the stranger that sojourns among them. We also have the examples of Ruth and Rahab, who were not only joined to Israel, but are in the ancestry of Y’shua….Y’shua said if we loved Him we would keep His comandments. Which ones? The ones He wrote of course.
I know I’m preaching to the choir! LOL
Be Blessed In Moshiach Y”shua!!
*****
JKM: Your words are very much appreciated, as they encourage us to continue on this quest!
By: Alan Hake on 26 February, 2009
at 6:05 pm
I have been reading all your articles and commentaries over the last months. I have found it very helpful. I would humbly like to mention a few things that bothers me.
1. Yahweh has in His awesome grace led us out of Babylon, ie the Church, with its man made traditions, dogmas and falseness. Are we therefore not supposed to trust Him to do the work, to become quiet before Him and each focus our energy on our personal relationship with Him? It just seem to me that the “Messianic Movement” has traded one set of manmade traditions for another! Father is doing such amazing things in lives, that to squabble amongst each other may cause us to miss something.
2. I totally agree that non-jews should follow Torah. How can it be the “property” of the Jews? It had been freely given by a loving Father and the choice to follow it is a sign between Him and us. BUT shouldn’t we only follow the moadim found in scripure? I feel that Chanuka and Purim falls in the category of Jewish historical festivals peculiar to the country of Israel.
Mostly what I want to say is this: Let our focus be in the right place with the ONE whom this is all about. He doesn’t care who thinks what! All He wants is to love us…shouldn’t we return the favour?
*****
JKM: Thank you for your response. I would like to briefly respond to your points:
1. How does using the slur “Babyon,” in referring to our Christian brothers and sisters, aid and enhance what HaShem is doing with His people today? Does it invite more people than it repels? Most sincere born again Christians I know–and have a very high view of the Old Testament Law–serve the Lord with their whole hearts and would be more welcoming of an invitation to consider more of God’s Torah. How does a life of Torah obedience enhance their walk with Jesus Christ?
I agree that traditions should not be blindly followed, but even the Apostle Paul said, “I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you” (1 Corinthians 11:2). A major reason that the Messianic community has grown over the past 15-20 years is because Christian Believers have recognized that we have a spiritual and theological heritage inherited from the Jewish Synagogue.
2. The expectation of the Prophets is that God’s Torah be brought to the nations (Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:2), meaning that although Israel may be the conduit for God’s light, it is by no means to be the sole owner of it.
Both Purim and Chanukah are not listed in Leviticus 23 because they commemorate salvation history events that took place after the Exodus and wilderness sojourn. Are these not important events depicting HaShem’s intervention in the lives of His people? It is not unimportant that Purim is commanded in the Book of Esther (Esther 9:20-22)? Even if you disregard Chanukah as being important because it originates in the detero-canon, the celebration of Purim is seen in canonical Scripture.
In approaching the role of tradition, our ministry has consistently encouraged people to consider the following word:
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
By: Magda van Gerve on 26 February, 2009
at 7:25 pm
In our local area we’ve experienced much of what you wrote about, and have been experiencing this for several years. While at first we were eager to discuss and debate (respectfully, of course) we no longer have the energy. We’ve watched the “Messianic” group in our area cycle through the same issues for several years now as they move farther and farther away from “traditional” and into “ultra-independent” (to the point of anti-semitism). We’ve participated in “real life” discussion as well as online debates over the years and while we’ve grown from them, we’ve also grown weary of the animosity they often cultivate.
I agree that there will likely be more “hashing this out” before more agreement can be found. I think that this can be very beneficial, provided all parties remain mature and respectful. These are traits that haven’t been nurtured in our modern day, so it seems, and must be under the control of the Spirit if any fruit is to come from it. I think we need to be able to discuss ideas and concepts respectfully while being able to agree to disagree in the end.
Where we personally sometimes struggle today is when we meet people who are just learning about the Hebrew Roots of their Christian faith and are desperate to learn more. Sometimes we’re afraid of what influence these tender new people so easily fall under, and we’ve seen several fall into one or the other extreme and later to hear that others have simply grown tired and have “left” the movement all together with a very bitter taste.
We need to be careful about who rises to positions of leadership – are they new or young in their understanding or are they fully trained and mature? We must not repeat the same mistakes as our fathers when Christianity split from Judaism.
*****
JKM: Time has a unique way in sorting everything out. Patience, however, is not a significant virtue of people living in North America–as today’s Messianic movement is undeniably a reflection of its main host culture.
The great irony is that just as we have forgotten the more corporately-minded nature of the Jewish Synagogue for instead a post-Enlightenment individualism–that same individualism is foreign to most of historical Christianity as well!
By: FollowingTheAncientPaths on 26 February, 2009
at 7:39 pm
“We’ve watched the “Messianic” group in our area cycle through the same issues for several years now as they move farther and farther away from “traditional” and into “ultra-independent” (to the point of anti-semitism).”
“We must not repeat the same mistakes as our fathers when Christianity split from Judaism.”
Make me wonder if it ever gets to the point where these”ultra-independent” groups start resorting to violence against Jewish believers within MJ or even agaisnt Gentile messianics sympathetic to Jewish people like the poster above (since violence often follows the theological antisemitism, and did happened “when Christianity split from Judaism”). May be that is another “pain” that we’ll have to deal with down the road? I certainly hope not – I don’t want to move again anytime soon!
*****
JKM: I spoke out against this kind of thing happening all the way back in 2003, in my article “Anti-Semitism in the Two-House Movement.”
I have a suspicion that what has been detailed above has been within a fundamentalist pseudo-Messianic group that is rural America, and in all liklihood the people who make up such a gathering have not been that exposed to Jewish people or Jewish culture. (They probably have more affinities to the many offshoots of the Sacred Name Only movement than anything else.) I myself have lived in suburban communities that have had significant Jewish populations (Cincinnati, Dallas, Central Florida), and my own mother had many Jewish friends in her hometown of Annapolis, MD, attending the Reform Temple on a regular basis. I have an aunt who married a Jewish man over twenty years ago, even though he is not religious.
American anti-Semitism is not the same kind that you would see in Eastern Europe. It is a social anti-Semitism that excludes Jewish people from participating, or which makes disparaging remarks about Jewish customs and culture. Within the independent Messianic movement, it is often manifested in the attitude: “You don’t want to trade one set of traditions of men for another one.” As bad as I think this is, most of the people I know who have said it (albeit stupidly) would stand up for the rights of the Jewish people and strongly support the State of Israel.
By: Gene Shlomovich on 26 February, 2009
at 8:57 pm
“American anti-Semitism is not the same kind that you would see in Eastern Europe. It is a social anti-Semitism that excludes Jewish people from participating, or which makes disparaging remarks about Jewish customs and culture.”
I agree with you that “American antisemitism” is nothing like what Europe has experienced in times past (or even today). Indeed, that’s why all the Jews from there ended up here and stay here. That’s not to say that it is impossible for this to ever come to our shores – it seems that our society is changing and not for the better, and Israel today may not have as good a friend in America as it once had. Speaking of Eastern Europe – unlike the Russian Jews, the German Jews thought that they lived in a tolerant, most civilized and pluralistic society of the day.
“As bad as I think this is, most of the people I know who have said it (albeit stupidly) would stand up for the rights of the Jewish people and strongly support the State of Israel.”
I suppose only time will tell if that continues to be so.
*****
JKM: You are indeed correct that time will be the determining factor.
By: Gene Shlomovich on 26 February, 2009
at 9:23 pm
J.K. and Theresa:
The very comment Theresa made proves that racism is what you think we believe. Theresa said, “It grieves me that my MJ brethren seem to think me lesser in the eyes of God.” That is exactly what I said we do not believe.
If you continue characterizing MJ as racist, viewing Jews as higher in God’s love, or whatever, you are being offensive. We do not believe anything of the kind.
And, J.K., you did not correct her. Think about that. You seem to agree that MJ views Gentiles as lesser in standing with God.
How can we dialogue when you persistently view us as racist?
Derek Leman
*****
JKM: I have a distinct feeling that whatever comments Theresa has made they relate somehow to her own experiences in Messianic Judaism, and she can clarify her thoughts if you think it is necessary.
I have never used the term “racist” to describe Messianic Judaism. Are there predjudical people in Messianic Judaism? Yes, in some sectors. (And this is equally true of people in the Christian Church who are prejudicial toward Jews. When my late father brought the Passover sedar into our UMC in the 1980s and 1990s he certainly encountered it.) Do I feel that such people are “racist” in that they believe that I am not a human being made in God’s image, possessing the Divine imprint and intellgience? Not at all. I feel that some of the sentiments that Jewish Believers demonstrate toward non-Jewish Believers are present because this is still largely a first generation movement, and there are people who are somewhat uneasy or uncertain about the future.
I think the term “unwelcome” would more appropriately summarize much of my family’s experience. If this was not clear in the blog posting, or in my previous comments, I do apologize for it. (And, we have found ourselves similiarly “unwelcome” among One Law congregations as well–something I have discussed at least 10x more frequently in my writings.)
By: derek4messiah on 26 February, 2009
at 9:39 pm
For the record, in my synagogue, Gentiles read Torah, lead prayer, serve as leaders, and I myself am a convert (in process).
Derek Leman
*****
JKM: Thank you for letting other blog readers know how you administer your congregation. I am very appreciative of those who try to welcome and include everyone.
By: derek4messiah on 26 February, 2009
at 9:41 pm
“For the record, in my synagogue, Gentiles read Torah, lead prayer, serve as leaders, and I myself am a convert (in process).”
For the record, in our own temple, we have the same thing (except for the convert part) – we often have a non-Jewish person (well, in our congregation more often than not they are married to a Jew / ess) read from the Torah (in Hebrew that the Rabbi is teaching to both Jews and Gentiles weekly), we have had both Jews and Gentiles leading worship and prayer, take out the Torah from the Ark, etc. The core leadership, the rabbi, our whole board, however, is all Jewish.
As far as people who join our synagogue with the goal to promote One Law, Two-Stick, Sacred Namer stuff, Nazarene, etc. or try to influence members of our congregation in some other similar aberrant direction – attempts at which has happened in our short history – they will be warned first to stop, and if they persist, will be shown the door as quickly as possible. However, normally, such people seem to leave by themselves – probably because we are too Jewish for their tastes! I guess this would make us not as welcoming as some places – so be it then.
*****
JKM: I am glad to see that you try to promote a sense of welcomeness among people who visit your assembly.
As the congregational leader, you are certainly free to establish the tenor–be that spiritual or theological–that you believe will best minister to the people and accomplish God’s assignments for you. Having recently written an article on the subject, I myself would have significant difficulty being a constituent at any congregation whose main teacher might advocate psychopannychy, as I believe that such a teaching is not only degrading to the human person, but it by no means helps those who grieve the loss of a loved one.
While I share many of your same concerns, I would politely issue a word of caution about the Two-House teaching. As many abuses as are out there about it–be those abuses semi-anti-Semitism, anti-Christian, anti-Divinity of Yeshua, anti-inspiration of the Greek New Testament, pro-polygamy, etc.–if the Scriptures that Two-House people think are important (i.e., Ezekiel 37) are unfulfilled prophecies, then don’t speak against it as though it is “heresy.” In spite of the sensationalism out there often associated with it, people like me believe the promises of Israel’s restoration still stand, and that it is wider than just the Jewish people.
To a certain extent, a “hands off” approach is needed on this, and a whole variety of issues. As Gamaliel once said, “So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown” (Acts 5:38).
By: Gene Shlomovich on 26 February, 2009
at 10:20 pm
“…if the Scriptures that Two-House people think are important (i.e., Ezekiel 37) are unfulfilled prophecies, then don’t speak against it as though it is “heresy.””
JK… I don’t view it as “heresy” (I don’t even use that word, which I think should be reserved for far stronger theological offenses). Rather it’s a misappropriation of prophecy originally directed at ethnic Israel (Jews, Hebrews, Israelites, etc.) by some who THINK they are Israel or tribes of Israel (Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, Amstrongites, British Israelites, and yes, unfortunately, the well-meaning Two-House folks – they would all say that Ezekiel 37 applies to them, either now or some time in the very near future).
I have not met a Two House person, face to face or online, other than perhaps you JK, who didn’t think that Ezekiel 37 somehow applies to them. Are you the only moderate Two-House person out there, or can you point me to some others?
“To a certain extent, a “hands off” approach is needed on this, and a whole variety of issues. As Gamaliel once said, “So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown” (Acts 5:38).”
Now, while I wouldn’t equate the Two-House followers with the first persecuted Jewish believers in the first century (as I wouldn’t equate any other movement or religion to them), I’d wholeheartedly go along with your advice. As far as I know, nobody is advocating “persecution” of the Two House followers. But neither are Messianic Jews required to accept their teachings into their own congregations and associations, right? If Ephraimites want to have their own theology and their own movement – by all means, they should have it! Shalom.
*****
JKM: First of all, I think most of the people you have described encountering are not that secure of who they are as individuals saved and redeemed by Yeshua. It is not difficult to read our ministry materials and see that our principal emphasis is on Yeshua the Messiah, His work for us, and our need to mature in faith. Everything else is secondary, and so I would no more wear “Two-House” on my sleeve as I would also wear my being a Wesleyan-Arminian, an egalitarian, or a post-tribulationist (among the things I believe).
As I have layed out several times, there are three basic ways that one can approach the Two-House teaching:
1. I’m Israel because I feel I’m Israel
2. pseudo-history of this tribe going here and that tribe going there
3. unfulfilled prophecy regarding a greater restoration of Israel in the eschaton
I opt for the third option because it is the only one that forces us to the Biblical text itself, and not get caught up in tertiary and quadary items which cannot be objectively proven.
My approach is that if all Believers are a part of the Commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:11-12) or the Israel of God (Galatians 6:16), then what happens to Israel then affects these people. (No rapture for “the Church”!) From my reading of Ezekiel 37 is is seen that there are three, and not two groups, of people to be united: the House of Judah, scattered House of Israel/Ephraim, and companions from the nations. Like most Two-House advocates I would agree with the idea that the Jewish people do not compose all of physical Israel, but unlike most Two-House advocates I would not automatically assume that I must be “Ephraim.” I would instead assert that if these things are yet to be fulfilled, that as God’s plan manifests itself He will sort out the issues. The only issue regarding scattered Israel/Ephraim is for prophetic fulfillment–not acceptance as a redeemed person in His eyes.
It is a sad reality that not enough people approach the subject matter this way–as I think it would lessen a lot of the bad blood out there. I know many individuals who approach the Two-House issue the same way that I do (most of whom similarly dislike what is seen in a majority of the Two-House movement with the Karaite, Sacred Name, and anti-Christian emphasis), but I do not believe that the other ministries who promote are likely change. Many of these ministries were already proclaiming an imminent end of the world and other sensationalistic teachings, so it should be no surprise that they have taken on this subject matter and similiarly sensationalized it.
I have always believed that one of the flaws in the current populist Two-House teaching is its lack of direct engagement with the Biblical text. Off and on last year, I have been adding to a list of Biblical passages that needs to be examined in detail (Hebrew, Greek, larger context, contemporary scholarship, etc.) Later this year I am planning to write an exegetical paper on Ezekiel 37:15-28 (I still have some Ezekiel commentaries and resources to purchase). Those of us who while rejecting all of the sensationalism and hype–yet still do adhere to *a* Two-House teaching–need to provide substantiation from the Scriptures. All I ask is that we be given the time and space to do so, because as we do this we will actually cause more problems and rifts for those “of our own party” than anyone outside
By: Gene Shlomovich on 27 February, 2009
at 3:43 am
Provoking article, revealing photo. Why does a “believer” have himself photographed with a pagan statute? Smiling, no less. Cancel my subscription.
*****
JKM: Yours is exactly the kind of arrogance that I have come to expect of the current generation of Messianics. Just criticism and purposeful ignorance. No desire to know where the photo was taken, who the statue actually is, or what is being communicated.
The photo was taken last July at the British Museum in the Egyptian gallery. It is a relief of Ramses II, the likely Pharaoh of the Exodus. In having one’s photo taken next to a likeness of the Pharaoh who confronted Moses, we should recall Exodus 9:16 and how the Lord said, “for this reason I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth.”
By: MoreYAH on 27 March, 2009
at 10:47 pm
Since the last post (by MoreYAH) was put in a public forum, I feel every right to stick my nose in this one.
Was this last post a serious comment? This last comment was akin to saying saying that a believer should not study any history that looks at pagan cultures.
The next time I go to the zoo, I sincerely hope no unbelievers are in the background when I take pictures of my kids.
Since the last post was put in a public forum, I feel every right to stick my nose in this one. Couldn’t you have emailed the author privately? Shame on you! You criticize a fellow believer but you yourself do not follow scriptural guidance when confronting a fellow believer about his error (this picture was positively NOT error)!!!
Take the plank out of your eye, my friend. Then and only then can you see to remove the speck. In this case though, I think that once the plank is removed and you look, there will be no speck.
This unscriptural attempt at immediate public “correction” as opposed to privately confronting him was misguided at best. JK was kind enough to grace you with a reply. I believe you should humble yourself and give him a public apology.
Blessings,
Justin
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
By the way, I think that picture is all the more interesting after reading your rebuttal statement, JK.
By: Justin on 29 March, 2009
at 2:17 am
To JKM: A picture’s worth 1000 words, and in this case your 1000 words are worth a picture!
Exodus 20:4 “You do not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of that which is in the heavens above, or which is in the earth beneath, or which is in the waters under the earth”
What was communicated in that photo and now supported in your reply, is that you are totally OK with breaking Yaweh’s commands. Smiling while you do it.
To Justin: This is a BLOG…the moderator (JKM) has the ability and authority NOT to post my comments…there was no public hanging intended…although, IMHO, one might be warranted here.
*****
JKM: Good grief, this is a picture at a musuem. I cannot believe that as research ministry I would ever receive any kind of criticism for having my photograph taken in a museum that specializes in Biblical antiquities. I’ve got hundreds of others with similar backdrops in Israel, the UK, and the US. (And I didn’t exactly show off my pearly whites when this shot was taken, either.)
I’ve got many books in my library by Jewish and Christian scholars with similar pictures. So if you are going to attack me, please attack them as well.
Really, people like you are content to think that any kind of photograph constitutes a graven image. Go burn your driver’s license and passport, and make yourself look like a complete idiot. And while you’re at it–get out of my Messianic movement! You bring a foul spirit into the camp that we have let fester long enough.
By: MoreYAH on 31 March, 2009
at 7:13 pm
….
JK broke no commandment. Note the prohibition is against making for oneself carved images. The CONTEXT of the verse you use (if you will at least read the entire chapter 20) is referring to comitting idolatry, which is obviously not occuring here. I see no evidence that he has created this image, and less that indicates that he is using it as an idol.
….
Justin
By: Justin on 2 April, 2009
at 2:56 am
MoreYAH is clearly a [withheld], but I found the whole exchange hilarious. He’s a nice example of the “sacred namer” shtick.
MoreYAH – please send me all of your little green papers [dollar bills] with graven images on them… – I promise you that I will properly dispose of them, leaving none behind.
By: Gene Shlomovich on 2 April, 2009
at 3:04 pm