Jewish Christian Relations

Any Ideas?

from JoeUser Forums

Good Afternoon All,

From another thread, I get the idea that Jews and Christians should really do more talking.  Lulapilgrim made quite a splash suggesting that Jews spread all sorts of rumors about Jesus, etc. And speaking disparagingly about Jewish clergy. I myself have suggested, along with Maimonides, that Christianity is, essentially, a form of idol worship. So be it. 

The divinity of Jesus should not be questioned by Christians. Within the context of Christianity, Jesus is God. Outside of that context, for example, in Judaism, such a belief would be a violation of monotheism and certainly a violation of the commandments. This is the point the discussion should shift focus to how can we do better together, how can we together make a better world?

From each theological perspective, the respective theologies are monotheistic.  From each theological perspective, practitioners are aligning themselves with God.  And from each theological perspective, there is work in the world to be done.  Work to relieve suffering, create happiness, and ensure our continued survival.

In Lula's comments she talked about rumors regarding Jesus' life.  I think she thought these were Talmudic.  Not so. But they were Jewish.  In the 10th century a book (or set of books) was circulating entitled, Toledot Yeshu. According to sources, this book began to be developed in the 2nd century C.E. and it does, indeed, malign Jesus.  Link

However, that was in the 10th century and it was not a mainstream book or set of ideas.  Just like, I am sure, The Elders of Zion is not a mainstream Christian text. Link. Nor would such ideas have currency today.

Certainly there are tensions and antagonisms between the two religions.  Jews have a hard time with how they have been historically treated by the Christian fellow citizens. Christians, especially the evangelical kind, have difficulty with the steadfast refusal of Jews to accept Jesus and the almost militant bristling that arises when a Christian approaches a Jew to convert him. Moreover, Jews see the mainstreaming of Christianity as a threat to religious freedom. Christians have, indeed, attempted to force Jews to pray as they do or scolded them for refusing, especially in public schools.  Christian symbols, license tags (see SC) Blue Laws and  Christmas celebrations abound and are sometimes provided by state funding.  Jews (and others) find this disturbingly close to state sponsored religion. (I once tried to work on Christmas day at my job in South Carolina, refusing to take the day off.  I was told by my boss, to F**K Off). 

I would like to see us come closer together.  I am not sure how this could happen. Any ideas?

 

Be well

 

For a mainstream Jewish take on Jewish-Christian relations click here.

religion
2,077 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

"I would like to see us come closer together.  I am not sure how this could happen. Any ideas?"

You do so almost every time that you post. You are even-tempered, rational, with never a disparaging word for anyone. In short, you exemplify the values that you espouse.

Shame on me that I do not praise your writing more often.

Peace. Shalom.

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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
From a philosophical perspective there is quite a simple solution. Focus on our commonality rather than our differences.

Most religions have some VERY common principles among each other.

Of course, this would be boring and no fun?

Shalom
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

I am Christian and I believe that the Jews are God's chosen people. For what it's worth.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

I am Christian and I believe that the Jews are God's chosen people. For what it's worth.

Hello Erathoniel, Frankly, I'd rather not be chosen in light of what this mantle has meant to the people, Israel. Its a word that often separates us.  Jews have for thousands of years kept themselves apart from others. It is only recently, in the last two to three hundred years, that we have actually, truly, began interacting with gentiles socially. We have lived among you, but not with you.

   With the age of enlightenment, the barriers began to fall.  The Modern Age, the moving away from orthodoxy on all sides in the modern era, has permitted a high degree of interaction. We are getting to know one another.  In the United States more than anywhere else, religious freedom has meant a ever increasing blurring of religious lines. People aere more and more accepting and, often unless asked, a person'e faith is pretty much their own business.  This is a very recent phenomenon.  

    When the Orthodox, whether Christian or Jews, come together, its often uncomfortable.  I am reminded of a scene in the movie, "A Stranger Among Us".  The character Meg Ryan plays makes some reference to Joan of Arc and the Jewish woman whe is talking to, asks who that was.  We forget that while we share many things, we can be culturally ignorant of one another.

   Assumptions that we are all the same can be a challenge as we discover our differences. I've had Christians tell me with great sincerity that they think everyone secretly believes in Jesus. We just see from our own culture and history.

   We are not the same and that is wonderful. I really do celebrate diversity.  It gives humanity a ton of dynamism.

 

Just talking out loud, sort of.

 

Anyway, be well.