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Ask The Pastor
February 25, 2001
Jennifer,
Your question:
> What are the similarities and differences between
Judaism and
> Christianity? (please go into detail, I am doing a paper for my
> History class on Judaism and I am trying to find information.).
Judaism and Christianity are very similar in many respects. Both
are products of the ancient worship of the Hebrew people.
However, neither modern Judaism nor Christianity is the continuation
of ancient Judaism. Ancient Judaism ceased as a viable religion in
70 AD, when the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. Ancient Judaism
had to have temple sacrifices along with the the temple
priesthood to function.
There are also marked differences between Judaism of today and
Christianity. The primary difference centers on the person of Jesus
Christ. Christians believe the Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah
of Israel. For this reason we feel that ancient Judaism completes
itself in the Christian faith.
The Judaism that survived the temple destruction became a new
religion. It is often referred to as Rabbinic Judaism or Talmudic
Judaism. One of their basic tenets is the rejection of Jesus
Christ as the Messiah.
Perhaps it should be noted that both groups, that is, Christianity
and Rabbinic Judaism began in the matrix of the Hebrew peoples.
The early Christians were all Jews. They early referred to their
movement as the Nazarenes. (Notzrim in Hebrew.)
Christianity did not remain a Jewish religion. Its purpose was to
reach peoples of all cultures and to bring them to Jesus Christ.
Rabbinic Judaism did remain a Jewish religion. In comparison to
size, Judaism is very small when compared to Christianity with
its many branches.
But there is an interesting thing happening today. Christians and
Jews are showing a great interest in one another. And there is a
movement among the Jews to reclaim Jesus to this history. This
was a no no many year back. In fact most Jews of yesteryear
did not know that Jesus and the apostles were all Jews.
At the same time Christians are taking a strong look at the Jewish
background of our faith. It seems we have lost a great deal in
this regard.
Then you have an unusual group that has been springing up the
last twenty or so years. Actually much longer, but not is the
manner it is today. Many Jews are turning to Jesus as the Jewish
Messiah. They are forming what we would call 'Christian'
synagogues, but are retaining their Jewish identity. It is creating
quite a stir with traditional Jews. But this all seems to be the
Lord's doing.
If there is a question in particular I can help you with feel free to ask.
In Christ,
Buddy
Bro. Buddy Martin - Ask
the Pastor
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Lawrence "Buddy" Martin
email: Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org
Web: http://www.ChristianChallenge.org
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