Christian Challenge International

"Ask the Pastor"

We frequently receive questions in email from people about doctrine, practice, etc. From time to time we will post the questions and the answers here on the web page. If you'd like to submit a question, simply email our pastor at Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org or use the form below.

April 30, 2001

Jordan,

Here is your question:

> I was wondering if you could tell me the differences between Jews
> and Christians when it comes to the concept of evil. Do both
> believe in Satan, hell? Anything you could tell me would be
> greatly appreciated...Thank you very much

There are a number of similarities between what Jews and
Christians believe concerning the concept of evil, and of Satan
and hell. There are also some difficulties. This is because there
is no such thing as normative Judaism. Nor is there a normative
Christianity. The playing field is pretty large. Beliefs differ from group
to group.

But on a basic level, if we compare orthodox Jewish teachings
with regard to evil and Satan and hell, with Christian beliefs, you
will find them similar in many respects. This is because both
groups share a common root in ancient Judaism. This would
also take in the Muslim world.

A primary difference between Judaism and Christianity with
regard to evil has to do with the approach. Christians are taught
from their Scriptures, that there is a nature of wrath in all
humanity. This nature is 'disarmed' when a person is born from
above, and a new nature is implanted.

I use the term 'disarmed' simply because the Christian
Scriptures also teach that there is a principle of sin in our fleshly
nature that must yet be reckoned with. Christians are taught that as you
learn to live by the power of the Spirit of Christ, this principle of sin
is disarmed. (Again this depends largely on the group.)

The Jews place stress on 'good works.' On Yom Kippur, they
teach that God looks at the records of the peoples, and decides
who will live or die that year, and who will be blessed, etc. This
is why there is such a emphasis on repentance during 'the days
of awe.'

The Jews teach that there is an evil impulse in the human race
that they call yetzer ha ra. This is similar to what Christians
teach. But for the Jews the yetzer ha ra can only be
counteracted by doing good deeds.

As for heaven and hell, the Jews present a different picture than
do the Christians. But again, there isn't a single voice that can
speak for either group. It all depends upon which strand of
Judaism and Christianity you are receiving information from.

Some forms of Judaism have a concept of reincarnation that
Christians disallow. But, once again, there are great differences
in what Jews believe.

Hope this helps a bit.

Bro. Buddy

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What would you like to "Ask the Pastor?"

Your full name:
Your email address: (e.g.: you@aol.com)
PLEASE include your email address or we won't be able to send the answer to you.

Your question

(Note: Please include your full name and email address. Answers will be sent by return email. Christian Challenge reserves the right to reprint your question and edit it for clarity and content on our "Ask the Pastor" web page. Please note that we will not divulge your full name nor your email address. Typically we'll use your first name only. Not all questions are posted on this page - many more are responded to privately. Please let us know if you do NOT want your question listed or if you'd prefer it to be listed anonymously. We respect your privacy and will NOT sell/give/loan your name and email address to any other organization/business/entity.)

Back to the Christian Challenge International home page!