Before we begin, a brief disclaimer. We do not believe everyone has to believe exactly as we do to have a relationship with G-d, and for that relationship to result in that person spending eternity with G-d. We also believe strongly in the promise that Rabbi Sha'ul (Paul) stated that "all Israel will be saved". We do not want to be dogmatic about exactly what that means as differing views, which all have creditability, can be held. We also want to say that both Christians and Jews will make up the Kingdom. As for our Sunday brothers and sisters, whether Protestant or Catholic, many truly love G-d and will inherit the Kingdom.
Theologically, Judaism, Messianic Judaism, and Christianity can be seen as (in our opinion) having started out as a common road, that around the 70 - 200 ce (AD) time frame split into 3 separate paths.
The primary differences can best be summed up around (Click on the Link for more in-depth discussions):
* The role of Torah
* The role of Oral Torah
* The Messiahship of Yeshua Ha'Nazaret
* The Deity of Yeshua
* The role of Works
* The role of Faith
* The role of Repentance
Let's examine each of these at a high level for the 3 groups.
Traditional Judaism
Traditional Jewish beliefs would answer the list above thusly:
* The role of Torah - The core of Jewish life and thought. In many parts of Judaism, the Written Torah has become less important that the Oral Torah and teachings of the Sages and Rabbi's
* The role of Oral Torah - along with the teachings of the Sages and Rabbi's Oral Torah has become the dominate force behind Halacha (How you are to walk, Jewish Law). These teachings are summed up in the Talmud, Mishneh Torah, Shulhan Arukh, and other Rabbinic texts
* The Messiahship of Yeshua Ha'Nazaret - denied by traditional Jews, most now see Yeshua as a good Rabbi who taught Torah.
* The Diety of Yeshua - denied by traditional Jews, previously seen as a form of idolitry.
* The role of works - Important as concrete evidence of following the commandments of G-d.
* The role of Faith - Faith in G-d is the basis for all Torah belief
* Repentance - Key to forgiveness of sins, must be both to G-d and the person wronged. Thus if you steal, to be forgiven you have to make restitution.
Traditional Christianity
Traditional Christian beliefs would answer the list above thusly:
* The role of Torah - Little relevance for today as "Jesus freed us from the Law". The Torah is seen as a huge burden.
* The role of Oral Torah - no relevance at all. However, it should be noted that the Church has substituted it's own oral law in the form of the Catacism, Works of the Early Church Fathers, and Denominational rulings.
* The Messiahship of Yeshua Ha'Nazaret - central doctrine of the faith.
* The Diety of Yeshua - central doctrine of the faith. Confusion exists within the Church as to exactly what this means, and the relationship between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (more on the confusion in the future).
* The role of works - varies depending on denomination, with Catholics putting great weight on works, while many Protestant denominations place little importance on them, with Faith and "acting in the Spirit" seen as superior.
* The role of Faith - Faith is taught as all that is required for a right relationship with G-d by many denominations, while others see a balance between Faith and action.
* Repentance - Key to forgiveness of sins for many denomination, seen as of little importance for others. Repentence is seen as almost entirely between man and G-d.
Messianic Judaism
Messianic Jewish theology would answer the list above thusly:
* The role of Torah - The core of Jewish life and thought. Central to living a life of obedience to G-d. Does not save us, but shows us how to live a life pleasing to G-d.
* The role of Oral Torah - along with the teachings of the Sages and Rabbi's are viewed as valuable commentary. The writings of the Tannim (Teachers prior to 200 CE) are regarded more highly than later rulings. Never to be followed if they contradict scripture or the word of Yeshua The Messiah.
* The Messiahship of Yeshua Ha'Nazaret - Essential to the Faith. If Yeshua is not the Messiah, we are dead in our sins and trespasses.
* The Diety of Yeshua - Very important to our faith, we do not see Yeshua as 1 of 3 "g-ds" running the universe. Instead we view Him as part of G-d, 100% the same essence of G-d. Thus there is one G-d, not 3 (this will be discussed in detail in the future).
* The role of works - Important as concrete evidence of "loving" G-d and "loving our neighbors as ourselves".
* The role of Faith - Faith in G-d is the basis for all our belief
* Repentance - Key to forgiveness of sins, must be both to G-d and the person wronged. Thus if you steal, to be forgiven you have to make restitution.
As you can see, Messianic Judaism has elements of both traditional Judaism and Christianity.
Next week we will address in detail these Theological differences.
Shalom - Rabbi Gavri'el
