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Menachem-Thank you for your thoughtful words! What you dsbircee is something I have been struggling with since learning of the replacement theology & some of the theological ramifications of removing that pillar from church doctrine. History shows both good and bad actions, good and bad people, etc associated with the church . And I LIKE celtic prayer & worship music! Even Roman Catholicism has something to teach us about serving the poor.The total anti-nomianism of modern evangelical Christianity is more of a newer thing - we're free from the law! when historically Christians have deemed ritual laws done away with, moral laws still stand (although I can't find such a separation in scripture, and is part of that pillar of replacement theology) and it seems to stem from misunderstanding of the removal of the curse of the law.However, most of christianity is still steeped in replacement theology both in faith and practice. For non-jews who reject that, MJ is still virtually the only option. Which is why the movement needs to address what the practice of the faith looks like for non-jews as well as jews. And to keep from treating some members of a congregation as second-class (not accusing anyone here, of course, but it's not an unknown difficulty). I see this being addressed, and I hope with time and maturity something wonderful and lasting will come out of it.Even the MJ's Torah is for Jews is not such a sweeping statement as it looks at first blush it's doubtful anybody is saying that adultery is okay for non-jewish believers! It does seem to be a continuing discussion over certain distinctions tallits, liturgy, lighting candles (Shabbat), kosher, bar/bat mitzvahs, etc. And, how can we not look to Judaism to shed light on what it means to live a Torah-positive life? When I study the Rabbinic commentaries I often find myself in tears over the beauty I see. Why be surprised when non-jews are inclined to weave Jewish traditions into their practice of the faith? [yes, yes, I'm aware of some of the questionable lengths this is taken to!]However, aren't there some troubling aspects of historic christianity that could be jettisoned without blurring jewish/non-jewish distinctives? And a more Biblical approach, in light of the removal of the anti-semitic traditions of the church, for all believers? The Biblical Holidays, for example, are a beautiful expression of the continuity of the scriptures, the fullness of Messiah, the prophetic-ness of historical events, etc, etc.I appreciate the patience of you gentlemen in allowing me to ask some questions and work through some thoughts, and I apologize for rambling a bit I wonderful to learn from you all who have probably spent more time thinking about these things than I have!! And many thanks to Derek for this blog!Shalom!
Adem :: Oct 05 2012, 06:07 am
