arndt@lymph.DEC (12/14/84)
Yes by all means the Christians should turn to the tools you mentioned
to get a better understanding of the Jewish position on their beliefs.
Christians have NOT been known for doing that with Jews. Except that now
there ARE several dialogs opening up (not this net!!) that are bearing
fruit I think.
For Jews and Christians alike I would suggest writing for literature and
information to:
CENTER FOR JUDIAC-CHRISTIAN STUDIES
P.O. Box 50010
Austin, TX 78763
or calling them at 512-327-2455
They have an excellent presentation on video tape called The Quest: The Jewish
Jesus. It is four 90 minute studies by Jewish scholars (who live and work in
Israel and research 1st C. Christian foundations like Christians study other
religions - not as truth but to better understand it) and Christian scholars.
Tape 1 The historical, cultural, and linguist background of Jesus.
(flash! He (1st C. Jews) spoke Hebrew as a first lang.)
Tape 2 Understanding the Gospels and Jesus.
Tape 3 First-Century Rabbinics and contemporary religious movements.
Tape 4 Theological misunderstandings and Scriptual mistranslations.
It is NOT an Evangelical propaganda piece. It IS an example of cooperation
between Christian and Jewish scholars on the data.
Example: Modern Christian baptism is NOT the way they did it in the 1st C.!
They're currently filming a second series in Israel now.
They offer a lot more than the film series. Checkem' out.
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For a real blast read JERRY FALWELL AND THE JEWS (just out this year I believe)
The author interviews Falwell and there are some surprises. (Not for Rosen,etalof course!) The author is an Israeli Jew and asks some HARD questions of the
good 'Rev'. I thought it was very well done. Again, if you want to hear Jerry
speak to the questions YOU could ask him if you had access, read it.
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There are others but I don't have time now. Write if you're interested.
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The 'except that . . . ' is because I think you picked the sayings of Jesus
out of context of the WHOLE of his teaching. Like those who see him as a
great moral teacher and neglect his claims about himself that make him a nut
if not true. Or those who speak of his Sermon on the Mt. (love, love) and
forget he said he came to bring not peace but a sword, etc.
There is no getting around that the teachings of Jesus were AGAINST the
traditions of the Jewish leaders of his day. THAT was their 'beef' with
him - that and his claims about who he was! He told them they had NOT kept
the law and the prophets. Were NOT the children of Moses and Abram they thoughtthey were.
But again, very good advice to Christians. Read the Jewish sources!
Thanks,
Ken Arndt