According to scholar Dr. Barrie Wilson in his book, How Jesus Became Christian, there was a battle after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ between two competing theological camps. One was referred to as the "Jesus Movement" and was lead by James, the Lord's brother. This group followed the teachings of the historical Jesus and was Torah observant. By historical Jesus, I refer to the Jesus that walked the earth. They were Torah observant because Jesus was Torah observant. They saw Jesus as the Messiah, a political activist, and an inspired teacher. This camp emphasized orthopraxy, i.e. correct actions.
The other group was referred to as the "Christ Movement" and was lead by Paul. This group based their faith on teachings about Jesus and is primarily found in the epistles of Paul. They were not Torah observant based on the teachings found in Paul's letters. Paul's teachings were founded on his personal mystical experience with the Christ since he had no encounter with the historical Jesus. This group saw Jesus as the Divine-human who had been raised from the dead to offer salvation to those who would believe in Him. Belief in Christ and His resurrection would bring salvation in the world to come. This camp emphasized orthodoxy, i.e. correct thinking.
There is tension between those that seek to obey God's laws, i.e. Torah, even as Gentile followers of Jesus. That tension is not new, it has been around since the first century. I suggest, that true disciples of Jesus Christ have an affirmative duty to investigate these claims to determine which "Jesus" they are going to follow. The One that was Torah observant, or the One that is not. The battle wages on. Where will you stand?
Posts
Answer the Phone (2)
11 hours ago
2 comments:
Barry,
Your suggestion to investigate is ripe but not quite clear. And Barrie Wilson's book title reveals why. J-esus always was Xtian, but the real man that lived during the 1st century was named Yehoshua ben Yoseph. This may seem like a pedantic note but it is enormously important. The man that actually lived is not the mythical name that Xtianty represents. Historical documentation and archeology reveal without a doubt to the logical mind that the Jewish Ribi Yehoshua can't be equated with the J-esus who abrogates Torah. Which brings you back to the suggestion of what you are to do with Torah observance. It is simply impossible for those that follow a man-g-od to follow Torah. But for those who want to keep the Torah, see Jeremiah 31:30-32 especially in verse 32 that says He will "place His Torah," in their hearts, it is possible. The Mashiach, Ribi Yehoshua didn't teach against the Torah. He taught one must keep Torah. www.netzarim.co.il Find here the only authoritative way to follow 1st century Ribi Yehoshua ben Yoseph, HaMashiach.
Eliyahu,
Thanks for your comment. Regarding the post, I intended it to cause the typical "Christian" to question his view concerning Torah observance. I agree I was intentionally vague as I intend to post further regarding the issue. Your comment about J-esus abrogating Torah is somewhat perplexing to me. Are you making a distinction between Yeshua or Yehoshua, the Torah observant Jewish rabbi, and "Jesus" the product of Greek philosophy that is worshipped on Sunday in most churches? Certainly, Yeshua was Torah observant. I believe the "The Gospel of the Nazareans" and the "Gospel of the Ebionites" support this view. I will check out the web site as suggested.
Post a Comment