The Pulling the Thread Podcast

“The parting of the ways between Christianity and Judaism was a tragedy. It was a loss for both communities. Christians lost the rich heritage of Judaism, and Jews lost the opportunity to influence the development of Christianity.” – Hyam Maccoby

The historical schism between Christianity and Judaism is a nuanced narrative, woven with theological, social, and historical threads. The divergence was not a singular event but a complex process marked by key developments that shaped the distinct identities of these two major world religions. Scholars, through meticulous study, have illuminated various facets of this evolution.

“The split between Christianity and Judaism was not inevitable. It was the result of a series of complex events and decisions made by both groups.” – James D.G. Dunn

The divergence of Christianity from its Jewish roots during the first centuries CE marked a complex and gradual process. The multifaceted dynamics that contributed to the parting of ways between Judaism and early Christianity. From theological debates to historical events, the evolution of this separation unfolds as a nuanced narrative.

“The parting of Christianity and Judaism was not a sudden event, but a long and gradual process that took centuries to unfold.” – Jacob Neusner

The theological departure between early Christians and Jews centers on the belief in Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. This pivotal doctrinal difference, encapsulated in the Confession of Peter, laid the groundwork for the emergence of distinct Christian beliefs.

“The parting of the ways between Christianity and Judaism was a complex process that took place over many decades. There was no single event that caused the split, but rather a series of factors that contributed to it. These factors included theological differences, political tensions, and social unrest.” – James D.G. Dunn

As Christianity unfolded, adherents began to question the ongoing relevance of the Law of Moses (the Torah). This debate became a focal point within the Christian community, contributing to the widening gap between the two faiths. Theological disputes, particularly regarding circumcision, unfolded amid an atmosphere of anti-Judaism. Scholars emphasize the prolonged battle against Judaizing tendencies within early Christianity, notably reflected in the teachings of figures like Paul.

The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE significantly influenced the trajectory of early Christianity. This event prompted Christians to reassess the efficacy of ancient Jewish laws, contributing to the gradual fading of Jewish influence within the Christian community. The chism between the Ebionites and Nazarenes may have been the first straw in the eventual parting of the ways, the expulsion of the minim (heretics) circa 90 CE from synagogues was another key factor. While some sects like Ebionites persisted within Judaism attending synagogues until the 5th century, others, such as Marcion of Sinope, advocated a complete rejection of Judaic influence and faced excommunication.

Institutional efforts to distinguish Christian practices from Jewish ones found expression in councils and decrees. The Council of Laodicea in 365 issued decrees reflecting the evolving Christian stance on Judaic practices. The Edict of Milan, during the reign of Constantine and Licinius, marked a shift in the influence of Judaism, favoring the rise of Christianity in the Land of Israel and experiencing a revival in Babylonia. Theological discussions around the applicability of Judaic laws continued, with a particular emphasis on the observance of the Sabbath.

Early Jewish-Christianity is contextualized within the aftermath of the Great Revolt and the destruction of the Temple. The emerging Christian identity, distinct from Pharisaic Judaism, crystallized after the Bar Kokhba’s revolt, portraying Christianity as a new religion from the Jewish perspective.

The evolution of Rabbinic Judaism post the Great Revolt and the disappearance of various Jewish sects played a role in defining Christianity as a distinct religion. This shift in the broader Jewish landscape contributed to the crystallization of Christian identity.

Historian Shaye J. D. Cohen emphasizes that the separation of Christianity from Judaism was a gradual process rather than a sudden event. The shift was marked by the increasing gentilization of the church and a departure from Jewish practices, such as circumcision. This process culminated around 70 CE, after the great revolt, as various Jewish sects disappeared, Rabbinic Judaism evolved, and Christianity emerged as a distinct religion.

Geza Vermes argues that the split between Christianity and Judaism was more gradual and complex, and that it was influenced by a number of factors, including the spread of Christianity to the Gentile world and the destruction of the Second Temple. He writes that “the parting of the ways between Christianity and Judaism was a complex process that took place over a period of several decades.”

Scholars like Alan Segal characterize Judaism and Christianity as twins in a shared religious family for at least three centuries. The ongoing scholarly debate revolves around the appropriate designation for Jesus’ first followers. The term “Jewish Christians” is deemed by some as anachronistic, leading to proposals like “Jewish believers in Jesus” or “Jewish followers of Jesus” to better capture the historical context.

Paula Fredriksen argues that the split between Christianity and Judaism was not inevitable, and that it was the result of a series of historical accidents. She writes that “the parting of the ways between Christianity and Judaism was not inevitable. It was the result of a series of historical accidents, including the spread of Christianity to the Gentile world and the destruction of the Second Temple... There were many Jews who were sympathetic to Christianity in the early years. However, the persecution of Christians by the Jewish authorities and the destruction of the Second Temple led to a hardening of attitudes on both sides. This made it increasingly difficult for Christians and Jews to coexist.”

Creeds such as the one from a church in Constantinople, denouncing Jewish customs and practices. These creeds underscore the evolving identity of Christianity as distinct from its Jewish origins. The following creed is from a church at Constantinople which condemns practices of the Nazarenes:

“I renounce all customs, rites, legalisms, unleavened breads & sacrifices of lambs of the Hebrews, and all other feasts of the Hebrews, sacrifices, prayers, aspersions, purifications, sanctifications and propitiations and fasts, and new moons, and Sabbaths, and superstitions, and hymns and chants and observances and Synagogues, and the food and drink of the Hebrews; in one word, I renounce everything Jewish, every law, rite and custom and if afterwards I shall wish to deny and return to Jewish superstition, or shall be found eating with the Jews, or feasting with them, or secretly conversing and condemning the Christian religion instead of openly confuting them and condemning their vain faith, then let the trembling of Gehazi cleave to me, as well as the legal punishments to which I acknowledge myself liable. And may I be anathema in the world to come, and may my soul be set down with Satan and the devils.””

The parting of ways between Judaism and early Christianity was a multifaceted process shaped by theological debates, historical events, and evolving identities. This comprehensive exploration sheds light on the nuanced dynamics that contributed to the development of these two distinct religious traditions.

Rather than a sudden break, the separation between Christianity and Judaism unfolded as a gradual process. Early Christianity ceased to be a Jewish sect as it distanced itself from specific Jewish practices, evolving into a more gentile-oriented faith over time.

Historical disputes, including theological conflicts within the early Christian community and excommunications such as that of Marcion in 144 CE, underscored the complexity of the relationship and contributed to the divergence.

“The parting of Christianity and Judaism was a tragedy for both religions. It led to centuries of conflict and misunderstanding.” – Birger A. Pearson

In navigating this historical divide, scholars emphasize the multifaceted nature of the process. It involved theological debates, institutional developments, and historical events, each playing a role in shaping the distinct religious identities of Christianity and Judaism. The ongoing scholarly dialogue continues to unravel the intricacies of this complex historical tapestry, shedding light on the roots of two major global faiths.