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Suppressing Dissent: Rome’s Strategies to Eradicate Heresy and Control Texts
In the annals of religious history, the Roman Empire’s quest to establish and maintain religious orthodoxy stands as a testament to the lengths powerful entities would go to control belief systems. At the core of Rome’s strategy was the systematic suppression of heresy, a term encapsulating any deviation from accepted doctrines. This article comprehensively explores… Continue reading
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The Enduring Puzzle: Unraveling the Essene Influence on the Ebionites
The Ebionites, an enigmatic early Christian sect known for their adherence to Jewish practices and rejection of Pauline theology, continue to intrigue scholars seeking to understand their origins and unique beliefs. While their precise connection to the Dead Sea Scrolls-associated Essenes remains a debated topic, the potential influence of these ascetic Jewish groups on the… Continue reading
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Examining the Relationship Between First Century Jewish Followers of Jesus and Their Affiliation with Judaism
The first century CE witnessed the burgeoning of a unique phenomenon, deeply interwoven with its Jewish roots. This period, marked by the continuity with Judaism by influential figures such as James, Peter, and Clement, and the emergence of distinct sects like the Ebionites and Nazerenes, is a fascinating chapter in the history of the Jewish… Continue reading
adherence to Jewish law, Christological views, circumcision, Clement, conflict between James and Paul, continuity with Judaism, divinity of Jesus, early Jewish Christianity, Ebionites, Epistle of Peter to James, evolving trajectory of Christianity, first century Jewish Christians, Gentile converts, Historical Jesus, James, Jerusalem church, Jewish customs, Jewish traditions, Marcionite letters, Monotheism, Moses, Nazerenes, Peter, religious landscape, Sabbath, Seventy Elders, split between Nazerenes and Ebionites, theological disagreements -
Rethinking the Gospels: Unraveling the Complex Tapestry of Jesus Within Judaism
My View of the Gospels are as follows, the Gospels propose to be first hand witness accounts yet they include what Bart Erhman and other historical critical scholars refer to a large portion of them include plagiarism and forgeries. At the heart of the discussion lies the issue of authorship and authenticity. Traditional attributions assign… Continue reading
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The Apostle Peter’s Strategic Role in the Genesis of Early Christianity: A Jewish Tradition Explored from Rabbinic Sources
Exploring the identity of Simon Peter, who maybe potentially synonymous with Simon Kepha in Toldo Yeshu, invites an investigation into the portrayal of his role, convictions, and contributions. This journey provides a distinct perspective on this significant New Testament figure through the lens of Jewish sources. “All these new ordinances which Simeon Kepha taught them… Continue reading
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James the Just: Inheritor of Jesus’ Legacy – An Architect of Early Jewish Christian Leadership in Jerusalem
James the Just, enveloped in historical mystery, stands as a central figure in the early Jewish Christian movement. His path, from guiding the Jerusalem Synagogue to confronting martyrdom, presents a compelling story of Jewish Christianity’s formative era. Examination of texts such as the Clementine Recognitions and Homilies, Apostolic Constitutions, and Eusebius’ writings peels back the… Continue reading
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The Theological Schism: Paul, the Adversary of Circumcision and Judaizers, and His Impact on Early Christianity—A Catalyst for the Parting of Ways and the Birth of Pauline Christianity
The Apostle Paul, whose teachings became integral to the Marcionite influenced New Testament, served as a catalyst for the schism between the messianic sect of Jewish followers of Jesus and Judaism, facilitated by figures like Marcion and others. The theological conflict between James and Paul in early Christianity laid the groundwork for the rise of… Continue reading
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Who Were The Ebionites: A Deep Dive Into This Foundational Jewish-Christian Sect
The Ebionites, a Jewish Christian sect that thrived in the first and second centuries CE, have left a limited textual footprint. This sect, known for strict adherence to Jewish law and the rejection of Paul’s teachings, made a significant impact in the early centuries of Christianity. Insights from early Church fathers such as Justin Martyr,… Continue reading
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Unraveling the Ebionite Perspective on Paul: A Complex Portrait of Apostasy
In the early days of Jewish Christian history, the Ebionites emerge as torchbearers of a unique viewpoint on the Apostle Paul, challenging established narratives that later became the bedrock of Catholic Orthodoxy. Hyam Maccoby introduces a fascinating proposition, suggesting that Paul might have been a Hellenized Jewish convert whose background exposed him to the influences… Continue reading
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Revealing The Influences Shaping Paul’s Theology: Hellenistic and Enochian Judaism, Qumran’s Pesher Method, Platonic Philosophy, and Gnostic Influences
The complex network of influences shaping Paul’s theology and its pivotal role in shaping early Christian thought can be unraveled by examining the dynamic interplay between Hellenistic Enochian Judaism, the distinctive Pesher teaching of the Qumran community, and the impact of Gnostic and Platonic ideas, as exemplified by writers like Philo. This exploration delves into… Continue reading
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The Hebrew Primacy Theory of New Testament Origins
The question of the “Hebrew Primacy” of Jesus’ message revolves around the potential existence of a Hebrew or Aramaic source document underlying the canonical New Testament Gospels. This theory posits that the message of Jesus was first disseminated and preserved in Semitic languages, with the Greek Gospels representing later translations or adaptations. The Greek Gospels… Continue reading
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The Influence of James the Just on the Ebionites
The figure of James the Just, brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church, stands as an enigmatic figure in early Christian history. His connection to the Ebionites, a Jewish-Christian sect considered heretical by later developed proto-Orthodox Christianity, has sparked debate and intrigue among scholars for decades. The relationship between James the Just, brother… Continue reading
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The Evolution of Jewish-Christian Foundations: An Exploration of the Parting of Ways Between Christianity and Judaism
“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,… Continue reading
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Is Jesus seen as a False Prophet and Failed Messiah according to Judaism?
“If there arise in the midst of thee a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams—and he give thee a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spoke unto thee—saying: ‘Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them’; thou shalt… Continue reading
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Exploring Diverse Perspectives on who the Historical Jesus Within Judaism: Insights from James Tabor, Geza Vermes, and the Jesus Seminar
“The Jesus Seminar’s view of Jesus is one of the most important contributions to Jesus scholarship in recent years.” – John Dominic Crossan There are a number of reasons why the Historical Jesus scholarship and particularly the Jesus Seminar believes that the Gospels are not reliable sources of information about the historical Jesus. One reason… Continue reading
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Was Paul’s Initial Message About Jesus Rooted in Gnosticism, with Influences from Jewish Mysticism and the Essenes at Qumran?
Paul’s connections to mysticism are a subject of intrigue and speculation among scholars. One notable aspect of Paul’s life is his “three years in the desert,” which bears similarities to Josephus’ account of his three years of study with the Essenes. This parallel has led some to explore the potential influence of Essene teachings on… Continue reading
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Later Additions: Absence of “Eat My Flesh” and “Drink My Blood” in the Oldest Extant Manuscripts of New Testament!
Some scholars consider the references to “eat my flesh” and “drink my blood” in the Gospel of John, to be possible Eucharistic interpolations. Additionally, the earliest known manuscript of the Gospel of Mark, Papyrus 45, which dates from the late 2nd or early 3rd century, does not include Chapter 14 which includes doesn’t these words… Continue reading
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The Influence of Paul’s Writings on the Gospels
Scholars widely acknowledge the influence of Paul’s writings on the Gospels, with many proposing that the gospel writers were influenced by Paul’s theological concepts and ideas. The gospels were written after Paul’s writings, and the gospel writers were influenced by his theological concepts. For example, John Dominic Crossan, a New Testament scholar, argues that Paul’s… Continue reading
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Roman Influences on the New Testament: An Agenda To Pacify Jewish Zealots
The Roman Empire was known for absorbing and assimilating aspects of the cultures it conquered, including their religious beliefs and practices. This process of cultural assimilation played a significant role in the spread and development of various religions within the Roman Empire, including Christianity. One notable example is the assimilation of Mithraism, a Persian mystery… Continue reading
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The Ancient Near Eastern Roots of the Story of Abraham, and Impact on the Development of the Ten Commandments & Torah Judaism
Scholars hold diverse theories regarding the potential impact of various Near Eastern myths on the development of Judaism. These myths include the Epic of Gilgamesh, Enuma Elish, Inanna and Dumuzi, the Hammurabi Code, as well as the influences of Zoroastrianism and suzerainty treaties. While the precise nature and extent of these influences are subject to… Continue reading
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Jewish-Christian Origins – Nazarene Judaism Versus Ebionite Judaism: Exploring Early Jewish-Christian Identities and Controversies – Judaizing Heretics or Authentic Jewish Followers of Jesus
In his Epistle 75, to Augustine, stated, “What shall I say of the Ebionites who pretend to be Christians? To-day there still exists among the Jews in all the synagogues of the East a heresy which is called that of the Minæans, and which is still condemned by the Pharisees; [its followers] are ordinarily called… Continue reading
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Is Faith Healing Merely Psychosomatic Manifestation (and What are the Dangers of Delayed Treatment): Exploring Psychological Factors in Belief Perseverance, the Placebo Effect and Cognitive Dissonance
“There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that people can be healed through faith. In fact, there is a great deal of evidence to suggest that faith healing is simply a placebo effect. People who believe that they are going to be healed are more likely to experience a remission of their symptoms,… Continue reading
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The Belief Paradox – the human Ability to Believe and the Power to Manipulate those Beliefs
The belief paradox stems from the remarkable capacity of the human mind to reason, form beliefs, and suspend disbelief. On one hand, this cognitive ability enables us to think critically, analyze information, and develop knowledge. It distinguishes us from other animals and contributes to our intelligence. However, the power to believe can also make us… Continue reading
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What is the Four Source Theory of New Testament Scholarship in relationship to the Synoptic Gospels?
The four-source theory, also known as the Two-Source Hypothesis, is a prominent scholarly explanation for the relationship between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It suggests that the authors of these Gospels used multiple written sources to compile their accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings. The theory proposes two main sources: the Gospel of… Continue reading
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Justin Martyrs Utilization of Platonic and Pythagorean Ideas Lead to the Invention of the Trinity Doctrine
“According to the theory, the addition of the Ebionites was connected to the Trinitarian schism. The Unitarians accused Justin of inventing the Trinitarian doctrine which is based on Greek philosophy and not on apostolic teaching. The Trinitarians responded to these accusations by adding to the first Christian catalogue of heresies, Justin’s Syntagma, two heresies that… Continue reading
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Examining the Influence of Vespasian and Titus on the New Testament Jesus: Exploring Connections and Controversial Theories
This Livius article explores the concept of the Messiah in Jewish religious belief and discusses the surprising connection between the Roman general Vespasian and the Messianic prophecy. The Messiah, understood as a future savior who would restore Israel, was a subject of debate among Jews, with multiple claimants emerging. Vespasian, known for his military campaign… Continue reading
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Book Overview: Gerd Lüdemann The Resurrection of Jesus: History, Experience, Theology
Gerd Lüdemann’s book The Resurrection of Jesus: History, Experience, Theology is a critical examination of the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. Lüdemann argues that there is no historical evidence to support the claim that Jesus rose from the dead, and that the resurrection stories in the Gospels are based on visions and hallucinations experienced… Continue reading
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Exploring Essene/Ebionite Jewish Influences: Comparative Teachings in the Apostolic Fathers – The Didache, Pseudo-Clementia, Secret Epistle of James, Shepherd of Hermas, and Their Resemblance to the Essene Two Ways Teaching & Pirkei Avot
The writings of the Apostolic Fathers were recognized as canonical among early Christian communities. Notably, the Didache, Clement’s letter, and Barnabas’ ‘epistle’ were among those initially considered canonical and respected. Their ongoing authority and influence can be seen in their inclusion in ancient codices like the Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Alexandrinus. Some of the Apostolic… Continue reading
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Scholars Advocate for the Genuine Nature of the “Pseudo” Clementine Literature and its Reflection of Early Jewish-Christian Tradition
Scholars advocate for the genuineness of the Pseudo-Clementine literature, positing that it reflects an earlier Jewish Christian tradition. These writings, attributed to Clement of Rome but considered pseudepigraphical, encompass the “Homilies” and the “Recognitions.” They present a narrative recounting Peter’s travels and teachings, along with his encounters with Simon Magus (often identified as Paul or… Continue reading
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Uncovering the Jewish Origins of Christianity: A Voyage of Discovery into the Contents of the Didache
“The way of life is this: First, you shalt love the God who made thee, secondly, thy neighbor as thyself; and whatsoever thou wouldst not have done to thyself, do not thou to another.” – Didache 1:2 “That which is hateful to you do not do to another; that is the entire Torah, and the… Continue reading
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Did the Didache serve as a Source for the Gospel of Matthew or the Gospels?
Several scholars have presented the argument that the Gospels might have utilized the Didache as a source. Alan Garrow, a proponent of this viewpoint, authored a book called “The Gospel of Matthew’s Dependence on the Didache.” Garrow asserts that there are numerous striking similarities between the Didache and the Gospel of Matthew that go beyond… Continue reading
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Is Jesus’ Twin Brother Didymos Judas Thomas? Exploring the Identity of Thomas
“The most important piece of evidence for the identification of Thomas with Jude is the fact that Thomas’s name in Greek, Didymos, means ‘twin.’ This is not a common name, and it is highly unlikely that there were two different people named Didymos who were close associates of Jesus.” – James Tabor Some scholars suggest… Continue reading
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Exploring the Sources: Was Jesus’ Father Pantera?
The Infancy Gospel of Matthew is a Gnostic text that was written in the 2nd century CE. The Infancy Gospel of Matthew mentions the Pantera traditions in a few places. In one passage, it says that Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but that she was impregnated by a Roman soldier named Pantera. He says that… Continue reading
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Revealing Authenticity: Exploring the Genuine and Forged Epistles within the Pauline Texts (Part 2)
“The consensus among New Testament scholars is that seven of the thirteen letters attributed to Paul are actually pseudonymous: Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.” – Bart D. Ehrman, Misquoting Jesus, p. 223 In the case of the Pauline Epistles, scholars have argued that there were multiple layers of redaction,… Continue reading
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Revealing Authenticity: Exploring the Genuine and Forged Texts within the New Testament (Part 1)
“It is often thought that there are more than two dozen [New Testament] writings that are forgeries, or pseudepigrapha, as scholars call them. That is, they were not written by the people who claim to be the authors. This is true, but it can be misleading. Most of these books were not accepted into the… Continue reading
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Revealing the Impact of Cabalistic or Jewish Mysticism on Paul’s Mystical Message of Cosmic Transformation – A Comparison to the Initiation into the Mystery Religions
“The experience of Christ which Paul had on the road to Damascus was not a sudden illumination, but the culmination of a long and complex process of spiritual development.” – Albert Schweitzer Paul’s experiences and the mystery religions’ initiation ceremonies share some similarities. Pauline Christianity borrowed elements from mystical Enochian Judaism to construct the Christ… Continue reading
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Understanding the Two Powers in Heaven Heresy in the Talmud: Exploring its Meaning and Significance
“Zera says that one who repeats the Shema is like one who says, “We give thanks, we give thanks” and he should be silenced. He too seems to imply that there are two powers in heaven. A baraita says that repeating the Shema is only disgraceful, but we do not silence him. This seems to… Continue reading
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Is the Secret Epistle of James a Reflection of an Earlier Authentic Jewish-Christian Epistle Sent by Peter to James?
Scholars have engaged in a lively debate regarding the authenticity of the Epistle of Peter to James, also known as the Secret Epistle of James. This work purports to be a letter from Peter to James, the brother of Jesus. Not included in the New Testament canon, it is widely believed to have been written… Continue reading
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Exploring the Potential Involvement of the Chevra Kadisha in Jesus’ Burial: A Speculative Perspective on Jesus & Jewish Burial Practices
Is it possible that the Chevra Kadisha, a group of volunteers responsible for preparing Jewish bodies for burial according to Jewish law, may have been involved in Jesus’ burial? The fact that Jesus was buried in a tomb, which was the traditional Jewish way of burying the dead, has led some scholars to speculate about… Continue reading
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Deciphering Roman Provenance: Unveiling the Influence Campaign, Examining its Impact on Christianity, and the Divisive Consequences for Judaism
The gradual separation of Judaism and Christianity, despite their common roots in ancient Israel and the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), resulted from a complex historical process. Roman influence, the spread of Hellenistic culture, and deliberate Roman government suppression played crucial roles in driving a wedge between Christianity and its fervent Jewish aspiration to establish a messianic… Continue reading
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About The Pulling the Thread Podcast
Pulling the Thread is a captivating podcast that delves into a plethora of thought-provoking topics. With its engaging episodes and insightful discussions, it offers a fresh perspective on various subjects, serving as a valuable source of inspiration and knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned podcast enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Pulling the Thread guarantees to captivate your mind and keep you coming back for more. So, gear up and embark on an intellectual journey with this exceptional podcast!
The Pulling the Threads Podcast’s primary objective is to study and analyze Jesus within his Jewish context through the lens of Judaism before Christianity. Our primary objective is to study and analyze Jesus within his Jewish context, specifically from a pre-Christianity perspective. Seeking a Jewish Reclamation of Jesus, relying on Jewish and secular biblical scholars who specialize in Second Temple Judaism, the Qumran community, the Parting of Ways around 90 CE, the Historical Jesus, and Textual Criticism. Some notable scholars mentioned include Geza Vermes, Hyam Maccoby, Alan Segal, Carol Harris-Shapiro, Lawrence Kushner, Samuel Sandmel, Bart Ehrman, James Tabor, Robert Eisenman, Paula Frederiksen, and Hugh Schonfield.
The site aims to approach the New Testament using the historical-critical method and textual criticism within the realm of secular Jewish scholarship, reflecting the perspectives of mainstream Judaism today. Engaging in scholarly and polemical discussions, the group seeks to question and challenge established Christian doctrines. The main goal is to establish an independent Jewish understanding of Jesus, emphasizing his significance within a Jewish context and distancing him from centuries of Christian interpretations. Furthermore, the group aims to conduct a comprehensive historical examination of Jesus, employing textual criticism to counter Christianity’s claims regarding the New Testament. The focus is on understanding Jesus within Judaism based on the Torah and Talmud.
This is about Jewish and Secular Scholarship into the New Testament using the Historical Critical method and Textual Criticism within Jewish scholarship. For us Jews, the Tanakh and Talmud inform our view of scripture. In the modern age, as Jews, we struggle with texts with an academic approach. The site is pro-Tanakh and will explore history, archaeology, and textual criticism to comprehend the development of the Jesus movement before the parting of ways with Judaism. It aims to emphasize that Jesus and his followers were seen as Jewish and part of Judaism, and that the conversion of Gentiles to Judaism by the community of James and Peter continued, with some Jewish followers remaining distinctly Jewish for centuries. It is important to note that this is not a study of Jewish-Christians, but rather an examination of Jews who followed Jesus within Judaism before the emergence of Christianity. Anti-Judaism is not welcome in this group, which focuses on Jewish perspectives within an academic framework.
This is an attempt to work out the Jewish Reclamation of Jesus, trying to understand him within Judaism before Christianity existed. The group’s objective is to understand Jesus within Judaism before the influence of Christian perspectives during the historical Jesus movement. It seeks to reclaim Jesus within Judaism, separate from Christianity, Messianic, or Hebrew Roots movements. The study incorporates textual criticism, historical Jesus research, and Jewish scholarship into the New Testament to assert the following beliefs:
- The New Testament lacks historical accuracy.
- The New Testament is not divinely inspired.
- The New Testament has not been divinely preserved.
- The New Testament was written by individuals decades and even millennia after the events it portrays.
- Original autographs of the New Testament do not exist.
- Consequently, the New Testament is not the most reliable source for understanding the historical Jesus as a Jewish figure.
- To ascertain historical accuracy, we rely on modern Jewish and secular scholarship and engage in historical reconstruction.
- Through textual criticism, we strive to identify the potentially most authentic sayings of Jesus, following the Q hypothesis in relation to the synoptic gospels.
- The New Testament bears the influence of Roman culture and language, making it a non-Jewish text with glimpses of Jewish source material.
- Greco-Roman influences, including Hellenistic, Stoic, Gnostic, and paganistic elements (e.g., Zoroastrianism) and the Roman imperial cult, have shaped New Testament ideas of salvation and hell in a manner contrary to Jewish tradition, resulting in a narrative distinct from the Jewish religion.
- Both Jewish and secular scholarship acknowledge approximately 500,000 textual errors among the 5,800 New Testament manuscripts. These variations include theological revisions that were added by later editors and were not believed by the original followers.
- The seven most authentic epistles of Paul were written prior to the gospels, with the gospels reflecting the addition of Pauline theology.
- Jesus might have been an actual person, with the only point of agreement among Jewish scholars being that he was baptized by John for the repentance of sins and was crucified.
- Jewish scholars concur that Jesus was not born of a virgin, was not resurrected, is not a savior, may be considered a false prophet, and failed as the Messiah.
- Judaism represents the religion of Jesus, while Christianity is a religion centered around Jesus.
- The term “Jewish-Christian,” used to describe the early understanding of Jesus in Judaism, is a misnomer.
Understanding Jesus within Judaism can aid us in grappling with a culture in which Christianity has altered the Jewish message. Given the history of crusades, pogroms, the Holocaust, and inquisitions that have harmed the Jewish people, recognizing Jesus within a Jewish context becomes crucial.
The Catholic Church, in Nostra Aetate, ceased evangelizing Jews and acknowledged them as a covenant people within Judaism. In response, Jewish scholars released Dibre Emet, recognizing the place of Righteous Gentiles, including the offspring of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, in Olam HaBa (the world to come). While agreement may not be necessary, it is important to foster understanding and coexistence.
Recent Posts
- Combating Rising Anti-Semitism: A Call to Action
- New Podcast Episode: Messianic MythBusters: How The Church Got It Wrong? Beyond the Stained Glass… Rethinking Christianity, Ebionites, New Covenant & Theological Debates with Richard Cortes
- Exploring Who The Ebionites Were: The Foundational Jewish Christian Sect of First Century
- New Podcast Episode: Deconstructing Messianic Myths: Exploring Disparities (Past Leaders Discuss Mashiach & True Judaism) + Full Transcript
- Suppressing Dissent: Rome’s Strategies to Eradicate Heresy and Control Texts