I say he did not.
Were they not worshiping the Triune G-d or not understanding and interpreting the correct meaning of trinitarian? Wasn’t the latter the heresy of Arianism?
The bowing or prostration of the angels before Adam in this context was NOT meant to be an act of worship. Rather, it was meant to reveal that the status of mankind in G-d’s eyes was higher than that of the angels, because (according to Judaism) only mankind has the free will to choose to love and worship G-d or reject Him, whereas the angels do not, including HaSatan. If this biblical passage really meant that the angels were to worship, not merely venerate, Adam, then G-d would be contradicting His own commandment in opposition to idolatry.
How did he disobey God if he had no free will? And how is it different from idolatry? How would I digest that it wasn’t idolatry? Is it only because of the “contradiction” with the command against idolatry, or is there another reason why it wasn’t idolatry? And do Jews believe Trinitarian Christians idolize Jesus, and what about Muslim prostration to the black stone? I guess the black stone and Jesus would equal the Wailing Wall? Or not?
Another debated point. I agree its hard to argue another will without free-will. The mastery over their very nature and will is where the difference resides for example with man and his inclination to sin.
Judaism does not believe that Satan disobeys G-d. I have spoken about this in several previous posts. Satan’s function is as the accuser and tempter of mankind to test the latter’s love and obedience toward G-d. With regard to the prohibition against idolatry, this most important aspect of the Law is not for the benefit or aggrandizement of G-d but rather for our own welfare, as are all the commandments, both positive and negative. As Christians often say, citing the words of Jesus with specific reference to the Sabbath, the Law is made for man and not the reverse. Jews believe the same thing. Bowing is not the same as idolatry according to the text and context of several biblical passages. For example, one may bow to a king, but this does not mean one worships the king. The behavior is understood as a sign of reverence and respect, not worship. Sometimes, however, as when one lies prostrate before G-d, it is both an indication of reverence and worship. I think your example of Muslims’ prostration before the black stone is a sign of reverence and worship for G-d, certainly not for the stone itself. Trinitarian Christians do indeed idolize, i.e. worship, Jesus, because they believe Jesus is G-d Incarnate, the second Person of the Trinity. They are not worshiping a human but worshiping G-d according to their religion. But no Christian, Jew, or Muslim worships Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, or Muhammad. That would be idolatry.
Yes, I am saying that since Christians believe Jesus is G-d, they are not committing idolatry. Not only am I saying this, but Judaism, for the most part, says this. (When discussing Judaism, it is always best to say “for the most part.”)
According to the Church it was the latter.
What “erroneousness” have I professed?Thank you PR, the erroneousness seems to be coming from accusations being made without fully reading anything being posted.
I will post what I quoted 5 or so posts above for you
.
Yes.
The Catholic Church disagrees with my statement that it is better to have Godly deeds and correct faith?
Indeed.
In keeping with your analogy of graduating from 2nd to 3rd grade and learning topics in greater depth, one might say that Judaism believes what the title of the book of essays, written by American author and minister, Robert Fulghum, says, namely, “all I really need to know I learned in kindergarten.”
Catholics not only have the bible, but they have The Church which Christ established. The Church has handed on the Deposit of Faith both in the Written Word of God and the spoken word through Tradition. So when a Muslim says Jesus is not God, that he did not die on the cross and was not resurrected, we can say that your understanding of God is in error. No expanding of topics, just affirming that 2+2 is 4 and never can it be 5. Even third graders understand that.
Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s public revelation. On the Cross he says “it is finished.” God himself has revealed all that we need to know for our salvation. He built his Church upon St Peter and promised to lead his Church to all Truth and to be with it until the end of time. The faithful members of his Church have never accepted Muhammad as God’s public revelation is finished with Jesus Christ.
