Jewish - need opinions/advice

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dave92

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I’m an Israeli Jewish and I happen to have interest in Christianity (ever since I’ve read about St. Thomas and St. Augustine, whom I apprecaite for their great philosophical thinking). When I was a high school student, one day before the weekend, I borrowed an English-Hebrew New Testament from my school library out of genuine curiosity. Sadly I made the mistake of letting my mother know and she told me to return it the very next time I go to school, which was Sunday. We kept it a secret from my father because he has zero tolerance for this kind of stuff, but my mother also told me that she doesn’t want it in our house. I insisted that it’s just a book (no offense), it won’t eat you or bring demons or whatever, and if anything I found the Gospels very interesting.

This was a year ago (see my registration date). I’ve already graduated.

So now I’m thinking of buying one of those pocket KJVs for $5 from eBay, but I’ll have to somehow hide it and make sure my parents don’t see the packet in our mailbox. Do you think I should do it? There’s no way my parents will approve of it if I let them know.
 
I think you should honor your father and mother so that you may have a long life, just as it says in the Bible you wish to read. You have to love your parents.

Many here will tell you to deliberately disobey your parents, They will tell you that it is OK to bring the book into your Mother’s house in direct disobedience to what your mother has specifically told you, but please don’t listen to them. If you love God, you will obey God’s commandments and listen to your father and mother.

Please watch this video. It is a Catholic Saint advising a 13 year old Jewish girl.

youtube.com/watch?v=xSTvG_PUE9E

-Tim-
 
dave92 said:
I’m an Israeli Jewish and I happen to have interest in Christianity (ever since I’ve read about St. Thomas and St. Augustine, whom I apprecaite for their great philosophical thinking). When I was a high school student, one day before the weekend, I borrowed an English-Hebrew New Testament from my school library out of genuine curiosity. Sadly I made the mistake of letting my mother know and she told me to return it the very next time I go to school, which was Sunday. We kept it a secret from my father because he has zero tolerance for this kind of stuff, but my mother also told me that she doesn’t want it in our house. I insisted that it’s just a book (no offense), it won’t eat you or bring demons or whatever, and if anything I found the Gospels very interesting.

This was a year ago (see my registration date). I’ve already graduated.

So now I’m thinking of buying one of those pocket KJVs for $5 from eBay, but I’ll have to somehow hide it and make sure my parents don’t see the packet in our mailbox. Do you think I should do it? There’s no way my parents will approve of it if I let them know.
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You realize that that CAF is Catholic and the KJV is, historically, the great Protestant translation? 🙂 It does have to be said about it that it’s one of the heights of usage of the English language and one available online/downloadable, of course.

Should you read it? Well, I’ve lived amongst Christians all my life and discussed Christianity with Christians for many years and having read the Christian scriptures doesn’t seem to have done me any harm. Indeed, how would one really understand what’s wrong with them, if you haven’t read them? 🙂
 
You can read the bible on the internet. Just use a good translation such as RSV 2nd Catholic Edition or New American Bible.
 
My friend, it seems that the Holy Spirit has inspired you, and I encourage you to read the New Testament. Obedience to God surpasses obedience to one’s parents, but considering that you haven’t converted and are living at home, I would recommend reading the book at the library or somewhere else outside of the house. I think that is the best way to please God and your parents alike.

I am praying for you!
 
There are many purported KJVs out there, however, and while the original relegated the Deuterocanonicals to an “Apocrypha” appendix, it is likely that modern versions won’t bother including them at all, particularly the “pocket version” mentioned in the OP. It is essential for authentic Catholic teaching that you purchase a Bible with ALL the books included. There are essential doctrines in the deuterocanonical books which are denied by Protestantism and conveniently left out by editing the Bible after the canon was set. The Catholic canon was affirmed later by the Council of Trent.
 
The thing is that the KJV is one of the ‘creators’ of the English we grew up within, so its language is part of our cultural paradigm.
 
Michael1978 said:
You can read the bible on the internet. Just use a good translation such as RSV 2nd Catholic Edition or New American Bible.
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Yes, this is the best advice in answer to your question. 👍
May God bless you and guide you.
 
In Christianity, Catholicism is closest to Jewish, so I would recommend a Catholic Bible.
 
dave92 said:
I’m an Israeli Jewish and I happen to have interest in Christianity (ever since I’ve read about St. Thomas and St. Augustine, whom I apprecaite for their great philosophical thinking). When I was a high school student, one day before the weekend, I borrowed an English-Hebrew New Testament from my school library out of genuine curiosity. Sadly I made the mistake of letting my mother know and she told me to return it the very next time I go to school, which was Sunday. We kept it a secret from my father because he has zero tolerance for this kind of stuff, but my mother also told me that she doesn’t want it in our house. I insisted that it’s just a book (no offense), it won’t eat you or bring demons or whatever, and if anything I found the Gospels very interesting.

This was a year ago (see my registration date). I’ve already graduated.

So now I’m thinking of buying one of those pocket KJVs for $5 from eBay, but I’ll have to somehow hide it and make sure my parents don’t see the packet in our mailbox. Do you think I should do it? There’s no way my parents will approve of it if I let them know.
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Hi Dave, and welcome to the forums. This is just my opinon, and it’s your choice to do what you think is proper, but I agree with TimothyH, in that you should not bring the book into your parent’s house if they object to it. The 5th commandment instructs us to honor our mother and father. Also, the 8th commandment instructs us to be honest.

I agree with others here that it may be a good option to read an online version. It’s okay, IMO, to start with the King James version, and maybe later, if you want to, move on to a Catholic version, such as the Douay-Rheims. the King James version has several books (I think seven in all) removed, so a Catholic version will have all books included.

I agree with beehumble in that Catholicism is closest to Jewish.

God bless! 🙂
 
Protestant Bible versions have six less books than Catholic Bibles.

That is because at the time of the “reformation” they decided to eliminate those books.

So, it seems best to get a complete Catholic Bible. (online, as was shown).

Blessings to you!
 
dave92 said:
I’m an Israeli Jewish and I happen to have interest in Christianity (ever since I’ve read about St. Thomas and St. Augustine, whom I apprecaite for their great philosophical thinking). When I was a high school student, one day before the weekend, I borrowed an English-Hebrew New Testament from my school library out of genuine curiosity. Sadly I made the mistake of letting my mother know and she told me to return it the very next time I go to school, which was Sunday. We kept it a secret from my father because he has zero tolerance for this kind of stuff, but my mother also told me that she doesn’t want it in our house. I insisted that it’s just a book (no offense), it won’t eat you or bring demons or whatever, and if anything I found the Gospels very interesting.

This was a year ago (see my registration date). I’ve already graduated.

So now I’m thinking of buying one of those pocket KJVs for $5 from eBay, but I’ll have to somehow hide it and make sure my parents don’t see the packet in our mailbox. Do you think I should do it? There’s no way my parents will approve of it if I let them know.
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I think you should honor your mother and father while you live in their home. If you choose to buy a New Testament after you are an adult simply to enhance your knowledge base, and when you don’t have to hide it, that might be the time to do so.

Also, I have to agree with Dorothy and add that not all Christian Bibles or teachings are the same. There are huge differences. As a Catholic, I would also suggest that when as a free adult you might choose a Bible, bear that in mind.
 
Dorothy said:
Protestant Bible versions have six less books than Catholic Bibles.

That is because at the time of the “reformation” they decided to eliminate those books.

So, it seems best to get a complete Catholic Bible. (online, as was shown).

Blessings to you!
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You might also want to read the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” which is also available on line. It contains both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition as well as the magesterial teaching of the Catholic Church.
 
dave92 said:
I’m an Israeli Jewish and I happen to have interest in Christianity (ever since I’ve read about St. Thomas and St. Augustine, whom I apprecaite for their great philosophical thinking). When I was a high school student, one day before the weekend, I borrowed an English-Hebrew New Testament from my school library out of genuine curiosity. Sadly I made the mistake of letting my mother know and she told me to return it the very next time I go to school, which was Sunday. We kept it a secret from my father because he has zero tolerance for this kind of stuff, but my mother also told me that she doesn’t want it in our house. I insisted that it’s just a book (no offense), it won’t eat you or bring demons or whatever, and if anything I found the Gospels very interesting.

This was a year ago (see my registration date). I’ve already graduated.

So now I’m thinking of buying one of those pocket KJVs for $5 from eBay, but I’ll have to somehow hide it and make sure my parents don’t see the packet in our mailbox. Do you think I should do it? There’s no way my parents will approve of it if I let them know.
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Welcome to CAF Dave

As stated, you should honor your father and mother’s wishes in their house. Although, If I were you I’d demand to want to read the Septuagint since it is vindicated by the finding of the *Dead Sea Scrolls *as an authentic Jewish compilation of texts (though, we knew that for two thousand years anyways). More specifically what is recommended reading for you that may or may not be acceptable to your parents are the deuterocanonical books in the Septuagint, written well before Christ and are inspired by God. Not saying you’ll be converted by reading these Jewish books, but the questions you’ll raise will be quite interesting.

Enjoy
 
dave92 said:
I’m
So now I’m thinking of buying one of those pocket KJVs for $5 from eBay, but I’ll have to somehow hide it and make sure my parents don’t see the packet in our mailbox. Do you think I should do it? There’s no way my parents will approve of it if I let them know.
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we share the same commandments, which say to honor your father and your mother. If you are a minor, living at home and dependent on your parents, and they don’t want you having Christian books and bibles in the home, respect their wishes, it is their home. You can access the bible on-line, but get their permission to do so.
 
So according to fellow forumers’ advice (and my inner self) I decided not to act on my plan and respect my parents’ wish. I can access the bible online even without asking them (I’m not a minor, by the way), but I just don’t like reading any sort of book on a computer screen. Unfortunately there is no alternative for me at present.

Sorry about that KJV part, I didn’t know it was uber-Protestant like you guys say. Ignorance on my part. Actually I sticked mainly to the Herbew translation because I found the KJV’s language too archaic and tough to understand.

Oh well, thanks guys. 🙂
 
dave92 said:
So according to fellow forumers’ advice (and my inner self) I decided not to act on my plan and respect my parents’ wish. I can access the bible online even without asking them (I’m not a minor, by the way), but I just don’t like reading any sort of book on a computer screen. Unfortunately there is no alternative for me at present.

Sorry about that KJV part, I didn’t know it was uber-Protestant like you guys say. Ignorance on my part. Actually I sticked mainly to the Herbew translation because I found the KJV’s language too archaic and tough to understand.

Oh well, thanks guys. 🙂
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If you are not a minor then I don’t see anything wrong with you pursuing the truth to which you feel you are being drawn. How many converts would there be if we all had to remain in the faith of our parents? While we should respect and honor our parents, they should also respect your right as an adult to pursue truth. Many conversions, by their very nature, are messy and uncomfortable, but I would not want to face God and tell him that I gave up on pursuing him because it might offend my parents. What if your parents were athiest? I think the fact that you are an adult makes all the difference.
 
SteveVH said:
If you are not a minor then I don’t see anything wrong with you pursuing the truth to which you feel you are being drawn. How many converts would there be if we all had to remain in the faith of our parents? While we should respect and honor our parents, they should also respect your right as an adult to pursue truth. Many conversions, by their very nature, are messy and uncomfortable, but I would not want to face God and tell him that I gave up on pursuing him because it might offend my parents. What if your parents were athiest? I think the fact that you are an adult makes all the difference.
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So, if your child starts prostrating themselves five times a day chanting “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Ashadu an la ilaha ill Allah” you’d be quite happy with it?

You are to be congratulated on your potential forebearance.
 
Kaninchen said:
So, if your child starts prostrating themselves five times a day chanting “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Ashadu an la ilaha ill Allah” you’d be quite happy with it?

You are to be congratulated on your potential forebearance.
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No, I would not be happy about it at all, nor do I believe that the OP’s parents would be happy about his/her conversion to Christianity. That is beside the point. As an adult he/she certainly has the right to pursue his/her heart’s desire. What would you say to me if I desired to convert to Judaism but, at the age of 57, did not because it might upset my parents? Is there a point at which one should be free to pursue the path to which he feels he is being drawn? If so, where do you draw the line?
 
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