Martin Luther

[Byzantine_Wolf]

(Part 2/2)

Romans 4:16-17 (ESV)

Again, don’t forget what comes before.

For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression. [Romans 4:13-15; emphasis mine]

Merely being a literal “seed” of Abraham was not enough - only faith granted us righteousness. As stated before, the Jews of whom Paul speaks of are those ethnic Jews who have accepted Christ as their Messiah and their Lord. Which leads us into the next quote…

Galatians 3:28-29 (ESV)

Again, this is speaking of Christians - Jews or Gentiles alike - being descendants of Abraham. The word which the ESV translates as “offspring” is actually the Greek word sperma, from which we get the English word sperm, or as is oftentimes translated seed. Gentiles are considered the literal seed of Abraham through their faith in Christ.

Some other New Testament quotes which you may have forgotten about:

“But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” [Matthew 10:33]

They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” [Matt 21:41-44]

He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. [John 1:11-13]

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." [John 14:6]

Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. [1 John 2:22]

By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. [1 John 4:2-3]

The new covenant between God and mankind was sealed on the cross. Those who deny everything which involves the crucifixion (including Christ’s divinity, the Trinity, and salvation through faith in Christ) cannot be part of that covenant.

Remember, Christ Himself was a Jewish Rabbi.

He was also God

 

[Byzantine_Wolf]

The passage in Galatians,

and if you are in Christ… Or close to that?

How are Jews In Christ?

The same as those who never heard of Him?

Ethnic Jews (ie. those who come from a Semitic bloodline) can be in Christ when they accept Him as their Messiah and Lord (many Jews who convert to Christianity call themselves “completed Jews”). Those who adhere to the Jewish faith, which denies Christ’s divinity and Messianic status, cannot be. As the apostles themselves wrote (see my previous posts) such theology was that of the antichrist.

 

[Contarini]

Ginger: I don’t think you can blame the Catholic Forum Members for bashing Martin Luther.

I am a Protestant Christian, and I have probably written the most about Luther’s shortcomings.

I think you are right in saying, “This thread is about writing a book and ML just happens to be the specific subject of the book.”

I think if a person is going to write a book about Martin Luther, they should include both the good and the bad.

I know that Martin Luther had plenty of company, when it comes to antisemitism. Unfortunately, he also had centuries of antisemitism to draw from. But that does not excuse his actions. None of us can use the views of our day to justify sin; though we often try.

I just can’t come to terms with Luther’s antisemitism. It haunts me as a Protestant Christian.

Anna

First of all, it wasn’t antisemitism. It was anti-Judaism. Anti-Semitism means that you think Jews are intrinsically bad as a *race. *That would include the Old Testament Hebrews (unless you come up with some weird “British Israel” argument to try to prove that modern Jews are not descended from the ancient Hebrews, as some Christian anti-Semites do). Luther had no such attitude. He thought that Judaism as a religion had rejected Christ and adopted a false faith in their own good works. He thought that large sections of Christianity (particularly the Papacy and most members of the monastic orders) had done the same thing.

Why are you more bothered by Luther’s anti-Judaism than by that of other Christians? Shouldn’t we as Christians be troubled by the anti-Judaism of our entire tradition? Why is it a particularly Protestant problem?

And why do you see Luther as having such a unique significance? If Luther’s teaching as a whole was right, then Luther was just an unworthy instrument of the Gospel, and his sins have nothing to do with the truth of what he taught. If you think Luther was wrong about some things (as I believe), then obviously your faith does not rest on Luther. He’s just one important theologian in the history of the Church. Take the good, reject the bad, and pray for his soul (if your theology allows you to do so). So again, why worry either way? You have missed the whole point of Luther’s teaching if you think that it rests on Luther’s personal holiness.

Edwin

 

[JonNC]

=Anna Scott;5500020]I appreciate your kind response.

As to why Martin Luther’s antisemitism haunts me: I think it is a matter of knowing the origins of the Protestant faith are rooted in a “Reformer” who wrote such terrible things about the Jewish people. I see this as a spiritual issue for all Protestants.

I know this has taken us way off course for this Thread, but you did ask why I feel haunted. It runs deep, and I do not know how to come to terms with it.

First, Anna, the origens of Christianity, including those traditions collectively known as Protestant, is Christ, and our faith is rooted in scripture, not in any reformer, including the man Luther. That said, I offer this link to a article written by James Swan, an apologist. It might help you balance things a little.

ntrmin.org/Luther%20and%20the%20Jews%20(Web).htm#a1

I pray you find peace regarding this issue,
Jon

 

[Peter_J]

Why are you more bothered by Luther’s anti-Judaism than by that of other Christians? Shouldn’t we as Christians be troubled by the anti-Judaism of our entire tradition?

Can you name for us any other historical Christian leaders that you put in the same ballpark as Martin Luther and St. John Chrysostom, in terms of anti-Judaism? (Not a rhetorical question.)

Why is it a particularly Protestant problem?

I agree that it is not a “particularly Protestant problem”.

 

[Anna_Scott]

Wow. So, many responses to what I wrote. I’m getting ready to leave for an appointment. So, I will have to deal with all this later.

I opened up to all of you on this forum and revealed things that are disturbing to me, things that I have not been able to come to terms with, things that I haven’t told many people.

I really wish I had kept my feelings to myself. I am aware of all the Scriptures you quoted.

Anna

 

[Contarini]

Can you name for us any other historical Christian leaders that you put in the same ballpark as Martin Luther and St. John Chrysostom, in terms of anti-Judaism? (Not a rhetorical question.)

Actually, it is quite literally a rhetorical question, because the reason those two are particularly well known is that they were great rhetoricians who (for reasons not directly connected to the strength of their anti-Judaism compared to that of others) produced particularly memorable anti-Jewish polemic. I wouldn’t actually put them in the same category with each other substantively. Chrysostom was writing in a world in which Jews were not particularly threatened, and his targets were fellow Christians with whom he disagreed rather than Jews themselves. In the course of the Middle Ages, for a lot of reasons (theological, social, political, economic, cultural), the position of Jews deteriorated radically. Luther inherited a tradition of anti-Judaism that was shaped by Chrysostom’s rhetoric but was very different in its social context and its practical effects.

Jeremy Cohen has argued that the mendicant orders can be blamed to a great extent for the deterioration of Christian treatment of Jews in the later Middle Ages. I don’t think one can just list individuals–it was a complex process that involved a lot of people and institutions.

Edwin

 

[JonNC]

Wow. So, many responses to what I wrote. I’m getting ready to leave for an appointment. So, I will have to deal with all this later.

I opened up to all of you on this forum and revealed things that are disturbing to me, things that I have not been able to come to terms with, things that I haven’t told many people.

I really wish I had kept my feelings to myself.

Anna

Anna,
Hope you don’t feel like you’re being attacked. That certainly wasn’t my intent. That’s why my last post said I pray you find peace regarding this issue.

Jon

 

[Contarini]

Wow. So, many responses to what I wrote. I’m getting ready to leave for an appointment. So, I will have to deal with all this later.

I opened up to all of you on this forum and revealed things that are disturbing to me, things that I have not been able to come to terms with, things that I haven’t told many people.

I really wish I had kept my feelings to myself.

Why? These are important issues and I really respect you for struggling with them. A colleague of mine in grad school told me that Christian treatment of Jews was one of the biggest causes of doubt in her faith (I should clarify that she remains a devout, practicing Christian). I share this attitude to a great extent. It’s hard to read Ephesians 2:14 or Luke 1:71-75 and not say “but that is the opposite of what happened.” I think there are ways to deal with this as Christians, but it’s a very difficult issue.

Edwin

 

[Anna_Scott]

Why? These are important issues and I really respect you for struggling with them. A colleague of mine in grad school told me that Christian treatment of Jews was one of the biggest causes of doubt in her faith (I should clarify that she remains a devout, practicing Christian). I share this attitude to a great extent. It’s hard to read Ephesians 2:14 or Luke 1:71-75 and not say “but that is the opposite of what happened.” I think there are ways to deal with this as Christians, but it’s a very difficult issue.

Edwin

Contarini: Thank you so much for your kind words. I am really fighting back tears over all this. I’m getting ready to run out the door for an appointment. So, I will take your words of encouragement, as I ponder all this.

Grateful,
Anna

 

[Anna_Scott]

Hi! I’m something of an aspiring author and I’d like to write a historical fiction book about Martin Luther. I just recently saw the movie Luther and, while it was a good movie, I found it to be inaccurate. The more I hear about what Luther believed and what kind of person he was, the more I am confused. So I decided to look into his works and the works of the Church concerning him. The problem is, I haven’t the least idea of where to start. A little help please???

MarysGirls:

I just sent you a private message asking if you want me to start a new Thread to continue the discussion of Martin Luther, Antisemitism, and the relationship between Judaism and Christianity.

I will do whatever you think is best. I think it is primarily my fault that this Thread has turned to a different direction. So, I want to be respectful of your wishes as the OP.

I will continue posting here, until I hear from you.

Anna

 

[AlegreFe]

Here is a great audio CD about Luther’s life;

Luther, the Rest of the Story

 

[Anna_Scott]

"Anna Scott:

Gottle of Geer: **I agree that there was plenty of “Anti-Judaism & Judaeophobia” in the centuries leading up to Luther’s day.

You misunderstand me. My intention is not to “single Luther out.” **This Thread is entitled Martin Luther. I am offering information on Martin Luther, because I think if one is going to write about his life, one should consider the whole picture.

I do agree that it would absolutely be important to include the antisemitic views of Luther’s contemporaries, and the centuries leading up to his day. I have never said he was the only one espousing antisemitism.

In my studies of the history of Judaism and Christianity, I have read a number of Jewish authors. I think it is important to read the Jewish perspective, since they have endured centuries of persecution at the hands of those who called themselves Christian, and other religions as well.

I think my writing here is a way of expressing an issue that is deeply disturbing to me. When I look back over history, I can see why so few Jews converted to Christianity.

Again, why would they want to convert to a religion that persecuted and slaughtered their people for centuries?

I have Jewish friends and we have had many long discussions. I am actually amazed at their ability to forgive the past. Their devotion to God surpasses that of many Christians I know. God is woven into every part of their lives.

So, again, let me say that it is not my intention to “single out” Luther. I know he had plenty of company, and centuries of antisemitism to draw from.

JonNC: Please see my Post #50 of today.

I do not want you to think that I am in any way attempting to discredit the Lutheran Faith, **nor am I attempting to “single out” Martin Luther. **

I am Protestant, and we all share the common heritage of the Protestant Reformation.

Anna

Jon: thank you for your response. I did want to make sure I was not misunderstood.

You are right about Luther’s compassion for the Jews in his early years. It is difficult to understand why he seemed to turn on the Jews near the end of his life.

I think that one of the most damaging things for Luther was the fact that Hitler quoted him. Luther would have no way of knowing how his writings would be used, long after his death. I would hope he would not have agreed with Hitler.

**I agree with what you said, “one’s reputation is only as good as the next comment you make, or action you take.” **I think this is something we all should ponder. Ironically, the worst of Luther actually taught us all a lesson. Tragically, the Jewish people suffered greatly, because of the words of Luther and others throughout history.

Anna

Ginger: I don’t think you can blame the Catholic Forum Members for bashing Martin Luther.

I am a Protestant Christian, and I have probably written the most about Luther’s shortcomings.

I think you are right in saying, “This thread is about writing a book and ML just happens to be the specific subject of the book.”

I think if a person is going to write a book about Martin Luther, they should include both the good and the bad.

I know that Martin Luther had plenty of company, when it comes to antisemitism. Unfortunately, he also had centuries of antisemitism to draw from. But that does not excuse his actions. None of us can use the views of our day to justify sin; though we often try.

I just can’t come to terms with Luther’s antisemitism. It haunts me as a Protestant Christian.

Anna

. . . .**Why are you more bothered by Luther’s anti-Judaism than by that of other Christians? **Shouldn’t we as Christians be troubled by the anti-Judaism of our entire tradition? Why is it a particularly Protestant problem?

And why do you see Luther as having such a unique significance? If Luther’s teaching as a whole was right, then Luther was just an unworthy instrument of the Gospel, and his sins have nothing to do with the truth of what he taught. If you think Luther was wrong about some things (as I believe), then obviously your faith does not rest on Luther. He’s just one important theologian in the history of the Church. Take the good, reject the bad, and pray for his soul (if your theology allows you to do so). So again, why worry either way? You have missed the whole point of Luther’s teaching if you think that it rests on Luther’s personal holiness.

Edwin

Edwin: If you look at my previous Posts (cut and pasted above); you will see that it is not my intention to single out Luther. I wrote about Luther, because this Thread is entitled, “Martin Luther.”

You asked, “Why are you more bothered by Luther’s anti-Judaism than by that of other Christians?”

My answer: I am equally disturbed by all anti-Judaism/antisemitism. I think, as a Protestant Christian, the beliefs and character of those who separated from the Catholic Church is something to be considered.

You asked: “Shouldn’t we as Christians be troubled by the anti-Judaism of our entire tradition?”

My answer: Absolutely yes!

You asked: “Why is it a particularly Protestant problem?”

My answer: I do not believe it is a “particularly Protestant problem.” Again, Luther just happens to be the topic of this Thread.

 

[Anna_Scott]

**I am a U.S. Citizen.

For those who claim that Martin Luther’s writing do not constitute anti-Semitism; I refer you to this link: state.gov/documents/organization/102301.pdf., which will take you to* Contemporary Global Anti-Semitism Report Released by the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, U.S. Department of State*.

Here is a portion of that report:**

**Working definition: “Anti-emitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-S]emitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

…Contemporary examples of anti-Semitism in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in the religious sphere could, taking into account the overall context, include, but are not limited to:

•Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion.

•Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as a collective - such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions.

•Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.

•Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g., gas chambers), or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).

•Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.

•Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.

Examples of the ways in which anti-Semitism manifests itself with regard to the state of Israel taking into account the overall context could include:

•Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination (e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor).

•Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.

•Using the symbols and images associated with classic anti-Semitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.

•Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.

•Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.

However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as anti-Semitic.**

** I will answer the issue of Scriptures, after I have rested for a while (many health struggles.)

Anna**

 

[Byzantine_Wolf]

Wow. So, many responses to what I wrote. I’m getting ready to leave for an appointment. So, I will have to deal with all this later.

I opened up to all of you on this forum and revealed things that are disturbing to me, things that I have not been able to come to terms with, things that I haven’t told many people.

I really wish I had kept my feelings to myself. I am aware of all the Scriptures you quoted.

Anna

If I contributed to any of this, I sincerely apologize. It was not my intent. I admit sometimes I can get too passionate - a fault of mine.

If you would like, the little tit-for-tat going on between you and I can end here and I will never use it against you or bring the subject up around you again, or I’ll let you respond and permit you the last word, so that I bother you no more. Either or, if it will help you.

 

[Anna_Scott]

If I contributed to any of this, I sincerely apologize. It was not my intent. I admit sometimes I can get too passionate - a fault of mine.

If you would like, the little tit-for-tat going on between you and I can end here and I will never use it against you or bring the subject up around you again, or I’ll let you respond and permit you the last word, so that I bother you no more. Either or, if it will help you.

Byzantine_Wolf:

You are so very kind. You do not owe me an apology. I do want to continue our discussion.

The thing is, I usually really enjoy a spirited discussion/debate.

I seem to be more emotional than usual, probably because of the health problems I am dealing with. But, having said that, I don’t want you to be easy on me, or hold back your opinions.

My activity and mobility are very limited, so these Forums are actually great medicine for me. I need the challenge and the spiritual and intellectual stimulation. It helps keep me sane. I also read one book after another-mostly non-fiction. Though I do like a good novel, and am slowly working on one of my own.

Anyway, if I wanted “easy,” I could go to christianforums.com and discuss issues with other Protestants. I tried that for awhile, but I didn’t find enough of a challenge there.

Besides, I really like hearing other people’s views; and I have a great respect for Catholics.

So, I will ask you to forgive my momentary “emotional episode,” and let us continue our discussion. I do want to talk more about the Scriptures.

I would be very disappointed if you gave me the last word.:compcoff:

Anna

 

[Anna_Scott]

If I contributed to any of this, I sincerely apologize. It was not my intent. I admit sometimes I can get too passionate - a fault of mine.

If you would like, the little tit-for-tat going on between you and I can end here and I will never use it against you or bring the subject up around you again, or I’ll let you respond and permit you the last word, so that I bother you no more. Either or, if it will help you.

Byzantine_Wolf:

You are so very kind. You do not owe me an apology. I do want to continue our discussion.

The thing is, I usually really enjoy a spirited discussion/debate.

I seem to be more emotional than usual, probably because of the health problems I am dealing with. But, having said that, I don’t want you to be easy on me, or hold back your opinions.

My activity and mobility are very limited, so these Forums are actually great medicine for me. I need the challenge and the spiritual and intellectual stimulation. It helps keep me sane. I also read one book after another-mostly non-fiction. Though I do like a good novel, and am slowly working on one of my own.

Anyway, if I wanted “easy,” I could go to christianforums.com and discuss issues with other Protestants. I tried that for awhile, but I didn’t find enough of a challenge there.

Besides, I really like hearing other people’s views; and I have a great respect for Catholics.

So, I will ask you to forgive my momentary “emotional episode,” and let us continue our discussion. I do want to talk more about the Scriptures.

I would be very disappointed if you gave me the last word.:compcoff:

Anna

Anna,
Hope you don’t feel like you’re being attacked. That certainly wasn’t my intent. That’s why my last post said I pray you find peace regarding this issue.

Jon

Joh: See what I wrote to Byzantine_Wolf, above. Let us continue. No holding back.

I appreciate your prayers for peace about this struggle.

Anna

 

[Anna_Scott]

I read all the Scriptures posted; and it seems that we are entering into the age-old discussion regarding the issue of the “New Covenant”; the identity of “Israel” in the “New Covenant”; and the “Law” vs. “Faith”—issues debated by Scholars and Theologians for centuries.

I read a book several years ago, in which a Christian wrote that the Jewish people would be saved through divine revelation. I had never heard this before. I really wasn’t sure what to make of it. I am never quick to accept something, just because it is published.

As I worked my way through the Bible, I found, once again, the famous story of the Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel, Chapter 37; I realized what that author was talking about. This appears to be a promise of salvation to the Jews, in which God will raise them from the dead, and place His Spirit in them.

Ezekiel 37 (ESV):

The Valley of Dry Bones
1 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD and set me down in the middle of the valley;[a] it was full of bones. 2And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. 3And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord GOD, you know.”

4Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. 5Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath** to enter you, and you shall live. 6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the LORD.”

7So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling,[c] and the bones came together, bone to its bone. 8And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them.

9Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord GOD: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” 10So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.

11Then he said to me, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off.’

12Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. 13And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people. 14And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the LORD." I Will Be Their God, They Shall Be My People

15The word of the LORD came to me: 16 "Son of man, take a stick[d] and write on it, ‘For Judah, and the people of Israel associated with him’; then take another stick and write on it, ‘For Joseph (the stick of Ephraim) and all the house of Israel associated with him.’ 17And join them one to another into one stick, that they may become one in your hand.

18And when your people say to you, ‘Will you not tell us what you mean by these?’ 19say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I am about to take the stick of Joseph (that is in the hand of Ephraim) and the tribes of Israel associated with him. And I will join with it the stick of Judah,[e] and make them one stick, that they may be one in my hand.

20When the sticks on which you write are in your hand before their eyes, 21then say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will take the people of Israel from the nations among which they have gone, and will gather them from all around, and bring them to their own land.

22And I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. And one king shall be king over them all, and they shall be no longer two nations, and no longer divided into two kingdoms. 23 They shall not defile themselves anymore with their idols and their detestable things, or with any of their transgressions. But I will save them from all the backslidings[f] in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them; and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

24"My servant David shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall walk in my rules and be careful to obey my statutes. 25 They shall dwell in the land that I gave to my servant Jacob, where your fathers lived. They and their children and their children’s children shall dwell there forever, and David my servant shall be their prince forever.

26 I will make a covenant of peace with them. It shall be an everlasting covenant with them. And I will set them in their land[g] and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in their midst forevermore. 27 My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 28Then the nations will know that I am the LORD who sanctifies Israel, when my sanctuary is in their midst forevermore."

Footnotes:

a. Ezekiel 37:1 Or plain; also verse 2
b. Ezekiel 37:5 Or spirit; also verses 6, 9, 10
c. Ezekiel 37:7 Or an earthquake (compare 3:12, 13)
d. Ezekiel 37:16 Or one piece of wood; also verses 17, 19, 20
e. Ezekiel 37:19 Hebrew And I will place them on it, the stick of Judah
f. Ezekiel 37:23 Many Hebrew manuscripts; other Hebrew manuscripts* dwellings*
g. Ezekiel 37:26 Hebrew lacks in their land

I welcome all your comments on Ezekiel 37. Please don’t hold back.

Anna (Recomposed)**

 

[Peter_J]

**I am a U.S. Citizen.

For those who claim that Martin Luther’s writing do not constitute anti-Semitism; I refer you to this link: state.gov/documents/organization/102301.pdf**., which will take you to* Contemporary Global Anti-Semitism Report Released by the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, U.S. Department of State*.

Here is a portion of that report:

Working definition: “Anti-emitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-S]emitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

…Contemporary examples of anti-Semitism in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in the religious sphere could, taking into account the overall context, include, but are not limited to:

•Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion.

•Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as a collective - such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions.

•Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.

•Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g., gas chambers), or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).

•Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.

•Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.

Examples of the ways in which anti-Semitism manifests itself with regard to the state of Israel taking into account the overall context could include:

•Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination (e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor).

•Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.

•Using the symbols and images associated with classic anti-Semitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.

•Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.

•Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.

However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as anti-Semitic.

** I will answer the issue of Scriptures, after I have rested for a while (many health struggles.)

Anna**

I think that’s a good definition.

 

[Byzantine_Wolf]

That was one of my favorite passages as a kid, mainly because I liked the idea of a big valley full of bones coming together.

Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones is a prophesy of there resurrection at the crucifixion and the Final Resurrection when Christ return and the dead will rise up again. As the Nicene Creed says, Christ is He Who “will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead.” In fact, in the Orthodox Church this passage is read on Holy Saturday during Great Lent.

The Church Fathers often taught that the two sticks Ezekiel is ordered to hold up and put together are the cross - for it was two beams of wood that made the cross. It was by this cross that the Resurrection was made possible.

The language of the everlasting covenant is similar to the language used in the prophesy in Jeremiah (which I quoted in one of my last posts), particularly when the Lord speaks of the risen “obeying His statutes.”