I am sure that Ben is more knowledgable in the Jewish ways than we all are considering that he is
ahem Jewish; and then what makes his views
really worth listening to is that he is willing to even consider Jesus, and even more that he is willing to consider it with us. Jesus
was Jewish and considering that most Jewish won’t give you the time of day, you are blessed to be able to ask questions and learn from someone who
is JEWISH.
Are you
that opposed to discussing; especially when it is their Scriptures that you base your belief off of ?
Knowledge for applying or Faith that just accepts… honestly, which has brought us further? How do you think we have come this far in even the last 100 years… by faith? Was it faith that brought about all the conveniences that you enjoy today? Do you think Thomas Edison said “I have faith that I will have an improved version of the lightbulb to offer to the world.” &
poof… there it was? Or Edwin Hubble: “I have faith that one day I will fly out into the universe and discover what it is out there.” &
poof… a big hand whisked him into space? It should give you cause to wonder why you would feel opposed to sincerely considering another view point… especially one so vital to your
faith.
I have no problem listening to his viewpoints and I value them since it is the Word of God that was given to the world through the Jewish that I subscribe to. Funny that no one takes time to really consider what it means by “… and the world knew him not” when speaking of the Word. I mean, everyone knows about Jesus, right?
Oh dear, please don’t get me wrong. I do enjoy having a discussion with Ben and you. To me you are giving something though idea to consider and give me tough time for defend my idea. I think this is an interesting but a live discussion.
For somebody from 21st century does not mean he/she was well versed with his/her own culture back from the 1st century culture, am I correct? Surely I can ask Ben’s thinking about his own culture from the 1st century, can I? Do you think asking means not considering? I have no problem listening to his viewpoints too. Believe me, I find his viewpoints are somehow new and never been discussed before.
Surely live cannot exist without knowledge. I agree with you 1000% on this. You are also correct that my religion is based on the Judaism too. What I am questioning from Ben is whether the law of God you said are pasted in the first half of my bible, indeed the same law of God the Jewish practice during the 1st century.
Even a Jewish prophet named Isaiah mentioned in Isaiah 29:13 “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:” That makes me wonder whether the Jews were observing the Thorah or not? To me, a “violation” of the real Thorah had happened far away before Jesus’ time.
Forget about faith in a moment. Now, I would like to see the fact in history myself. By mentioning this, I do not mean to be antisemitic (Hey I do believe that the Jews entitled for their homeland, and no one can take it from them). I see the their temple was destroyed in 70AD, and never been built again until now. Prior to 1947, there was no nation named Israel, and I can understand why the Jew could not been able to rebuilt their temple. However, there were Jews and many of them were rich. From 1947 till 1960’s Israel was strong enough, and was that strong to beat Egypt in Yom Kippur war within 6 days. (Nice coincidence as God rest on the 7th day). You see? 6 days to win a war. That was wonderful.
From 1960’s to now, the Jews are becoming stronger both economically and militarily to protect themselves. I am really wonder why the Jew do not rebuilt their temple. Surely 1939 years is a very long time to wait. David build the tent for worshipping God. Salomon built the first temple, and later after the exile from Babylon, the temple was rebuilt again. It was destroyed by Roman in 70AD. My sincere question is why the Jews do not rebuilt their temple today? If I were asked my opinion, I would surely agree to it. They have the right to rebuilt their temple.
Surely you may not believe in Jesus. But, I see a record saying that Jesus were criticizing the practices of the Jews during his time, which Jesus claim were not the real Thorah. I do believe that the one so-called “Salvation” was meant for the Jews first. But, there is a record (Mat 21:43) saying “
Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.”
I see another fact in the modern time, in a figure of Mother Theresa from Calcutta. She was not a Jew (not an Indian too), but widely accepted to be able of showing love toward others.I also see the figure of Karol Wojtilla, a Polish who defeated communism in Poland. The fall of communism echoed to East German, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia too. Even the famous USSR was broken down. All was done without any bullet fired. CIA, MOSSAD and whatever intelligence service had tried to defeat communism without result.
When I compare the record I see from Isaiah, and about Jesus to the facts I see, and to the historical fact about the Jews, I begin to think that there must be something wrong about their previous practices, to the point that I think they may have violated the law of God intended for them. To me, I do not despise the Jews for that conclusion. I am glad to hear from Ben, that they are changing. Forget about Jesus, Paul and Christianity. I do believe that they have the right to exist and live peacefully. And as the OT bible stories said, if we are abide in God, we shall be prosper. If we are far away from God, we shall suffer.