Ellen W. Horowitz: Isi, Think like a Jew
The following is a response to “Evangelicals: an Appreciation” by Isi Leibler
As a researcher and writer for JewishIsrael.com, I’m the very first person to tell Israelis that there are a multitude of sincere and righteous Gentiles who care deeply for Israel and the Jewish people, and who take a moral stand in defense of the Jewish state. And I fully acknowledge that Christianity has certainly evolved into a kinder, gentler religion which has boldly struggled to incorporate the rebirth of the modern state of Israel into its theological worldview.
However, as long as evangelizing remains the number one priority for evangelicals, and as long as the Jewish nation is obliged to remain a separate and unique faith community, with a belief in one G-d and an aversion to idolatry, “respect them and suspect them” is the most workable premise for our establishing relations with another faith group – especially one comprised of zealous, theologically inspired, evangelizing Christians.
Numerous evangelical Christian leaders are no longer trying to bring Jews to the church, but are instead trying to make the church more Jewish via a “messianic” deception. This presents the Jewish community with a very real problem. As an Orthodox Jew, surely the erudite Isi Leibler understands that, even if the Christian world had been kind to us for 2000 years, we would still be forbidden from becoming a part of their religion. But they are striving for a state where Gentile and Jew are no longer distinct and become "one body under Jesus."
Leibler’s spin on Evangelical theology 101 seems to have been taken straight out of David Brog’s book, “Standing with Israel” -- the opening endorsement of which, in the published edition, is penned by a notorious Jew for Jesus. It’s time that Jews who have become enraptured by an excess of evangelical love come back down to earth and face the facts on the ground.
In the Jerusalem Post, where Leibler's column appeared, we have had recent headlines about Jesus in the IDF; the proselytizing of old and infirm Holocaust survivors; A Kashrut licensing controversy involving an Israeli evangelical ; High Court decisions over Israel’s Law of Return in favor of messianics; full blown Jews for Jesus campaigns in the streets of Israel; street fights between messianic missionaries and Torah observant Jews ; Russian language evangelical television being launched in Israel to target the Russian immigrant population ; messianic infiltrations into “Birthright”, lawsuits against counter-missionary organizations, dozens of cases of fake conversions to Judaism by practicing Christians, a missionary presence and representation in World Likud, the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus, and the Ministry of Tourism. Need I go on? Because I can.
Some of the most active and respected board members and directors of CUFI (Christians United for Israel) are zealously promoting a messianic (Christian) "restoration" in Israel and stand at the head of the pack when it comes to pointing an accusing finger at Israel for “church persecution” and “freedom of religion” violations.
Leibler praises the International Christian Embassy, but regarding the need to spread the gospel, ICEJ’s director Malcolm Hedding admits and admonishes: “The Jewish world must know that the call to be obedient to world missions, including the Jewish world, is not a small matter that can be compromised. No, this call is a major tenet of our biblical faith (Romans 1:16; Matthew 28:18-20).” He will also tell you point blank that, “if Jews do not want to know, they simply should not ask!”
Evangelicals are influencing Israeli society and affecting the character of the Jewish state. Whether or not the benefits of such an alliance outweigh the problems inherent in the relationship is something Jews, in Israel and the Diaspora, need to ask themselves - and perhaps the halachic leaders of the Jewish community in Israel.
Unfortunately, Leibler has chosen to take a disingenuous view of an existential Jewish issue which has everything to do with Jewish continuity and the very foundations of Judaism.
Rather than lapse into a predicable rant about those liberal Jews who have “embraced postmodernism” or dismiss concerned Orthodox Jews as being “ill-informed” , Leibler should recognize the natural aversion to our “unconditionally” embracing evangelical Christians as a healthy, unifying trend – and as a survival instinct among all of our people. After all, the one common denominator among all Jews –secular, religious, and all shades in between, is that we don’t believe in Jesus as a lord or savior.
As long as evangelicals evangelize, the Jewish people will have to be vigilant and monitor the relationship carefully. To take a critical look at Israel’s relationship with fundamentalist Christians is neither “misguided”, nor “churlish”. It’s simply being responsible and Jewish. It’s regrettable that such a sensible stance over this formidable challenge makes Jewish leaders terribly uncomfortable.
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The writer is the Research and Content Director for JewishIsrael.com
As a researcher and writer for JewishIsrael.com, I’m the very first person to tell Israelis that there are a multitude of sincere and righteous Gentiles who care deeply for Israel and the Jewish people, and who take a moral stand in defense of the Jewish state. And I fully acknowledge that Christianity has certainly evolved into a kinder, gentler religion which has boldly struggled to incorporate the rebirth of the modern state of Israel into its theological worldview.
However, as long as evangelizing remains the number one priority for evangelicals, and as long as the Jewish nation is obliged to remain a separate and unique faith community, with a belief in one G-d and an aversion to idolatry, “respect them and suspect them” is the most workable premise for our establishing relations with another faith group – especially one comprised of zealous, theologically inspired, evangelizing Christians.
Numerous evangelical Christian leaders are no longer trying to bring Jews to the church, but are instead trying to make the church more Jewish via a “messianic” deception. This presents the Jewish community with a very real problem. As an Orthodox Jew, surely the erudite Isi Leibler understands that, even if the Christian world had been kind to us for 2000 years, we would still be forbidden from becoming a part of their religion. But they are striving for a state where Gentile and Jew are no longer distinct and become "one body under Jesus."
Leibler’s spin on Evangelical theology 101 seems to have been taken straight out of David Brog’s book, “Standing with Israel” -- the opening endorsement of which, in the published edition, is penned by a notorious Jew for Jesus. It’s time that Jews who have become enraptured by an excess of evangelical love come back down to earth and face the facts on the ground.
In the Jerusalem Post, where Leibler's column appeared, we have had recent headlines about Jesus in the IDF; the proselytizing of old and infirm Holocaust survivors; A Kashrut licensing controversy involving an Israeli evangelical ; High Court decisions over Israel’s Law of Return in favor of messianics; full blown Jews for Jesus campaigns in the streets of Israel; street fights between messianic missionaries and Torah observant Jews ; Russian language evangelical television being launched in Israel to target the Russian immigrant population ; messianic infiltrations into “Birthright”, lawsuits against counter-missionary organizations, dozens of cases of fake conversions to Judaism by practicing Christians, a missionary presence and representation in World Likud, the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus, and the Ministry of Tourism. Need I go on? Because I can.
Some of the most active and respected board members and directors of CUFI (Christians United for Israel) are zealously promoting a messianic (Christian) "restoration" in Israel and stand at the head of the pack when it comes to pointing an accusing finger at Israel for “church persecution” and “freedom of religion” violations.
Leibler praises the International Christian Embassy, but regarding the need to spread the gospel, ICEJ’s director Malcolm Hedding admits and admonishes: “The Jewish world must know that the call to be obedient to world missions, including the Jewish world, is not a small matter that can be compromised. No, this call is a major tenet of our biblical faith (Romans 1:16; Matthew 28:18-20).” He will also tell you point blank that, “if Jews do not want to know, they simply should not ask!”
Evangelicals are influencing Israeli society and affecting the character of the Jewish state. Whether or not the benefits of such an alliance outweigh the problems inherent in the relationship is something Jews, in Israel and the Diaspora, need to ask themselves - and perhaps the halachic leaders of the Jewish community in Israel.
Unfortunately, Leibler has chosen to take a disingenuous view of an existential Jewish issue which has everything to do with Jewish continuity and the very foundations of Judaism.
Rather than lapse into a predicable rant about those liberal Jews who have “embraced postmodernism” or dismiss concerned Orthodox Jews as being “ill-informed” , Leibler should recognize the natural aversion to our “unconditionally” embracing evangelical Christians as a healthy, unifying trend – and as a survival instinct among all of our people. After all, the one common denominator among all Jews –secular, religious, and all shades in between, is that we don’t believe in Jesus as a lord or savior.
As long as evangelicals evangelize, the Jewish people will have to be vigilant and monitor the relationship carefully. To take a critical look at Israel’s relationship with fundamentalist Christians is neither “misguided”, nor “churlish”. It’s simply being responsible and Jewish. It’s regrettable that such a sensible stance over this formidable challenge makes Jewish leaders terribly uncomfortable.
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The writer is the Research and Content Director for JewishIsrael.com
Tags: Ellen W. Horowitz, Hedding, evangelists
Views: 83
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Tom Mac on -
Ellen, your argument of a "common denominator among all Jews" doesn't hold water. In the beginning you bemoan the existence of "messianics", people of Jewish descent and heritage, and then you take issue with 'Jews for Jesus'. So it isn't ALL Jews that "don't believe in Jesus". Should I mention that Jesus and all the disciples in the NT were ALL Jewish? They all held the viewpoint that their faith did not break the commandments of G-d and most continued to be Torah observant Jews.
So this is first of all a difference in view point. Some Jews are obviously convinced that this viewpoint does not threaten their Jewishness at all. They happily say that they have not abandoned the G-d of Israel at all, but have fiercely embraced Him. How is that more threatening to a Jewish identity than the secularist mumbo-jumbo, or some other depraved state of mind?
It seems to me that you are FOR different viepoints, no matter what they are, except for one particular one. I don't believe that that's what "thinking like a Jew" is all about.
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Permalink Reply by ellen on -
Tom,
I’m not interested in playing with semantics on the issue of faith (does that make me anti-semantic?).
Are you trying to say that because some shrewd Baptists branded the name "Jews for Jesus", I’m supposed to accept that cult as Jewish? And where did you get the idea that messianics as a sect are “people of Jewish descent and heritage”? In the article I clearly refer to messianics as Christians.
You wrote the key phrase here - “…all the disciples in the NT WERE all Jewish” (“were” as in past tense. Excuse me for changing your emphasis).
Sorry, but very few Jews are convinced of your point, Tom. Leading Christian “messianics” openly admit their failure in bringing Jews to Jesus. Zev Isaacs puts the failure rate at 99%.
My personal feeling is that “secularist mumbo-jumbo” is far less threatening to the survival of the Jewish nation than idol worship (and Jewish history seems to bear that out).
I’m all “for different viewpoints” on religious issues , except when it comes to those which deceive my people and try to challenge their faith and belief in one G-d, and draw them into idolatry.
Perhaps you should ask Isi Leibler about this issue. I see you praised his article, but I bet he also rejects “Jews for Jesus” and “messianics” as having any legitimacy within Judaism.
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Permalink Reply by Tom Mac on
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Heh,... I like that... "anti-semantic"...
Ellen, I enjoyed Isi's article, first of all, because it was positive and full of good will. Then I ran across your post.
Without getting into issues of faith my primary point is that you are making broad misrepresentations of these groups, even in your reply to my post. I've enjoyed reading your views in the past on a variety of issues, so I was surprised. I believe you are a person of high integrity, who loves truth, and is a great writer.
There are many Jews with different viepoints all over the world, not all 'anti-Jesus', and there are many in your midst who hold this viewpoint. So the "common denominator" comment is not true.
Since the 70-ies there has been a drive within Christianity to get back to the basics, to the fundamentals of the faith - stripped of all the Gentile 'reformations' done throughout the millenia; a "Solo sriptura" approach to faith. It's been happening outside the control of all the mainline denominations and it's been spontaneous worldwide. Some call them Evangelicals, some are messianics... Personally I hate any labels. The road leads right back to the originator(s) of the faith and (sorry) they are all Jews. This hunger for truth goes beyond the Christian beginnings 2 thousand years ago and it leads right into your back yard... the Bible is the roadmap, to the place where Abraham was a "friend of G-d".
So your best antidote is to dish out truth to them (in love)... Generalizations or cheap labels won't do, becuse messianics and Evangelicals are after the G-d of Israel Himself. So pour it on to them (and to me) with patience (and love)...
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Permalink Reply by Sharon Kerr on -
A very wise person once said, "You can always judge someone or something by the result of their actions!
And nothing good has ever come from xtianity. They have left a river of jewish blood behind them, and all the apologies are without merit. Take a good look at their laws and policies.
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Permalink Reply by Andrew on -
"And nothing good has ever come from xtianity (sic)".
Now lets see ... hmm, how about the whole of western civilisation. When the Roman Empire collapased, the whole of europe was plunged into the dark ages. It came out of it because monastries were a depostitry of learning and towns and later cities grew around them.
I notice Sharon you are an American. Do you know it is not possible to understand America without some knowledge of of Jean Calvin. His Geneva set the template for America. The pilgrims who who founded America were all calvinists.
You're statement smacks of complete ignorance.
BTW I respect both Isi and Ellen, as a goyim I don't feel I have anything to add to intra-Jewish spats.
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Permalink Reply by Shy Guy on -
Now lets see ... hmm, how about the whole of western civilisation. When the Roman Empire collapased, the whole of europe was plunged into the dark ages. It came out of it because monastries were a depostitry of learning and towns and later cities grew around them.
Did you ever ask yourself why only monasteries were "depositories of learning" in the Dark Ages?
In fact, why was it called the "Dark Ages"? Hint: Galileo. And we're talking way into the 17th century here.
Your statement smacks of complete ignorance.
And you are not a "goyim". You might be a "goy", singular, whereas "goyim" is the plural form.
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Permalink Reply by Andrew on
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And your point is?
Oh I get it shy guy. We are like two kids in a school yard. I say to Sharon that her statement smacks of complete ignorance and then you repeat the words back to me. How sophisticated of you.
I notice by the way that you actually don't dispute my statements. Why is that. Hmm .. becuase you can't.
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Permalink Reply by Andrew on
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Shy Guy, Sharon said that nothing good has ever come from xtianity (sic). I gave some examples ie like Western civilisation and the USA. You have simply responded with insults. You actually sound like a muslim. When confronted with facts and arguments they respond with insults and death threats.
Actually I am a lawyer. "You're pretty thick". Oh please.
As Ali said to George Foreman "is that all you got"?
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Permalink Reply by Shy Guy on
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You are obviously a failure of Reading Comprehension 101.
I pointed out the historic fallacy of your claim. The monasteries were a monopoly for learning because of massive church censorship and the belief that the masses should never acquire unlimited knowledge, lest they start spouting ideas heretical to the church.
So much of the Renaissance is a rebellion against the church and its massive corruption, eventually leading to Protestant Reformation, itself founded by a rabid anti-Semite.
The "depositories of learning" are not what provided the spirit of the USA's founding fathers. Far from it. Nor could your "depositories of learning" compete when the western world began to open up to the masses in the Age of Enlightenment.
You're a lawyer? Pffffft. Back to the dark ages we've gone! You must be great at inquisitions. Oh, those. Another great church mind-stimulator!
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Permalink Reply by Andrew on
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Shy Guy, are you able to have a discussion without resorting to insults? It actually dosent do you any credit in my opinion.
I actually agree with you about some things.
However you get a few things wrong. I am a protestant, so I agree with you about the church trying to have a monopoly on learning. The clergy didn't want the laity reading G-d's word for themselves as they might realise how they were being ripped off. But that was much later and and dosent negate from the fact of how western civilisation was founded.
The renaissance was an artistic movemnet its was nothing to do with rebelling against the "church". The reformation was a completely different matter. There were many different causes. The renaissance had nothing to do with it.
About the USA, there have been arguments going for for years about the basis of the land of the free and home of the brave. Yes the men who signed the declaration of independence were all masons or enlightenment men, however the average man or women who settled the states were all calvinists.
What has galileo got to do with anything. He was a victim of the Catholic church, like Huss, Wycliffe and so many of our heroes.
You have pointed out the fallacy of my claim have you. How?
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Permalink Reply by Shy Guy on
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Shy Guy, are you able to have a discussion without resorting to insults? It actually dosent do you any credit in my opinion.
So, when you replied to Sharon Kerr that her "statement smacks of complete ignorance", that wasn't insulting? "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."
Nyuk.
But that was much later and and dosent negate from the fact of how western civilisation was founded.
What was much later? So are you admitting that until the advent of Protestantism, Sharon Kerr's comment is not far off the mark?
The renaissance was an artistic movemnet its was nothing to do with rebelling against the "church".
You are using the most minimal definition of the term "Renaissance." See, for example, Wikipedia, just the introduction, for the standard textbook usage of the "Renaissance Period". But read the entire overview there and you will see the allusion to what was eventually the biggest rebellion against the church.
This is history 101.
Yes the men who signed the declaration of independence were all masons or enlightenment men, however the average man or women who settled the states were all calvinists.
This is also history 101. Here's where you're lost:
- Sharon Kerr made a general negative comment of 2000 years Christian years.
- You responded mentioning the Dark Ages and the monasteries being "depositories of learning." This is mostly pre-Renaissance history, in other words, European history up to the 15th century, some 75% of Christianity's timeline.
- You also responded to Sharon about the Reformation and Calvinism in particular. This occurred in the 16th century. And any historian will be glad to point out to you the connection between the relatively new freedom and liberalism of the Renaissance and the development of humanism and all of these being relevant to the Protestant movement.
If what I'm saying is a reasonable synopsis of history on a shoestring, Sharon is not off the mark. Furthermore, note carefully that Sharon did not talk about Christians, the people, but of Christianity, the theology. The US was not founded by the Church, yours or theirs. And the founding fathers were broad-thinking men, who revered your religion's deity much more than the religion's official offices and institutions. And none of the founding father's followed Martin Luther's advice against the Jews.
When we speak of Christians, we use the term generically to refer to all denominations. If you wish to boast of your own affiliations only, rather than look at the larger picture, then we are discussing green apples and red apples. I specifically did not say apples and oranges. -
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