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| New Name | Introduction | Benefits | Challenges | About the term 'Messianic Judaism' | |
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| Links | Congregations | Scriptural Defense | The Christian-Jewish Fusion Bible | |
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| Faith Resource Group | Resources for Life Home | Site Map | QuickLinks | |
WelcomeWelcome to Christian-Jewish Fusion at Resources for Life. Christian-Jewish Fusion is an effort to provide a balanced presentation of information about the Christian-Jewish 'Messianic' movement. |
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New Name [Top Menu]
This resource group was previously called Messianic Life. However, the name was changed because there are many different religious groups which hold to a messianic view other than the one presented by Christianity. For example, Judaism has been a Messianic religion for thousands of years. The new name provides a more accurate description. The content has been revised and expanded. (20030102th)
Introduction [Top Menu]
The fusion of Christianity and Judaism represents what many consider to be a restoration of the authentic first century Christian Church which was characterized by a uniting of Jew and Gentile. There are various perspectives and opinions regarding the combination of Christian and Jewish faith. Here are just a few:
 | It is a Jewish movement that recognizes Jesus as a messianic figure. |
| It is a Christian movement that returns to and embraces the Jewish traditions and heritage that were originally a significant part of the early Christian Church and a significant part of Jesus' life. |
| It is a prophetic reconciliation movement involving Jews and Christians coming together as the "One New Man" or "One Body" described in the New Testament. "This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus." [Ephesians 3:6 NIV] |
| It is a group of people who consider themselves to be followers of Jewish traditions who passionately follow the teachings and life of their Rabbi Yeshua Ha Mashiach Ben Adonai (Jesus the Messiah and son of God), a First Century Rabbi who they claim is still alive. |
Benefits [Top Menu]
The Christian-Jewish Fusion movement has many positive and unique characteristics. Here are a few:
| It works to combine positive and beneficial aspects of Christianity and traditional Judaism. | ||||||||
| It is considered by many to be the most authentic expression of the Christian faith as it might have been during the first century. | ||||||||
| Some Biblical forms of worship and prayer that have little or no
representation in present day Judaism or Christianity have been
restored.
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| It is an expression of Christianity that has not rejected the Jewish heritage, customs, and roots of Christianity. |
Challenges [Top Menu]
The Christian-Jewish Fusion movement is, in the words of the Apostle Paul, "Hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed." (2 Corinthians 4:8) The movement faces many challenges:
| It is difficult to define. It isn't traditional Judaism and it doesn't resemble mainstream Christianity. |
| It is still resisted by much of the Jewish community, at times violently, and is considered by some to be a thinly veiled Christian deception designed to win Jewish converts - a wolf in sheep's clothing (or a pastor in Rabbi's clothing). |
| It is resisted by mainline Christianity which has largely rejected the Jewish traditions and heritage that were meaningful to Jesus. |
| It is strongly attacked by anti-Semitic factions of the Christian community, and viewed as a Jewish conspiracy and plot to convert Christians to Judaism. These people apparently haven't been told that Jesus and all of his original followers were Jewish. |
In providing positive information about this movement, we hope to alleviate some of the misconceptions associated with it. It is our view that the Christian-Jewish Fusion movement draws members from traditional Jewish and traditional Christian camps as well as being a home for people who did not previously have a religious affiliation. In some cases, specific programs are established to evangelize and convert people. For some people, this is an important part of Christian religious practice. However, this is not the view of everyone in the Christian-Jewish Fusion movement.
About the term 'Messianic Judaism' [Top Menu]
Contemporary expressions of the Christian-Jewish Fusion movement are frequently referred to as Messianic or 'Messianic Judaism.' Many Jewish people take offense at this since the Messianic movement presents itself as Jewish and accepts Jesus as the one true Messiah. Jews involved in the movement insist that the movement is Jewish and therefore use the name 'Messianic Judaism' to describe their faith. These differing views creates some tension. Here are some points to consider with regard to Judaism and the Christian-Jewish Fusion movement:
| The traditional Jewish response. The Christian-Jewish Fusion movement is often referred to as "Messianic Judaism." Many people in the Jewish community do not consider the Messianic movement to be authentically Jewish, and they consider organizations like Jews for Jesus to be the equivalent of a Christian missionary group rather than a Jewish organization. Jews are offended by what they view to be Christian congregations referring to themselves as Synagogues and taking on Hebrew names. They see this as a deceptive attempt to lure in unsuspecting Jews. They resent that religious leaders, who they view to be Christian, refer to themselves as Rabbis. |
| The viewpoint of Jews who embrace the Christian-Jewish Fusion movement. Jews who embrace the Christian-Jewish Fusion form of Christianity and recognize Jesus as the Messiah are offended when they are told they aren't Jewish anymore. They point out that, according to New Testament accounts, all early followers of Jesus were labeled "Jewish" and considered to be members of a 'Jewish sect.' It is clearly documented in the New Testament that early followers of Jesus were Jews and converts to Judaism. First century followers of Jesus would attend and support synagogue and Jewish community. |
Links [Top Menu]
A Google search for the term 'Messianic' produces over 200,000 results. The organizations and businesses listed here are just a small sampling of what is available. If you know of additional sites that should be listed here, please let us know. [Feedback Form]
Products
- Abba Oil - online store
- Galilee Experience - Hebrew learning, shofars, tallits, mezuzahs, menorahs, calendars
- Maoz - music, clothing, and more
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Congregations [Top Menu]
There are hundreds of Christian-Jewish Fusion congregations around the world. Those listed here are intended to represent just a small sampling. If you know of other congregation websites you would like to have listed here, please let us know. [Feedback Form]
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Scriptural Defense [Top Menu]
The Christian-Jewish Fusion movement is founded upon and inspired by numerous New Testament scriptures that support a partnership or unity of Judaism and Christianity. The movement is probably one of the most scripturally sound religious movements. Other contemporary denominations of Christianity are largely based on 'church' traditions or the adaptation of pagan (non-Biblical) beliefs, practices, and observances. Below you will find some of the scriptures that support or enrich this movement.
The Apostle Paul comments on Judaism
| "?a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. (See Deuteronomy 10:16, 30:6, and Jeremiah 4:4) Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God. What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God." [Romans 2:29-3:2 NIV] |
| "I speak the truth in Christ -- I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit -- I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen." [Romans 9:1-5 NIV/NAS] |
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"However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men [the observant Jews], that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked." [Acts 24:14-15 NIV] |
Early Church leaders were observant Jews and suggested Jewish observance for new Christians
Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad.
When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them. Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses." The apostles and elders met to consider this question.
After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."
The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.
When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me. Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: "'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things' that have been known for ages." It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. For Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath." [Acts 15:1-21 NIV]
Regarding the Jewish presence at Christianity's Beginnings
| Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him. [John 11:45 NIV] |
| "I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret." [John 18:20 NIV] |
| Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. [Acts 2:5 NIV] |
| In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. [Acts 6:1 NIV] |
| When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. [Acts 13:43-44 NIV] |
| At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. [Acts 14:1 NIV] |
| They brought them (the "Christians") before the magistrates and said, "These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice." [Acts 16:20-21 NIV] |
| Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women. [Acts 17:4 NIV] |
| Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. [Acts 17:12 NIV] |
| So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. [Acts 17:17 NIV] |
| Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. [Acts 18:4 NIV] |
| They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews [who] asked him to spend more time with them... [Acts 18:19-20 NIV] |
| When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. [Acts 21:20 NIV] |
| A ("Christian") man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. [Acts 22:12 NIV] |
What the Bible says about...
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BEING JEWISH |
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GIVING TO THE JEWS |
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BEING CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM |
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CHRISTIAN ARROGANCE |
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THE SALVATION OF ISRAEL |
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CHRISTIANS & GENTILES AS FELLOW
CITIZENS WITH ISRAEL (THE JEWISH COMMUNITY) |
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OBSERVING THE LAW |
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THE ABSENCE OF THE LAW IS LAWLESSNESS |
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THE CUSTOMS OF MOSES |
The Pope comments on the importance of Christianity's Jewish foundation
| In 1986, Pope John Paul II became the first pope in history to visit a Jewish synagogue. There he spoke of how he deplored the "hatred and persecution" of the Jews throughout the centuries: " 'Legitimate plurality' in society had been clearly affirmed. The Church had condemned anti-Semitism 'by anyone' - 'I repeat: by anyone.' The Council had declared that 'no ancestral or collective blame can be imputed to the Jews as a people for 'what happened in Christ's passion.' The Church insisted that there was no theological justification for discrimination against Jews, and taught that the Jews had been called by God 'with an irrevocable calling.' The Church had also learned that Catholics could not think about Catholicism without thinking about Judaism. The 'Jewish religion,' John Paul said, 'is not extrinsic' to us, but in a certain sense is 'intrinsic' to our own religion. With Judaism, therefore, we have a relationship which we do not have with any other religion. You are our dearly beloved brothers and, in a certain way, it could be said that you are our elder brothers.'' |
| "The Church cannot forget her roots. Indeed, she must return to them again and again if she is to remain completely faithful to God's plan." - Pope John Paul II, in an open letter dated 30 June 1999 |
The Christian-Jewish Fusion Bible [Top Menu]
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Complete Jewish Bible by David H. Stern This Bible translation provides the reader with a Jewish perspective of the Old Testament and New Testament. Significant Hebrew words and names remain in their original pronunciations rather than the English mispronunciation of them. The books of the Old Testament are organized in a way consistent with Jewish Tradition as they would be found in Hebrew/Jewish Bibles. |
The New Testament translation removes subtle and sometimes blatant anti-Jewish and anti-Semitic phrases and teachings that unfortunately have erroneously appeared in many Bible translations over the past 2000 years yet are not consistent with the original Greek.
This Bible provides the Christian reader with a healthy and balanced presentation of the entire Bible in it's natural Jewish context, including a substantial introduction to Jewish thought and traditions. The Jewish reader will appreciate that this translation, especially in the New Testament, has been written from a Jewish perspective. The author, David H. Stern, is a Jewish person who has adopted a faith and practice that combines Christian and Jewish traditions. Click here for more information about the book, or to purchase a copy.
Christian-Jewish Fusion Commentary: "It is important for Christians to be knowledgeable about the Jewish influence and foundation of Christianity. The Complete Jewish Bible is a helpful tool toward that end."
Christian Life Commentary: "While we find this to be an interesting approach to presenting the Holy Scriptures, we feel that the Complete Jewish Bible encourages the reader to be drawn away from a Christian perspective toward Jewish thought and belief."
Jewish Life Commentary: "Many people in the Jewish community would find it somewhat offensive for a Christian Bible to be given the name 'Complete Jewish Bible.' The title implies that traditional Jewish religious texts are somehow incomplete without adding the Christian New Testament. The title also seems to echo the message of many missionaries that Jews are only 'completed' when they convert to Christianity. The use of Yiddish in the New Testament seems out of place since Greek, not Yiddish, is the original language of the New Testament. For these reasons, we are not very enthusiastic about this presentation of the Christian Bible."
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