This article, by Giulio Meotti, is absolutely essential reading. I can’t believe we’re actually seeing things this clearly already. Though, this is only the beginning.
It’s as though Christianity and Islam are two circles in a Venn Diagram of ignorance. Where they overlap, Israel is portrayed as a ravenous monster that must be usurped, dethroned and destroyed by any means necessary. And, somehow, with each passing day, latest headline, and conference aim, it appears that these circles are steadily drawing closer to each other - signaling a near, if not complete, alignment at some point.
For years, I didn’t see it coming to this, and now I can see no other way. The hour is fast approaching, and in many ways is already upon us, when those within Messianic Judaism, and all other like-minded communities, will be required to draw very clear and solid distinctions between themselves and these others that, through their sheer blindness, only facilitate the aspirations of our adversary. The true disciples of Yeshua will treasure the opportunity to stand firmly with their Jewish brothers and sisters – against all of our common foes. Though our enemies are certainly numerous, G-d stands with us.
“And it will happen in that day that I will make Yerushalayim a very heavy stone for all people; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.” ~ Zechariah 12:3
It’s as though Christianity and Islam are two circles in a Venn Diagram of ignorance. Where they overlap, Israel is portrayed as a ravenous monster that must be usurped, dethroned and destroyed by any means necessary. And, somehow, with each passing day, latest headline, and conference aim, it appears that these circles are steadily drawing closer to each other - signaling a near, if not complete, alignment at some point.
For years, I didn’t see it coming to this, and now I can see no other way. The hour is fast approaching, and in many ways is already upon us, when those within Messianic Judaism, and all other like-minded communities, will be required to draw very clear and solid distinctions between themselves and these others that, through their sheer blindness, only facilitate the aspirations of our adversary. The true disciples of Yeshua will treasure the opportunity to stand firmly with their Jewish brothers and sisters – against all of our common foes. Though our enemies are certainly numerous, G-d stands with us.
“And it will happen in that day that I will make Yerushalayim a very heavy stone for all people; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.” ~ Zechariah 12:3
One thing you should know about all of these churches. They are all declining. They are rotting away from the inside due to moral decay that has been allowed to go on for decades.
ReplyDeleteIs that you, Russ?
DeleteNot purposefully trying to be flippant here, but besides the underground Christian movements in China, and perhaps Africa, where in Christianity is that not the case?
Perhaps it’s not moral decay rotting the church from the inside, but its collective, errant theology that gives license to moral decay, and begs judgment. Why else would it be “allowed” to go on for decades (which I believe to be a rather conservative estimate) if it wasn’t the byproduct of an endemic plague within?
I would not say that it is all churches, nor would I say, all congregations in the above churches. But I would agree that there is a general trend towards compromising morality in the church.
DeleteRight. I wouldn’t say it’s all churches, either – which is why I mentioned those in China and Africa. Besides, I was referring to your statement that they were in decline. I’m unable to speak to the moral issues within, not having attended or read up on any of them. The decline of Western Christianity in effectiveness and stature in the eyes of the world as a whole, is plain to see, however. It’s my contention that this is in direct correlation to its failure to correctly understand the place of Israel in the plan of G-d.
DeleteYou’re speaking of morality issues, and I’m offering that it might be putting the cart before the horse, in a sense. I believe supersessionism, and the rampant spread of erroneous campaigns such as those discussed in the above article, to be the debilitating virus within the church.
Just as there are diverse sects within Judaism and Messianic Judaism, there are many diverse sects within the world known as Christendom. Don't fall into the trap of "guilt by association."
ReplyDeleteThe vast majority of evangelical Christians - who probably won't be found within the United Methodist Church, are great friends of Israel.
Hey David.
DeleteI agree that there are many, many diverse views within "Christianity" - which is why I used the illustration of a Venn Diagram. There is sometimes only a very small percentage of overlap, or convergence, in such a diagram, so it works very well for the point I made.
I haven't fallen into any traps, here. An ever-increasing number of Christians are falling into the trap of "guilt by antisemitism", though - as evidenced by these ridiculous boycotts.
If you take the time to read the article, you'll see that there are actually more than just Methodists guilty of aiding the enemy. Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Lutherans and members of the United Church of Christ are all mentioned.
I did read the article, Luke. I've read numerous ones just like it - and it doesn't change what I wrote above.
ReplyDeleteAll the denominations you mentioned above are mainline and generally perceived as more liberal - virtually none of them will, organizationally and formally, choose to be identified as evangelical.
Further, I don't automatically equate anti-Zionism (something I am most definitely not) with anti-Semitism. Many anti-Zionists are such because of their political views, not because they believe Jews, as an identifiable ethnic group, are intrinsically evil. When discussing Israeli politics, it would be helpful to lay aside the anti-Semitism card.
Too often, I fear, the anti-Semitism card is played in the same way that gay rights groups use the term "homophobic". All one has to do is say they disagree with a homosexual lifestyle and they are immediately labelled 'homophobic' and so one doesn't really have to engage their views.
For example, I did not vote for President Obama because I do not like his policies. I find myself in strong disagreement with much of what is happening in the USA today (of which country I am a citizen). My current distaste for the present administration's overall program, nor my disagreement with many US foreign policy decisions does not make me anti-American.
In my view, people who don't like the political policies of Israel are not therefore to be carelessly labelled anti-Semites.
Thanks, David.
DeleteYou make some great points and I actually agree with you. Still, or likewise, what I've written stands, as well. I acknowledged that there are many divergent views within what is called Christianity. This is one particular view I find absolutely abhorrent, and these people refer to themselves as Christians - so what I wrote remains true. Saying that to say, I have met quite a few evangelical Christians who share similar views to the "liberal" groups, as well as many more that are completely indifferent to Israel's struggle to exist. If you're not one of these, I'm very pleased to have you here. Thank you.
If you haven't picked up on it, I'm a Zionist. You'll have to forgive me for associating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism as, by and large, across the entire world and for millions and millions of people, the two are inextricably tied. Most of Israel's enemies are less politically minded and more tribally motivated than we are here in the West.
But just to clarify, I never said, "All Christians believe XYZ." In fact, in my experience, many Christians don't even know exactly what they believe. How could I possibly possess that insight?
I feel that you needlessly cautioned me against the "trap of guilt by association" when the example I used (of a Venn Diagram) necessitates varying percentages. If I were speaking of all Christians, I would have just used the example of a solid circle (or no shape at all) - not two shapes converging. Make sense?
Finally, as you well know, the future will primarily be comprised of Israel and a world turned against her. Where Christians, liberal or otherwise, fall into that equation is their decision to make. Historically, though, they (collectively speaking) tend to be very poor decision makers.
PS. I subscribe to all your anti-American views, as well. :^) Shabbat shalom, David.
My needless caution was grounded in years of conversation with Jews and non-Jews about all things Israel. And though many may equate anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism, in the interests of accurate dialogue, it is important to keep putting that distinction forward.
ReplyDeleteThe above reasoning is also why I continue to distinguish between evangelical Christianity and liberal 'Christianity.' And I do acknowledge that a segment (in my view small) of evangelicalism is certainly anti-Zionist, though I've never met an evangelical anti-Zionist who is also anti-Semitic. I feel it important to remphasize that.
Anyway, I am very happy to know that we did find some ground for agreement.
Shabbat shalom, Luke.
P.S. I'm working on my Decalogue Dissertation for the Rosh Pina Project. But I'll only post the abstract. ;)
I'm glad we found some ground for agreement. :)
Thanks, David.
DeleteWhile you might be able to very easily "distinguish between evangelical Christianity and liberal 'Christianity'", the world, as a whole, doesn't. Muslims think you're all Catholics, for example. Many Jews, too. I'm less concerned with how an American Baptist refers to his own faith when talking amongst his friends, than I am with how the entire world views those that call themselves Christians and then project those shortcomings onto my Messiah. That's a serious concern of mine. It's interesting when Christians want to gloss over an issue, the whole "one body, one faith, one baptism" or some similar line is evoked, but when there's a problem in Christianity, all of a sudden, you'll hear terms like "liberal Christianity" used to describe (or contrast) the oldest, most established denominations.
Also, while you'll "acknowledge that a segment (in my view small) of evangelicalism is certainly anti-Zionist", you fail to realize that there's absolutely no way for you to verify that - and go on to say, "I've never met an evangelical anti-Zionist who is also anti-Semitic" but how on earth would you know?! Is he going to say, "Hey David, I'm John. I'm an anti-Zionist, and if I'm honest, I've got a thing against Jews, too."?
I doubt it.
P.S. No need to waste time on a decalogue dissertation, David. I only asked you to answer one simple question. ;^)
Luke,
DeleteSince I come from evangelical Christianity, hence the "church" world, and since I've been vocationally involved in Christian ministry 40+ years in the USA, England and Canada, I think I have a reasonable grasp of how Christendom works.
You tend to make sweeping statements about the "church" and "Christianity" which you cannot "verify", so you must at least grant the same latitude to a member of that group.
I am well aware that the world in general sees all who claim to be Christians as the same, but I don't. And most of my fellow evangelicals do not either.
I suspect you might say the same about anti-Zionists Jews - of whom I've encountered in my years here in Toronto, ON. Or the ultra-Orthodox who persecute Messianic Jews.
You might suspect many things about me, David, but you'd still be wrong.
DeleteFor the record, I have absolutely no interest in how well you've grasped how "Christendom works". My only interest here is if "Christendom" has grasped how G-d works.
I highlighted an article about anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic Christians on my blog. You, for some reason, took issue with my doing so. That tells me something about your views. You may think yourself some new-breed of true, conservative Christian, but you're verifying my "sweeping statements" with every word you type.
Ask yourself what your motivations here might be, David. Surely, a man with your soaring, ministerial credentials has better things to do.
Luke,
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult, if not impossible, to have a reasonable conversation with someone who continually attributes malevolent motives to what I write.
You once wrote in a response to me at the Rosh Pina Project) that you were arrogant.
On this, if nothing else, we certainly are in agreement.
Good stuff, "Pastor". Thanks for coming by.
DeleteDavid,
ReplyDeleteUntil you and yours have been on the receiving end, you are not qualified to decide what and what not anti-semitism is.