Quote:
Originally Posted by mfblume
Do many messianic Jews consult the Zohar, HaShaliach? Exactly what place does the Zohar have amongst Messianic Jews?
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I doubt if a 'lot' of Messianic Jews rely on the Zohar much. However, the Kabbalah, as an oral teaching, does have a heavy influence in modern Judaism and, I think to a lesser extent, Messianic Judaism.
Even so, as you noted, the history the Kabbalah/Zohar has quite a trail behind it. The proponents of the oral teaching claim their history goes back to the Wilderness days, while the detractors claim it is the work of a 12th (? don't recall off hand) century Rabbi. But, even with that, the basic teaching was know from centuries earlier.
As Dr. Juster pointed out, the acceptance of the plural god precept was/is a Jewish position from both a scriptural language and religious (mystical) point of view - separate from Roman/Western Christianity religious views. It should also be noted that Jewish mysticism and Cristian mysticism are not that dissimilar, sharing a common historical background that starts with Abraham.
When we remember that much of our doctrines of today were first developed and codified by ministers who had little education in Christian or Hebrew history, a singular lack of knowledge in biblical languages, and even disparaged 'higher' education to a great extent, who, thinking that nothing more than the KJV of the Bible was necessary for a practicing Christian. Of course, to a a great extent, they were right!
But, here we have an example of deliberate ignorance concerning our Hebraic roots and religious heritage has come home to bite us. Thank you Emperor Constantine! Now, we must not only contend with the task of discrediting the Trinitarian Christian world view of God, but we must now confront our misconception of the Hebrew word view concerning the nature and composition of God.
Theologically, we are back to the issue of the Oneness 'indivisible deity' verses the Hebrew 'indivisible unity'. We can no longer claim that we, as Oneness believers, hold to the same view as the Jews concerning the manifestations of God. Our Torah linchpin of De 6:4 has also been effectively removed from the playing field.
The bottom line:
We can either choose to objectively reexamine our doctrinal positions, or we can choose to play the right/wrong games. I suspect we shall, as a whole, will continue with the games we are the most familiar with. Our traditions and the need for self-justification will override all other consideration.
A Disclaimer:
I have never attempted to convince anyone on this forum to change their belief system. Yet, what I have always encouraged is that everyone should continue to examine what they believe and why, and to make any required adjustments to the belief system based upon each individual's personal studies. I have also recommended that for those who are interested in where our Christian faith came from and how it was developed, to study its history, cultural background, the religious precepts upon which it is based, and the language in which it was originally communicated.
Therefore, everyone is now left with one of two choices. Leave everything you adhere to 'as is', or investigate your heritage more closely in order to discern the truth of your beliefs for yourself. The second choice is the most dangerous!
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