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A Jewish Christ's Message to Jews
by paul schroeder Christ's message to Jews It had been quite some time, before I had ascended to Heaven, since I had parted ways with the world of Orthodox Judaism. I could no longer be party to a section of the Jewish religion that embraced medieval, fundamental dogma that could not stand true when revealed in the light of astronomy, geology, biology, paleontology, archeology, literary analysis, historical research or any form of modern science and reason. I could not justify life ways and attitudes that I believe to be sexist and bigoted. I desired to practice a Judaism that was celebratory and even therapeutic, not suffer through a Judaism depressingly obsessive about discovering new more onerous restrictions, judging others and turning the Sabbath into a jail. However, I did not "throw out the baby with the bath water". The positive experiences, meaningful rituals,Torah learnings and occasional sparks of holy wisdom that I acquired while learning in Jewish schools and living the orthodox lifestyle are still dear to me. In my learnings with Orthodox teachers one Rabbi, an influential outreach rabbi taught me how he convinced non-Orthodox Jews to become Orthodox. He shared with me his technique for inspiring Jewish teens.. He told me that he would go up to a group of teenage boys and ask one who appeared to have a strong personality(an alpha male type) if he were willing to give up his life for the Jewish people. The young man would take up the challenge and answer in the affirmative. The rabbi would emphasize his point saying;"You would die for Judaism!!?" When the young man would proclaim;"Yes!", my rabbi would bark back at him;"If you're willing to die for Judaism....then LIVE for Judaism!; live like a Jew!" This rabbi always claimed that this life and death focusing of priorities would lead to the teen choosing to live an observant Orthodox unquestioning life. I tell you now that your sins are not forgiven because you believe in me; you shall have to answer for the evil and neglect and injury that you have done to others by the rules of karma in your next lifetime and in Heaven. My death did not forgive your sins; it illuminated them. Belief in me does not guarantee your entrance to Heaven; even demons believe in me. I cannot take you to Paradise but I can surely point the way. I pointed the way to God but my followers have simply stared at my hand. I like millions of other devout Jews before me and after me, throughout history, had to face the dreadful choice of whether or not we would die for Judaism; I did not die for your sins but I lived and preached for all Jews recognition of sins that persisted and continued in the face of mindless Orthodoxy. Just the other year during the Olympic trials a young competitor in the luge event died while trying to increase his speed to new limits in his sport. This unfortunate young man foolishly and tragically gave his life in the pursuit of what he saw was an ultimate goal, a top priority. Your choice is not whether you should live or die for Judaism but HOW you are going to live for Judaism; is your Judaism to be a ritual humdrum routine or will you prioritize your Judaism into something meaningful, fun and exciting that you will find great joy and meaning in? There is a Kabbalistic notion that each month is a conduit for a unique energy that through openness we can connect to and actualize. This month is the month of joyous energy. By choosing to prioritize our experience of Judaism, we can make ourselves a vessel for joyous energy to enjoy Judaism, to celebrate our Judaism by making "living Jewish" a top priority. Paul was a confirmed atheist until Christ came into his mind, heart and spirit. He writes about God-based healings. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |