A major issue facing first-century believers was what to do with Gentile peoples who wanted to be part of the growing movement of Messiah followers.
Today, the problem is reversed. Is there space within the scope of Christianity for a Messianic congregation: believers of Christ who maintain a Jewish culture that reflects Jewish background and customs?
Understand the scope of this discussion from six contemporary contributors who have lived and wrestled with this issue as they present their arguments for both sides of the debate:
- John Fischer, a rabbi of Congregation Ohr Chadash and Chairman of Judaic Studies at St. Petersburg Theological Seminary
- Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, who served with the Chosen People Ministries and Christian Jew Foundation and is now the founder and director of Ariel Ministries
- Gershon Nerel, who served as "Israel Secretary" for the International Messianic Jewish Alliance and has also been a member of the executive committee for the Messianic Jewish Alliance of Israel
- David Stern, the translator of the Jewish New Testament from Greek to English
- Will Varner, a professor of biblical studies at the Master’s College, CA, and the director of the Israel Bible Extension campus of this college in Israel
The book concludes with a chapter on the future for Messianic Jews and a directory of messianic movement organizations.
The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.
Diverse perspectives about the messianic movement --- from six contributors. Are Messianic congregations necessary or should Jewish believers be incorporated into the Gentile church? This is the topic of the latest volume in the Counterpoints series. The question of how Christian Jews relate their Jewish practices and customs to the church has been an issue within Christianity since the first century. Contemporary contributors who have lived and wrestled with this issue present informed arguments and counter-arguments. The book concludes with a chapter on the future for Messianic Jews and a directory of messianic movement organizations. Contributors include: * John Fischer (ThD, California Graduate School of Theology, PhD, University of South Florida) is a rabbi of Congregation Ohr Chadash and Chairman of Judaic Studies at St. Petersburg Theological Seminary. * Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum (ThM, PhD, New York University) has served with the Chosen People Ministries and Christian Jew Foundation in the past and is now the founder and director of Ariel Ministries. * Gershon Nerel (PhD, Hebrew University, Jerusalem) has served as 'Israel Secretary' for the International Messianic Jewish Alliance and has also been a member of the executive committee for the Messianic Jewish Alliance of Israel. * David Stern (PhD, MDiv) is the translator of the Jewish New Testament from Greek to English to express its Jewishness; his version of the Tanak is the Complete Jewish Bible. * Will Varner (EdD, Temple University) servers as professor of biblical studies at the Master's College, CA, and the director of the Israel Bible Extension campus of this college in Israel. The Counterpoints series provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views on issues important to Christians. Counterpoints books address two categories: Church Life and Bible and Theology. Complete your library with other books in the Counterpoints series.
