Can I become a Messianic Jew?

Question

I am a gentile, and I was raised Christian, but I'm highly interested in the Jewish culture and faith. I don't want to see Messianic Judaism as a compromise because I respect the people who practice it a lot. But I find the sort of religious gap it fills intriguing. Any insight would be great.

Answer 1

Well in reality, the only reason that Jews find it offensive is because they do not believe that Jesus was the messiah that fulfilled their prophecy, but are awaiting who they believe to be the correct messiah. The reason that they are so offended that Jesus could have been the messiah is because when he came to earth, all of his teachings seemed to contradict Hebraic law. For example, that one could heal on the sabbath. And in general, his attitude towards the pharisees, calling them a "brood of vipers" etc, because they were more concerned with winning an argument than the pursuit of truth, much like what Socrates had to deal with in relation to the sophists in Athens, if that example helps you to see what I mean. But the fact is, Jesus was coming to say that the law is now meaningless because humans no longer were required to atone for their sins with sacrifices, because he would now become the ultimite sacrifice. So despite the seemingly offensive nature of Christs teaching to the hardcore Jews of the day, the teachings and history of the New Testament do not seem to condradict the prophecies of the Old Testament. He could have in fact fulfilled the prophecy of being the messiah, but the truth does not usually make the general masses happy, so it is not hard to conceive that a miracle worker bringing a message to the poor and criminal class that they can go to heaven even though they have not studied scriptures for years and have not followed the law to a tea until they are perfect, making it unnecessary for a sacrifice of any sort, that they just need faith, and the acknowledgement that they are in need of a savior, would be put to death. Hope this helps

Answer 2

Jews are highly offended at the notion of messianic Jews. You cannot be a Jew and a Christian at the same time. It is contrary to the basic teachings of Judaism which state that there is only one G-d and no others. If you are interested in Judaism, go to a reform synagogue in your area and attend services. Today was Yom Kippur, by the way. It is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, the Day of Atonement.

Answer 3

If your going to go all the way for God then, go all the way and become a Christian. There is no such thing in the Bible where there were "so-called" Messianic Jews per say. Be a good Baptist. Need help? I'll tell you how. try listening to Dr. J. Vernon @ www.TTB.Org. (very good).

In His Service,

Pastor Sean V.P.

Answer 4

Not sure, but I think you can not become a Jew, you have to be born a Jew ... or be one of the "strangers within their gates".

However, there is absolutely nothing wong in learning Jewish culture and faith. It can help in your understanding the N.T. It helps in understanding the first-centurey Christians. And probably you would be welcome to worship with Messianic Jews.

Answer 5

please note that messianic "jews" are not jews, they are nothing more than christians who follow the mosaic laws. so if you follow the mosaic laws yourself, you are just as much of a messianic "jew" as any other.

EDIT

"The reason that they are so offended that Jesus could have been the messiah is because when he came to earth, all of his teachings seemed to contradict Hebraic law"

actually, the reason its so offensive is because it's idolatry.

and yes, some messianic "jews" were born jewish. for the most part it was created by a group of protestant christians who wanted to fool jewish people into thinking they could become christians and believe christian theology but somehow still be jewish just because they follow the Law. unfortunately for them, there is more to being jewish than just following the Law. even israel doesn't recognize messianic jews, whether they were born jewish or not, and born jews who convert to another religion no longer qualify to make aliyah to israel.

Answer 6

St. Paul counseled against this. For him, Judaizing was the wrong track. To be Jewish is to be Jewish, but not an inherently more salvific path. "Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing," he said.

Jews of our day believe similarly. Becoming Jewish is not something Jews think the rest of us need to do. It is something they believe themselves to be brought into by birth to a Jewish mother, and not the kind of conversion calling other religions practice. Their thinking is that it is enough for the rest of us to simply be faithful to the Noachide commandments.

Answer 7

I was born into Christianity too and I'm interested in Egiptology,that doesn't mean I'm going to abandon god over some other stupid religion or culture!think of what you're doing first,ask god about it by praying,and then you'll know.I also agree with notyou311.