Is Christianity really just a splinter group from Judaism?

Answer 1

Yes and no. The original believers or followers of Christ were practicing Jews who supplemented the Jewish practices with the breaking of bread. However, the believers began to accept Gentiles (non-Jews) into their midst. This ultimately resulted in the Romans stating that Judaism was no longer a single faith that was protected from worshipping Caesar. AS a result the believers were ask to leave (or kick out of) the synagogue.

Answer 2

Interesting thought. If you were to live from, say 40 AD-75 AD in the Roman Empire, you would probably have looked at Christians as being just "another" Jewish sect. They kept the Sabbath(Saturday), they kept the Torah, they went to the Temple and mingled with Jews. Two things caused Christianity to become a separate splinter religion out of Judaism- the destruction of the Temple and the ministry of Paul. There were basically two groups of Christians(three including gnostics but that complicates this discussion)- the original core group which consisted of many early disciples including the brothers of Jesus and the later group which was led by Paul. The later group deemphasised the Jewish laws and eventually had more gentiles than Jewish followers. This group became the eventual dominant group. The earlier group, which was later called the Ebionites were later branded heretics and disappeared.

So perhaps it might be more accurate to call Christianity a splinter of a splinter group.

Answer 3

I suppose it can certainly look that way if given a quick glance. Upon closer inspection, however, one might determine that it is the fulfillment of Judaism. What I mean is this:

Suppose you have a 1980 Lincoln Towncar. Gorgeous car. But you replace the major components: the engine, the transmission and the suspension system. Now, do you have a 2007 Lincoln Towncar? No, you don’t. Still, it seems to be new, doesn’t it?

It is similar with Christianity. The three major components - the priesthood, the law covenant and the high priest – have been replaced. Religion is merely a form of worship which includes a system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices which may be personal or be advocated by an organization. And it usually involves belief in God.

So Judaism was the former form of worship instituted and accepted by God. And then, just as Galatians 3:24 explains, the law covenant (which is what Judaism was) was the tutor leading to Christ. So Judaism was the 1980 Lincoln Towncar with its original parts. And Christianity is the 1980 Lincoln Towncar with its new major components. Since worship is obedience and obedience is worship, true “religion” never really changes. Because as long as we are obeying God according to what He says, then we are worshiping him. Do we get the sense of this?

Hannah

Answer 4

Greetings!

Yes, in a way. It's an offshoot of Judaism. Jews follow the Old Testament, while Christians follow the New Testament. "Old School vs New School", so to speak.

Here's an even more interesting question: How many offshoots are there of Christianity?

The answer: 33,830. According to the World Christian Encyclopedia (Created by a christian - David Barrett - for Christians), there are over 10,000 Major religions practiced in the world today. Many of them have different denominations. Christianity has almost 34,000 versions of itself.

That's a lot of different interpretations of "truth".

I wish you Peace.

Answer 5

The early church were jews. They went to Synagogue.

Paul tells us that the Church was "grafted into Israel and the promises to Israel".

Christians are therefore, Jews, by "adoption" as it were.

Unfortunately, too many Christians seem to ignore Judaism. but, because we were grafted into Judaism, and not the other way around, I think most have difficulties understand the Bible-- particularly teh Old Testament, and prophetic passages.

Btw, it was in 70AD when Jerusalem scattered, that the two groups seperated.

Answer 6

I suppose you could perhaps say that "Christian" is used to differentiate between the Jews and the rest of the world and the ones who had accepted Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior. One thing wrong with Judaism, unfortunately, is that they don't recognize their need for Jesus Christ. The answerer above, treehse65, also has a good answer. God bless!

Answer 7

Doesn't matter if it is a splinter of a splinter ;it was founded by God and a real prophet.

Answer 8

that point is debatable, but what is certain is that christianity has as little in common with judaism as islam (a breakoff from christianity) does with christianity.

cheerio

Answer 9

No-------------the first Christians made up an entirely new and different religion. A few Jews joined the religion at the first, but, what you are saying gives credence to the Jews4Jesus, who say they are Jewish Christians. You can not be two religions at the same time.

Answer 10

I have heard it described as Judaism for export