Question about Christ...?

Question

1st this is not meant to offend anyone, I am just looking for answers to help me with my own beliefs.
1. Why do Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah?
(I wasnt raised in a religious household so I am ignorant to
just about everything.)
2. Why do Jews believe he isnt the Messiah? (please dont be
rude, these are peoples beliefs)
3. What are the major differences between Judiasm, and
Christianity?
4. Why do people take offense when you wish a Merry
Christmas or a happy Chaunaka? It is a jesture of good
will and warm wishes what ever your beliefs. I have been
wished both and I have also said both to people and
instead of smiling and keeping the spirit, some have been
blatently rude. I appologize and go on but it seems so
trivial to me to get offended when someone is wishing you
well.
I have no religion that I practice or even understand. I would like to understand more about them. TY

sorry if I misspelt Haunaka...

Answer 1

As for wishing someone a merry christmas, or happy "chaunaka" whatever that is, if you don't know what some believes, it may be better just to say happy holidays, or wait until they greet you so you will know how to respond. I can't really speak on the beliefs as I do not believe so I could only tell you why I don't believe, and you didn't ask that question.

Answer 2

Hi,

I'm Jewish so I don't feel I can answer #1 directly so I'll focus on 2 (and maybe 3).

Jews do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah primarily because to be the Messiah, one must fulfill the requirements for being one. Jesus fulfills none of them.
Compounding the issue is the fact that he died. The idea of the second coming (i.e. the idea that Jesus will come again some day to fulfill his Messianic task) is completely Christian and has no foundation in Judaism.

In addition, Judaism's view of G-d is that He is One and Only. That is, the concept of the trinity (G-d has three "parts") is foreign to Judaism. The idea that G-d can become man or a man being a manifestation of G-d is also foreign to Judaism.

Pastor Art:

You may want to look up when the Talmud was written before you talk about Jesus teaching against the Talmud in his time. Then maybe you could stick to talking about what you know about instead of writing about what you don't know.

Answer 3

1. First off, Messiah is the Hebrew word meaning "anointed one" which is the equivalent of the New Testament word "Christ" which also means "anointed". Basically there are various Old Testament scriptures that tell of a prince, descendant of King David, who would appear and die in Jerusalem among other descriptions. A main one is Daniel chapter 9:25 and 26.

2. Most Jews do not accept Jesus as the Messiah because; mostly the Bible states that God has blinded their eyes to that truth because of the hardness of their heart which was why their land and temple were allowed to be taken over by the Gentiles since the days of the kings of Israel. There are clear scriptures which point to Jesus as fulfilling the role of the Messiah as in psalm 2 which describes his position as the son of God. Also the ressurection of Jesus as in psalm 16:10.

3. Judiaism accepts only the Old Testament and not the New Testament as Christians do. Judiaism still has the Old Testament rituals of the Law, the main covenant of the Old Testament, whereas most of those are not binding on Christians since they were fulfilled by Jesus. Now there is a new covenant to live by as perdicted in Jeremiah chapter 31:31-34 which is the new Testament established by Jesus upon his death and ressurection. The whole book of Hebrews in the New testament describes the changes and contrast of the two covenants.

4. Some people are secular or athiestic and do not want any religious view associated with themselves. Some Jewish people have taught that Christianity is anti-jewish and so are not open to an association with Christ or the church. Despite some wrong treatment of Jews by some of the church in the past the Bible tells Christians to bless the Jews so God will bless them. This is why many if not most Christians are pro-Israel and the U.S. of A. has Israel as an ally. I am not sure why some people do not like a Chanaka or Hanakka greeting except that either they do not celebrate it or they perfer it being pronounced a certain way only.

Answer 4

I'll try to keep it short. We believe because of the miracles Jesus did. John the Baptist knew it and told the people at the baptisim. Jesus arose and wnt to Heaven in front of many people. He arose from the dead. He didddn't have one bone broken as the old testement tpld. All crucified one had their legs broken so they couldn't push themselves up to breath----Jesus is th only one that DIDN'T 2. I'm not sure except Jesus said if you've seen me ,you have seem the Father. He healed on the sabbath . Thsi was all blastmamy to the Jew. They were and are very devout to God but, some don't believe in the living Messiah. When He comes back then ,we will all believe in the same one.There are many many Jews that believe now but their families disown them. Some day it will all be known and things will chanage. 3.
As I've stated, the Jew (most) , do not believe in Jesus as the Messiah.
They still honor all the fesivals God set forth in the old testements. testement. They don't celebrate Christmas because we use it to celebrate the birth of the Messiah(Jesus) and most don't believe. 4. We live in such a dirvese world that all religions are not for Jesus.
Try to overlook some of these people because they either are of a faith that doesn't believe or else they are trying to act "big" for noticing. Some don't say Merry Christmas because they fear you may think they are Christians. Don't take offense. I still say Merry Chriatmas if they don't like it ,then they can turn it off, as I do when they don't say it. The signs are all around and the last book of the Bible is about finished as far as prophecy go-----so please don't wait too long to turn to Jesus. Time is fasst running out and He could come back anyday. Don['t be left for all the torture from the anti-christ. Jesus is the way.Ipray for your soul. I hope thos has answeres ypur questions. It's longer than I wanted but I still diddn't get it alla in' Just enough to get you thinking

Answer 5

I will try to be brief:
Many people assume Christ is a real historical figure. This really is not the case. The Jewish "story" (Old Testament) anticipates the arrival of the Messiah - Jesus Christ (the anointed one who saves) is the follow-up to this anticipation.
Much better perhaps to regard Christ as an archetype representing fulfillment and redemption. Christians "believe because they edited a story to make sense. It really is a myth because the surface story is not meant to be given a literal or historical interpretation but leads us to an understanding of what it is to be human, fragile and vulnerable. The Christ figure as an archetype occurs repeatedly throughout history and cultures and indeed is a most important and life changing archetype. Just because it is a story (myth) doesn't devalue its importance in helping people to "salvation".

Now to try to offer some understanding around Christmas. Definitions first:

1. Mythology - A myth is a story where the surface story is never meant to be given a literal or historic
interpretation, but rather leads us to a more metaphysical "truth".

2. Archetype - An archetype is a common point of understanding and identification for all people of all cultures through all time.

In Western Europe Winter is cold dark and miserable and nothing grows. Through history the response has been to light a fire and have a party. The darkness of mid Winter is an archetype reflecting the furthest point from the "hope" of
Spring and Summer.

The Roman Emperor Constantine did indeed "hijack" the festival of Saturnalia (same idea as above) an impose a Christian story on the pagan theme.in order to help bring stability and cement his position and power.

So...Here is the irony:
The Christ story is indeed a myth. Is is not to be given literal or historical interpretation. Christ was never a real
personage but an all important archetype reflecting hope and the return of light to a dark world.

Pagan festivities reflect the connection of humanity to the earth and the seasons. As an archetype the Christian story
fits well over the pagan framework.

But PLEASE... Let's understand that the Christian story is indeed a myth that points back directly to the human desire
to seek hope, rebirth and the coming of light and Spring.

Let's understand that all people are the same. When we understand myths and archetypes we can then cease to seek
separation driven by religion or belief. It is just the same old "deep" story retold in differing surface stories.

Hope I kept this short and simple.

Answer 6

Christians believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah because of the writings in the New Testament written by the followers of Jesus.

Jews do not believe these writings to be true and believe their prophesy or Jesus Christ coming is meant for a later time.

The difference between Judiaism and Christianity are many but are developed with the Christian belief that the man Jesus was the massial and the gospells of the New Testament.

Some people are apt to take offence at anything but the violence in this regard is overwhelmingly Christian violence.

Answer 7

As I'm Jewish, please allow me to just correct some answers you've been given which misrepresent Judaism. I think I can also answer your question at the same time :)

Jews do believe in a messiah. We have detailed guidelines on how to recognise the true messiah in the 'old' testament (Tanakh).
We're told that he/she will be:

- totally human, not G-d made flesh, not part divine: just a normal human being

- he will achieve certain things; if he fails to do even one, he is not the real messiah. e.g. he will bring world peace!

- he will NOT perform miracles, nor magic

- he will achieve everything in ONE normal lifespan; no second chances, no second comings!

- he will be from the line of King David

Now, clearly, this description does NOT fit Jesus!

Judaism and Christianity are profoundly different. If anyone tells you they are similar than trust me - they don't know much about either one, or both these faiths!

No Jew believes that Jesus was the messiah. Some people here will tell you they do: these people call themselves 'messianic jews'. They are CHRISTIANS. And they should be proud of their religion, and open about their faith. Instead, they claim they are living a 'Jewish lifestyle' while also believing things that CONTRADICT Judaism.

It is impossible to be both Jewish - and Christian. Just as it is not possible to be both Muslim, and Catholic!

Only Jewish religious law gets to define who is Jewish; and it makes it clear that the mere idea that G-d is made flesh, is unnacceptable.

'messianic jews' are not recognised by anyone in the Jewish worldwide community. It's the same as me eating Chinese food, from pretty Chinese-type dishes, using chopsticks, and then claiming to be Chinese!!!

There are many other differences between Judaism and Christianity. For example, Christians believe that one man, Jesus, carried everyone's sin by sacrificing himself.

Judaism rejects any such idea. As Jews, if we sin or do something wrong, we must repent and we must make amends directly to the person we have hurt.

FINALLY: Jesus is never mentioned in the 'old' testament. Anyone who says he is, is relying on wrongly translated Hebrew. It's really crazy when some people, as on this site, insist they know how to interpret the Jewish bible better than we Jews ourselves!

For more details, I think you will find this site really helpful:

http://www.whatjewsbelieve.org/

EDIT

'ECTERBOB' is right, and I echo what she says. I am Jewish but you are welcome to wish me 'Merry Christmas' any day, because I know it is something nice and kind, and it would NEVER, offend me.

So please don't worry about that :) If you know Jewish people and want to wish them a 'happy Chanukah', they will be very touched. You sound like a very sweet person, and I doubt you would offend anyone :)

Merry Christmas to you, and a happy, healthy new year!

EDIT TO ERNESTO ******************************

Sorry to be blunt but I think it is both absurd and arrogant for you to claim that you can interpret and understand Torah better than the Jews also answering here.

Are you then fluent in Hebrew? Clearly not. Clearly you don't know even the Hebrew words basic to what you are claiming. Jesus is not mentioned specifically ANYWHERE in the Torah/Tanakh. You are, as so many do, relying on wrongly translated Hebrew.

How would you feel if I as a Jew turned round and told you that I understood the new testament better than you did? Somehow, I don't think you'd like it one little bit! So please don't say that to me about Torah.

Answer 8

Christians believe it because of those who were there and saw it all happen. Because of the faith in what happened.

Jews don't believe it because of their religious leaders and a technicality of the bloodline (Jesus was related as an "in law" or by marriage not by blood line directly in human terms).

In short, they have no faith in this occurance.

The technical standpoint, which has some human validity if we are to take a scientific approach.

Joseph, Jesus STEPFATHER had the bloodline, not MARY Jesus blood mother.

Jesus came into the blood line by ADOPTION

Some people don't consider that a valid option.

See, God was Jesus father, not Joseph.

That makes the connection a technicality.

So the Jews have a scientific and legal standing to say Jesus isn't of the pure tribal bloodline.

We use this technicality in America. Arnold Schwartenegger can be Governor of California, but he can't run for President because you have to be BORN in America. So on that technicality he can't become president.

That is the kind of thinking used by the Jewish scholars as the final defense.

Orthodox Christians apply the same type of situation for women ministers and priests.

By bibical citations, traditions and law only men can run the church.

Therefore to these people any woman running a church is not legal and not true.

Those who want to accept it see it as otherwise.

So, it boils down to a point of view.

The Christmas thing stems from a centuries long history in what we term as the Western World (the Byzantine society) for both the celebration of the birth of Jesus and in later times a general holiday and celebration of giving.

You probably know the story of Scrooge.

Well, there are some people in this world who intentfully become Scrooges because they want to.

They are anti-religious activists or those from other religions who are intolerant of other religions other than their own.

You will get the same reaction if you see someone who looks like they are from India and say happy Festival of Lights and they turn out to be Muslim or Shiks. They might just tell you they are not Hindu so it has no meaning to them or they might take offense.

If you wish a Lebanese Arab who is a Catholic happy Ramaden they might taken offense.

If you have an unhappy maid, postal worker, Fed Ex driver and you give them a box and wish them Happy Boxing day they might spit on you.

This is a sad event of people not taking a saltuation in good spirit.

If a man holds a door open for a femminist she might bite his head off.

It's the same basic thing.

You walk up to William Shatner on the third thursday of November in Los Angeles and say

Happy Thankgiving to you

And he smiles and wishes you the same, thing are great.

If he says "I'm Canadian, today is not a holiday to me"

It has a whole different feel.

At the same time Shatner may have to explain a gift to the postman on December 26th

"I'm Canadian, we do it up there on this day!"

The postman can say, cool, I like that idea or "screw you, I'm an American get out of my country with your foregin traditions!"

Answer 9

Melissa, several people have given good answers about why Jewish people do not embrace Jesus as the messiah, and why Christians do. It's just two different religions, but we share some history and need to treat each other with respect.

Respect brings me to your question about people getting offended at your greetings. Those people do not respect the kindness behind your words; I am happy whenever anyone gives me any kind of cheerful greeting. Please don't let the meanies ruin your kind spirit; the world needs more of your warmth and good will!
Merry Christmas, happy holidays to you.

Answer 10

1. The Hebrew Scriptures have over 100 prophesies telling us in advance who would be the Messiah. Jesus fulfilled them all.

2. You'll have to ask them that question. I know lots of Jewish people who have, by studying their own Scriptures come to the understanding that Jesus is their Messiah.

3. The main differences can be explained two ways.

a. Christians view Jesus as the Hebrew Messiah.

b. Today Roman Catholics differ from Bible believing Christians since they have a Catechism which explains their view on religion and claims their religion is the only religion who can correctly understand and intrepret the Bible. Bible believing Christians point out how many things Roman Catholics do which are diametrically opposed to what the Bible says.

In the same way Jewish leaders have this book called the Talmud which is the Jewish version of the Catholic Catechism. The Talmud also claims to be the only authority for understand the Bible.

Just as the Bible teaches things which go against the Catholic Catechism, so does the Talmud.

When Jesus was alive and teaching He taught against the Talmud on nearly every page of the Gospels.

Which is a major reason why the Jewish leaders didn't like Him very much. In fact they hated Him so much they wanted to kill him.

4. You'll have to ask them. Remember in the USA the 1st Ammendment protects my right as a Christian to freely practice my religion and the 1st ammendent protects free speech. There is no ammendment which protects atheists from relgion. Yet the ACLU ( Anti Christian Lawyers Union ) files lawsuits as if there is.

Its offensive to me as a Christian for a store to advertise and to want me to spend my money at their store to buy presents to celebrate the birth of Jesus and they order their employees to not wish me a "Merry Christmas".

Pastor Art