Consideration of the Messianic Movement
The original plan for this article was to review How Jewish Is Christianity? edited by Louis Goldberg that focuses on two views regarding the Messianic movement. However, it quickly became apparent that the focus of this article should be on the issues themselves, and not just the book.
How Jewish ...? examines the place, role, and purpose of Messianic congregations in light of the Church Age. Opinions vary from the anti-congregation position of William Varner to the Torah-observant position of John Fischer. Nothing is resolved in this point/counterpoint presentation, and it is somewhat an exercise in frustration except for the brief historical overview of the Messianic movement by Louis Goldberg.
These divergences of opinions can also be found in Baruch Maoz's Judaism Is Not Jewish and Mark Kinzer's Post-Missionary Messianic Judaism. However, and what neither position realizes, is that they both fail to address not only the broad scope of Messianic Judaism but also its limitations.
The criticism that the Church has forgotten the Jewish roots of its faith is tragically accurate. Most churches recognize Jesus' lineage but fail to understand our biblical Jewish heritage. However, the correct response is not to engage in a Torah-observant lifestyle that overlooks the blessings of grace. We must seek to find a balance that avoids this "Messianic vs. Christian" division - as it is sinful and detrimental to the cause of the Gospel. But just what is the solution? Find out next time...
July 2007
