Accepting Jesus as a teacher

[Spice]

I have no bone to pick with those who see him simply as a great teacher.

For me, apart from his claims about himself, the things Jesus taught are merely reiterations of the Torah. So I prefer to go to the original source.

However, because of him, and with Paul's connections, the Torah was introduced along with the Christian writings, to multitudes of generations. That in itself is why I can claim him as savior without ascribing to the Hellenists mythology attached to his story. I also have other beliefs concerning his story, that give me peace, comfort, gratitude, and purpose which in my mind is the only need of any religion.

 

[Sand Dancer]

If you mean living according to your truth when you suggest to act like he did, then I'll agree. If not, then I'll disagree. Otherwise, I'll agree with your sentiments. Honor in spirit and truth is what I've learned, and development happens as we go and experience life. The bible has many profitable teachings, but difficult to acknowledge until you understand why they are profitable.

Context is important.

 

[IndigoChild5559]

However, because of him, and with Paul's connections, the Torah was introduced along with the Christian writings, to multitudes of generations.

While even the Rabbis have discussed how Chrsitianity has brought the Torah to people all around the world, it is ALSO true that Christians teach people that the Torah is no longer good, that it has been replaced by the gospel, that it is believing a certain list of claims is what saves you, not your behavior.

 

[Spice]

While even the Rabbis have discussed how Chrsitianity has brought the Torah to people all around the world, it is ALSO true that Christians teach people that the Torah is no longer good, that it has been replaced by the gospel, that it is believing a certain list of claims is what saves you, not your behavior.

That is the loudest voice of Christianity, but not the strongest. . .Thank God!

 

[IndigoChild5559]

Yes! There was no “New Testament” in the days of Jesus so he took the scrolls of the prophets and taught from there.

Yeap, and the Torah too. He repeatedly quotes form it, such as when he replies to the question of what the greatest law is.

 

[Kenny]

Yeap, and the Torah too. He repeatedly quotes form it, such as when he replies to the question of what the greatest law is.

As well as when he said, “ you say… but I say”. As Metis said, get two Jewish people together and we have three viewpoints.

 

[Madsaac]

As someone who respects his teachings, his appeal for truth and truthful interaction, I don't think it's a bad thing to view him a great teacher. I do realize that people view this differently and suggest it's a vain thing in contrast to modern society and our advances since. I find the opposite to be more truthful. I find taking his teachings in to be quite rewarding. I'm a Christian, and I don't find being Christian futile or pointless. I am entitled to a personal student teacher relationship, so I'm unaffiliated with any specific branch. It's personal.

Anyone else view this similar?

Yeah, I think he has many great ideas and following what Jesus says can be a very good thing.

However, haven't there been many contemporary people like him with similar values and morals? So why do so many follow Jesus, a man from another time and place?

 

[PearlSeeker]

As someone who respects his teachings, his appeal for truth and truthful interaction, I don't think it's a bad thing to view him a great teacher. I do realize that people view this differently and suggest it's a vain thing in contrast to modern society and our advances since. I find the opposite to be more truthful. I find taking his teachings in to be quite rewarding. I'm a Christian, and I don't find being Christian futile or pointless. I am entitled to a personal student teacher relationship, so I'm unaffiliated with any specific branch. It's personal.

Anyone else view this similar?

IMO opinion he was an apocalyptic preacher who, like John the Baptist, taught how to prepare for the coming Judgement day. That day didn't come, story about him became legend and myth... Nonetheless, some of his teachings (ascribed to him) are very useful - "the Christian way of life". I think his ethical teachings (purity of heart) were an advancement from the ethics concerned merely with external behavior and rules.

 

[Balthazzar]

Yeah, I think he has many great ideas and following what Jesus says can be a very good thing.

However, haven't there been many contemporary people like him with similar values and morals? So why do so many follow Jesus, a man from another time and place?

I can't pretend to be able to answer this for everyone, but I myself appreciate what he taught me as a way of guidance. I also appreciate earlier texts that offer no less adequate guidance. On this same premise, I also appreciate others who offer appropriate guidance. This isn't isolated to religious figures. This extends between and beyond our borders.

 

[Balthazzar]

IMO opinion he was an apocalyptic preacher who, like John the Baptist, taught how to prepare for the coming Judgement day. That day didn't come, story about him became legend and myth... Nonetheless, some of his teachings (ascribed to him) are very useful - "the Christian way of life". I think his ethical teachings (purity of heart) were an advancement from the ethics concerned merely with external behavior and rules.

It's largely about the developments and progress as people and how this effects the intricacies of life experience as a collective body.

 

[Tomef]

As someone who respects his teachings, his appeal for truth and truthful interaction, I don't think it's a bad thing to view him a great teacher. I do realize that people view this differently and suggest it's a vain thing in contrast to modern society and our advances since. I find the opposite to be more truthful. I find taking his teachings in to be quite rewarding. I'm a Christian, and I don't find being Christian futile or pointless. I am entitled to a personal student teacher relationship, so I'm unaffiliated with any specific branch. It's personal.

Anyone else view this similar?

In the NT he comes across as a kind of amalgam of many of the positive elements of the Jewish tradition, those things that emphasis community, understanding, commitment, forgiveness and so on. NT Jesus has little in common with the more vocal christian groups, with their obsessions with sexuality and punishment. Seeing him as a teacher rather than a figure to be co-opted for one niche cause or other certainly seems more likely to be beneficial.

 

[Balthazzar]

In the NT he comes across as a kind of amalgam of many of the positive elements of the Jewish tradition, those things that emphasis community, understanding, commitment, forgiveness and so on. NT Jesus has little in common with the more vocal christian groups, with their obsessions with sexuality and punishment. Seeing him as a teacher rather than a figure to be co-opted for one niche cause or other certainly seems more likely to be beneficial.

I think it's more so true that he has been portrayed by others as a nice and positive element of the Jewish tradition, aside from the noted discrepancies between him and certain ruling classes. Other Christian groups have taken pieces of the teachings which seem most relevant to their causes championing a particular banner in the name of. This is nothing new among Christians or Muslims. Somehow many mansions turned into individual households of those representing a specific name given, as opposed to the teachings given by these individuals.

 

[Tomef]

I think it's more so true that he has been portrayed by others as a nice and positive element of the Jewish tradition, aside from the noted discrepancies between him and certain ruling classes. Other Christian groups have taken pieces of the teachings which seem most relevant to their causes championing a particular banner in the name of. This is nothing new among Christians or Muslims. Somehow many mansions turned into individual households of those representing a specific name given, as opposed to the teachings given by these individuals.

Maybe, but there’s a difference between some group that seizes on one or two things he is recorded in the gospels as saying, and those who base their understanding on a broader overview, taking into account what he emphasised, talked most about, how he acted. For anyone’s life you might read about, their typical, usual behaviour is one thing and something that person might have said once in their life is another.

 

[joelr]

As someone who respects his teachings, his appeal for truth and truthful interaction, I don't think it's a bad thing to view him a great teacher. I do realize that people view this differently and suggest it's a vain thing in contrast to modern society and our advances since. I find the opposite to be more truthful. I find taking his teachings in to be quite rewarding. I'm a Christian, and I don't find being Christian futile or pointless. I am entitled to a personal student teacher relationship, so I'm unaffiliated with any specific branch. It's personal.

Anyone else view this similar?

The OT already says to be kind to an enemy and Rabbi Hillel was teaching the same general stuff as Jesus, but a generation earlier.
So the writer of Mark appears to be using this movement when writing about teachings of Jesus.

"Rabbi Hillel is widely regarded as one of the greatest rabbis and sages in Jewish history. His teachings focused on ethical and moral principles, promoting values such as humility, compassion, and peace. One of his most famous teachings is the Golden Rule, which states, "What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow." This principle emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and fairness, a concept that continues to be valued in Jewish teachings and beyond."

Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you.

If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I?

In a place where there are no men, strive to be a man.

That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn.

The more flesh, the more worms; the more possessions, the more worry; the more wives, the more witchcraft; the more maidservants, the more lewdness; the more slaves, the more thiefdom.

He who aggrandizes his name, destroys his name.

Say not: When I have leisure I shall study, for you may never have leisure.

Judgment only has been taken from us; but judgment has not been taken from us.
It reminds us that while we cannot fully comprehend the complexities of others' lives, we are responsible for treating everyone with kindness, empathy, and respect. We may not possess the capacity to pass judgment, but we can certainly choose to act justly and with compassion towards others.


The more flesh, the more worms; the more possessions, the more worry; the more maidservants, the more lewdness.

If I am not for others, what am I?

If I am here only for myself, what am I?

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money.

Do not say to your neighbor, 'Go and come back; tomorrow I will give,' when you have it with you.

Teach your tongue to say ‘I do not know’.

30 Best Rabbi Hillel Quotes With Image | Bookey

1.Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you.2.If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I?

www.bookey.app

 

[rocala]

I also believe that Jesus was a great teacher, but sadly, that is not what most Christians care about. Most Christians only care about being saved by the cross sacrifice, and the resurrection and the return of Jesus.

That has often been my experience. As a child, I once had a conversation with my grandfather during which he talked about what a wonderful world it would be if we followed his teachings. I was very impressed by this. Everybody else had given me his birth, his death and very little in between.
My early Christian stage started to fade there and then.

 

[RestlessSoul]

While even the Rabbis have discussed how Chrsitianity has brought the Torah to people all around the world, it is ALSO true that Christians teach people that the Torah is no longer good, that it has been replaced by the gospel, that it is believing a certain list of claims is what saves you, not your behavior.

I’m minded to say that’s a misrepresentation of Christianity, but then I’m forced to admit that Christians are quite good at misrepresenting their own faith. Especially in the USA, which is an outlier in so many ways.

That said, if by The Torah you mean the first five books of the Bible, Christianity doesn’t reject that. It does place a lot more emphasis on The Gospels though, of course. That’s where the word of Christ is found, after all.

As for faith vs action as the source of redemption, faith without works is dead. Christians believe Christ atoned for our collective sins because we never could. In dharmic terms, He took on all of mankind’s bad karma. We are still called upon to practice the principles of love and service

 

[IndigoChild5559]

That said, if by The Torah you mean the first five books of the Bible,

Yes,the Torah is the first five books of the Bible, which contain the 613 commandments of the covenant between God and the Jews.

Christianity doesn’t reject that. It does place a lot more emphasis on The Gospels though, of course. That’s where the word of Christ is found, after all.

Look, only rarely do I meet Christians who won't eat lobster or bacon, or who won't mow their lawn on Saturday. And the tiny minority that do are disparaged by their fellow Christians who call them Judaizers. The overwhelming majority of Christians say that the Law has passed away, that it is obsolete.

As for faith vs action as the source of redemption, faith without works is dead.

I certainly appreciate your sentiment. I wish that all Christians felt that way.

Remember that when James wrote this, he wasn't just referring to being kind to widows and orphans. He was also referring to obedience to Jewish law.

It is also worth noting that the Tanakh (OT) isn't really concerned about the afterlife. While it mentions the resurrection indirectly, it simply is not a major thing. Compare this to the centrality of avoiding hell to Christian belief.

Additionally, I should mention that the Tanakh has no concept that we need to be saved from our sins. When the Tanakh mentions salvation, it is a very earthly sort, such as when God saved Israel from slavery in Egypt, or when he saved David from the enemies that surrounded him.

Basically, Jews don't obey God in order to gain heaven and avoid hell. We obey because he is God, the King of the universe, who is deserving of our obedience.

 

[Jimmy]

As someone who respects his teachings, his appeal for truth and truthful interaction, I don't think it's a bad thing to view him a great teacher. I do realize that people view this differently and suggest it's a vain thing in contrast to modern society and our advances since. I find the opposite to be more truthful. I find taking his teachings in to be quite rewarding. I'm a Christian, and I don't find being Christian futile or pointless. I am entitled to a personal student teacher relationship, so I'm unaffiliated with any specific branch. It's personal.

Anyone else view this similar?

The truth is a wonderful and rewarding thing.