Jewish Messianism and Christianity

[Coder]

Hi,

I have spoken with many Jewish friends overs the years and (correct me if I'm wrong) there seems not to be strong/literal Messianic perspectives in Judaism today or at least among Jewish people in general today.

So, I wonder, at the time of the beginnings of Christianity was Judaism centered on high expectations and hopes of a coming Messiah? If so, do some believe that this could be related to Christianity?

 

[rosends]

Orthodox Judaism still has a strong and literal messianic expectation. We await him every day. With the more overt oppression at that time, there was more of a sense of desperation so maybe the messianic dream was more apparent. But it is still here.

 

[RabbiO]

Hi,

I have spoken with many Jewish friends overs the years and (correct me if I'm wrong) there seems not to be strong/literal Messianic perspectives in Judaism today or at least among Jewish people in general today.

To add to rosends' comment - The Reconstructionist movement does not believe in an individual messiah nor does the Humanistic movement. Neither is surprising given the official theological positions of those movements. Although I will say that I know a fair number of Reconstructionist Jews who hold more traditional beliefs than the "official" position of their movement and who continue to hold to the traditional messianic expectation. As for Jews who identify as either Reform or Conservative, I know many who do maintain the traditional messianic expectation and I know many who do not.

 

[roger1440]

Hi,

I have spoken with many Jewish friends overs the years and (correct me if I'm wrong) there seems not to be strong/literal Messianic perspectives in Judaism today or at least among Jewish people in general today.

So, I wonder, at the time of the beginnings of Christianity was Judaism centered on high expectations and hopes of a coming Messiah? If so, do some believe that this could be related to Christianity?

It depends on the Jews you been schmoozing with. Them Jews aren’t all alike. Just like Christians, they all don’t come from the same cookie cutter. Talk to a Catholic, Protestant, Mormon or Jehovah's Witness on the Bible and you will get different answers too.

 

[roger1440]

So, I wonder, at the time of the beginnings of Christianity was Judaism centered on high expectations and hopes of a coming Messiah? If so, do some believe that this could be related to Christianity?

Hope always increases at the same rate as despair.

 

[Coder]

I know many who do maintain the traditional messianic expectation and I know many who do not.

As far as the Messianic prophecies, do some apply to the general time frame of the prophecy and some indefinite? For example, one reason given in Judaism that the "virgin (or young woman) birth" prophecy is not Christian is because it was a prophecy for Ahaz (in fact, perhaps Judaism teaches that's not even a Messianic prophecy, I don't know). Would most Messianic prophecies be similar in that they would apply to a somewhat particular situation and/or time frame (in the Jewish interpretation)?

 

[metis]

I prefer the wait-and-see approach, so I really don't get hung-up on this.

 

[Flankerl]

My brother was born to a young woman.

He's the messiah!

 

[Coder]

Hi,

My brother was born to a young woman.

I see what you are saying.

I'm not trying to start a whole debate about that Bible passage as it was just an example in terms of the scope of prophecies, with interest in Messianic in particular.

 

[Tumah]

Hi,

I see what you are saying.

I'm not trying to start a whole debate about that Bible passage as it was just an example in terms of the scope of prophecies, with interest in Messianic in particular.

The ones that are messianic are obviously so in that they generally reference an 'end of days' or 'David' or something of that nature.

 

[Coder]

The ones that are messianic are obviously so in that they generally reference an 'end of days' or 'David' or something of that nature.

That's a good signpost to know - thanks!

 

[Akivah]

Hi,

I have spoken with many Jewish friends overs the years and (correct me if I'm wrong) there seems not to be strong/literal Messianic perspectives in Judaism today or at least among Jewish people in general today.

So, I wonder, at the time of the beginnings of Christianity was Judaism centered on high expectations and hopes of a coming Messiah? If so, do some believe that this could be related to Christianity?

Judaism views the messiah concept differently from Christianity. Our concept (in general, Metis) is that the messiah will be a human male that will rule Israel. The messiah will signal the start of the Messianic Age, a time of peace for the entire world. Thus, we don't focus on the messiah as a person near as much as we await the Messianic Age.

 

[roger1440]

Judaism views the messiah concept differently from Christianity. Our concept (in general, Metis) is that the messiah will be a human male that will rule Israel. The messiah will signal the start of the Messianic Age, a time of peace for the entire world. Thus, we don't focus on the messiah as a person near as much as we await the Messianic Age.

What would be the first sign? Give me a quote if you can.

 

[Siegal.w]

the reason might be because they do not read the scripture it is very formalistic .
also The Jews are not direct descendant of the Isrealite in the bible

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

the reason might be because they do not read the scripture it is very formalistic .
also The Jews are not direct descendant of the Isrealite in the bible

I hope that you don't mind the question: What is you primary language?

 

[Siegal.w]

why do you ask that question . Also I hope I was not offensive with my comment . I certainly do not intend to be .