All religions have an "essence" that makes them what they are-despite their many sects and varying customs and beliefs.
What is the essence of Judaism, that basically sums up what it is? I'm not talking about people being Jewish ethnically (whether ancestrally or as the cultural group), but Judaism the religion, even though the other definitions of Jewishness can be related, but thats a totally seperate issue that I wont discuss much of that confusing issue in this thread.
Judaism is very confusing for me (and fascinating) because there is nothing specific on the surface that makes it stand out as a religion in what defines it. Many think Judaism is like Christianity but their core belief is rejecting Christ as Messiah and believing one will come, but then again, Messianics consider themselves a Jewish sect as well as Christian, so the belief Jesus isnt the OT messiah may not neccearily be what defines Judaism.
Judaism is also confusing to define in its essence because its a blend of religion, ethnicity, and culture. Heres some facts. Jews - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Jewish ethnicity, nationality and religion are strongly interrelated, as Judaism is the traditional faith of the Jewish nation.[33][34][35] Converts to Judaism typically have a status within the Jewish ethnos equal to those born into it.[36]Conversion is not encouraged by mainstream Judaism, and is considered a tough task, mainly applicable for cases of mixed marriages.[37]
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Ive had a few theories-following Moses, following certain traditions, or the core belief that a Messiah will come.
The Old Testament traditions Jews practice come from Moses, especially the laws, but then again, much of it is new customs that came long after Moses, so you cant say Moses alone is the essence of Judaism (other abrahamic faiths believe in him too-they dont follow his teachings much though-the mitzvahs). A lot of it is from rabbinical traditions and laws and customs of ethnic Jews (like bar mitzvahs and weding customs).
Since Jewish is also cultural and ethnic, is it fair to say the essence of Judaism is the traditions of the Jewish people? That may be true, but then again, customs dont generally define a religion. Catholics and Protestants have many unique and distinct traditions, but theyre still considered Christianity.y
As most Jews view Messianics as non Jews and as a Christian sect, that makes it a pretty good case the belief a Messiah will come is the core belief of Judaism, since messianics (who believe he's come already and was Jesus Christ) are viewed as non-Jews by Jews generally. But then again, some view them as Jewish sect, so its not so black and white.
What is the essence of Judaism, that basically sums up what it is? I'm not talking about people being Jewish ethnically (whether ancestrally or as the cultural group), but Judaism the religion, even though the other definitions of Jewishness can be related, but thats a totally seperate issue that I wont discuss much of that confusing issue in this thread.
Judaism is very confusing for me (and fascinating) because there is nothing specific on the surface that makes it stand out as a religion in what defines it. Many think Judaism is like Christianity but their core belief is rejecting Christ as Messiah and believing one will come, but then again, Messianics consider themselves a Jewish sect as well as Christian, so the belief Jesus isnt the OT messiah may not neccearily be what defines Judaism.
Judaism is also confusing to define in its essence because its a blend of religion, ethnicity, and culture. Heres some facts. Jews - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Quote
Jewish ethnicity, nationality and religion are strongly interrelated, as Judaism is the traditional faith of the Jewish nation.[33][34][35] Converts to Judaism typically have a status within the Jewish ethnos equal to those born into it.[36]Conversion is not encouraged by mainstream Judaism, and is considered a tough task, mainly applicable for cases of mixed marriages.[37]
Quote
Ive had a few theories-following Moses, following certain traditions, or the core belief that a Messiah will come.
The Old Testament traditions Jews practice come from Moses, especially the laws, but then again, much of it is new customs that came long after Moses, so you cant say Moses alone is the essence of Judaism (other abrahamic faiths believe in him too-they dont follow his teachings much though-the mitzvahs). A lot of it is from rabbinical traditions and laws and customs of ethnic Jews (like bar mitzvahs and weding customs).
Since Jewish is also cultural and ethnic, is it fair to say the essence of Judaism is the traditions of the Jewish people? That may be true, but then again, customs dont generally define a religion. Catholics and Protestants have many unique and distinct traditions, but theyre still considered Christianity.y
As most Jews view Messianics as non Jews and as a Christian sect, that makes it a pretty good case the belief a Messiah will come is the core belief of Judaism, since messianics (who believe he's come already and was Jesus Christ) are viewed as non-Jews by Jews generally. But then again, some view them as Jewish sect, so its not so black and white.
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