Addressing the Theological and Spiritual Issues of the Broad Messianic Movement
Having recently concluded the Fall 2024 New Members-New Foundations class, at his local congregation, Messianic Apologetics editor John McKee further discusses some of the differences involving Torah Halacha, witnessed within today’s contemporary Messianic movement.
In Deuteronomy 4:2 it is directed not to add commandments to those of the Torah. But in Judaism and much of the Messianic movement today, we have many people who follow traditions of men some claim are “commanded,” or at least authorized by God. I am confused.
What do you think about the use of Hebrew liturgy in Messianic congregations?
Can you give me a good idea about the various funeral customs witnessed within today’s Messianic movement, regarding the final disposition of the deceased?
What is “glatt kosher”?
How do any of us, in a still-emerging and still-maturing Messianic movement, sort through some of the issues regarding “kosher”? How do we get a little more realistic about what we see among the Jewish and non-Jewish Believers within our faith community, remembering that not all people share the same views as we do, and allow for a little more grace and mercy to come forth—rather than any unfair or unnecessary condemnation? How many of our challenges have been caused by an insufficient or under-whelming handling of Bible passages—versus having been caused by an under-whelming level of spiritual maturity on behalf of too many people?
Frequently in much of today’s Messianic movement, what is witnessed is that the seventh-day Sabbath is simply a time for Believers to attend services at their local Messianic congregation, and for various other congregational activities. While congregational activities such as corporate worship, teaching, and fellowship do provide a legitimate way for people to consciously honor Shabbat—many questions do arise regarding work, permissible and non-permissible activities, and most especially what to do when “life happens.” Tension can arise between people inside and outside of one’s local assembly, with some thinking that one type of Shabbat observance is too lenient and liberal, and others thinking that another type of Shabbat observance is too rigid and inflexible. Surely, as we evaluate Biblical instruction, some traditional interpretations, and weigh some of the realities of Twenty-First Century living—the possibility does exist for us to come to a realistic orientation of making the Sabbath a holy and blessed time.
18 November, 2023
