Jews Don't Need to Convert to Jesus...The Pope Knows Best!
When it comes to Judeo/Christian relations, the Catholic Church carries centuries of baggage from anti-Judaism to anti-Semitism to anti-Zionism. At the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, the Catholic Church was officially propelled onto the world scene and continued to widen a theological gap between Christians and Jews. A gap that would also become political, sociological and geographical until it came to its apex in the 1930s and 40s when it was given a pseudo-racial twist. Let's face it, in the Jewish psyche, the Catholic Church is responsible for a lot of anti-Semitism, but be that as it may, not all Catholics are anti-Semites.
This is not a witch hunt against Catholics, yet it must be said that most of the Jewish persecution by the early Church and through the Middle Ages was performed by Catholic leaders who were also the representative of Christianity and technically of Christ on earth. The Crusades, the Blood Libel, the Host desecrations, the Black Plague, the Inquisition, the Pogroms and the Holocaust are all intertwined in a web of deceit that eventually leads back to the Catholic Church on way or another. Much of this was initiated by the Church and progressively picked-up throughout history to become lethal to the Jews as best explained by Holocaust historian Raul Hilberg in The Destruction of the European Jews. He saw the fate of the Jewish people as a three-step process over time: "From the 4th century the Christian missionaries told the Jews 'you may not live among us as Jews'. The secular governments who followed them from the late middle-aged decided 'you may not live among us' and de Nazis finely decreed 'you may not live'. Hillberg spoke of ostracism followed by expulsion and annihilation. In a nutshell, this is the history of my people.
From the early Church Fathers (200 CE) until 1965, the Catholic Church held all Jewish people corporately responsible for the Crucifixion of Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus.) It wasn't until 1965, during Vatican II under Pope Paul VI, that the accusation was rescinded. In a declaration known as Nostra Aetate (In our times), Pope Paul VI promulgated that Jews were no longer to be held guilty of deicide (the killing of God.) The hope was that this "Declaration on the Relation of the Church with Non-Christian Religions" would exonerate the Jewish people. Of course it never occurred to the Catholic Church that nowhere in the Bible are the Jews declared guilty of killing Yeshua because in His own words, He gave His own life for all mankind as it is recorded in the Gospel of John 10:17-18, 17 For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. 18 No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.”
Additionally, the Catholic Church has long felt that they had replaced ethnic Israel in the plan of God. All the blessings that God had promised to bestow upon Israel would apparently be transferred to the Catholic Church or even to all Christians to speak more broadly. All Covenants made between God and the Jewish people would now apply to the "New Israel" or spiritual Israel. This is commonly known as Replacement Theology, and this also cannot be substantiated by Scripture as long as you apply a consistent, literal and contextual system of interpretation.
While we continue to witness both anti-Semitism and philo-Semitism within the Catholic ranks, there has been an effort from several Popes to reconcile with the Jewish community even further. So much so that the current Pope has now announced that Jewish people do not need Jesus and that the Catholic Church should not try to convert Jewish people. There has been a certain amount of collective Catholic guilt regarding their treatment of the Jewish people. This rather recent reaction or possibly over-reaction, seeing the Jewish people as covenantal people in no need of Yeshua does a lot of good for the healing of Judeo/Christian relations. In a recent statement, Rabbi David Fox Sandmel, ADL Director of Interfaith Affairs reaffirms the importance of such a move by the current Pope: "This new Vatican document is a remarkable reaffirmation of the positive changes in the Church’s teaching about Jews and Judaism since the promulgation of Nostra Aetate 50 years ago. It is significant because it places a very clear emphasis on the rejection of the deicide charge, Christianity’s indebtedness to Judaism, the rejection of replacement theology, and the ongoing validity of the Jewish covenant with God."
It is true that the Jewish people could easily do away with centuries of Christian anti-Semitism. Unfortunately, Jewish history has been recorded in blood for the most part. That history is part of the Christian baggage that cannot be unloaded. It would behoove Christians to stop believing what they have heard about the Jewish people and not add to this already overwhelmingly heavy baggage. To that end, the 1965 Declaration of Nostra Aetate might have helped somewhat, and the current papacy might even contribute further, unfortunately the roots of anti-Semitism–Christian or not–go very, very deep!
It is also true that the Jewish people have not been replaced by Catholics, Christians or any other people group who might consider themselves the "New Israel." That rejection of Replacement Theology was made clear in the declaration of 1965. It might not have been adopted by Catholics the world over, but it remains an "Ex Cathedra" statement by the Pope, and as such should leave no option but obedience to it by Catholics worldwide. Human nature often gets in the way, I am afraid!
And of course, it is of the utmost importance to stop trying to "convert" Jews to Christianity. But is it possible that the reason for such a change is different that what the Pope would expect. Simply put, Jews don't convert because they have no need to convert. If indeed, Yeshua is the Jewish Messiah (Isaiah 52:13-53-12) then there is nothing more natural for a Jewish person than to follow their Jewish Messiah. It is a personal choice that nobody can force us to make. So in a sense, the Pope is right, Jews do not ever need to convert to Yeshua, yet if it turns out that He [Yeshua] is the Jewish Messiah spoken of by the Jewish Prophets (Gen. 49:10, Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7, Mic. 5:2), then maybe it would benefit the Jewish people to follow Him.
It is my prayer that people will draw close to God. That we will ask Him to teach us how to think, gather facts, do our own homework and serve Him in deed and truth. There is so much deception. So many false histories. So many revisionists hard at work to hide truth and make repetitive falsehoods become accepted fact. Thanks to Olivier's scholarship, research and knowledge all of which are God given and driven by Olivier's sense of righteousness, salvation and love for all people. I give thanks for expositors such as Oliver. "Truth" can also be found in the Bible, but it is rare! I trust the light in Olivier's views. They keep being updated, the darker times become.
Cindy you state, “Truth” can also be found in the Bible, but it is rare! I trust the light in Olivier’s views. They keep being updated, the darker times become." How does one know for sure Oliver's message is from God? How does one know if a prophet is a true prophet or not? I submit to you the Bible is the only measuring rod as to whether one speaks with the authority of God or not. If we doubt the truth of the Bible; which is the Word of God, what other tool have we to determine the false message from the true?
Dear Jim,
I need to clarify that neither Cindy (who is a dear friend) nor I believe that I am a modern day prophet. This being said, there is nowhere in the Bible where it says that Jewish people have access to God without His Son Yeshua and His sacrificial death and resurrection. The pope is dead wrong!
I fully agree with you my brother - I was merely speaking to the issue that Cindy seemed to indicate "some truth" could be found in the Bible. But the Bible is the very tool that help us determine truth from error. Thank you for your response...
Priest, prohets, princes, kings (are not religious people as we think); they are appointed offices of the Kingdom of G-d. To be well studied and the Covenant laws given by Moses. When the nation of Israel is violating the Covenant, the King send out his "special messenger" called prophet, to bring a legal lawsuit against the people, naming the violation(s) and the consequences for violation. When people read the violations, they think the prophet is looking into some crystal ball. No simply stating the known consequence. Ezekiel 22: 23, read and see what Bible definition is of true priest, prophet. If some Christian person is portraying themselves as "prophet" and violating Ez 22-23 then not. Yeshua never did away with the Covenant given through mOses, to govern Israel.
Priest, prohets, princes, kings (are not religious people as we think); they are appointed offices of the Kingdom of G-d. To be well studied and the Covenant laws given by Moses. When the nation of Israel is violating the Covenant, the King send out his "special messenger" called prophet, to bring a legal lawsuit against the people, naming the violation(s) and the consequences for violation. When people read the violations, they think the prophet is looking into some crystal ball. No simply stating the known consequence. Ezekiel 22: 23, read and see what Bible definition is of true priest, prophet. If some Christian person is portraying themselves as "prophet" and violating Ez 22-23 then not. Yeshua never did away with the Covenant given through mOses, to govern Israel.
Go to some Hebrew roots teachers, they show you the Bible is rooter in language, understanding and culture of the Hebrew language and culture, is mideastern, and must be understood that way, not Roman culture language, not Greek, not European English, not US Western English and cutlure.
Jesus did not have a King James version to teach from He taught from the Hebrew Bible, Covenant through MOses, Prophest and Writtings; there was no so called new testament, (nor new covenant) if there was we see legal language in the Greek writtings; is not there. He renewed the Covenant of Moses and land grand of Abraham through His blood. When you return to the original Hebraic understanding you'll find questions answered your pastors or Pope never knew, they told you His thoughts are greater than out thoughts. Yes, but you can get highter than the churches teachings. The bible was translated into Greek (anytime you translate from one language to another, is not exact you loose some meaning) as the hebrew scrolls left Judea into other lands it began loosing some meaning through various languages and cultures; people imposed their own cultue to inteprest Hebraic culture which was never passed through with the simple writtings. Also only the Bishops had scrolls and not always all of them, the regular people did not have access to the written material, some couldn't even read, even after the printing press regular folks couldn't afford a bible, regular folks could not be "good Bereans". This was true for many years, even in young US, not everyone had a bilble. Dark Ages were dark in that many illerate people.
I don't understand Cindy's comment : True can be found in the Bible but, it is Rare ???
Eye opening article! What is the difference, then, between preaching and trying to convert? As a Christian who wants to see Israel find their fulfillment in the Messiah Christ Jesus, I find conversations especially hard to keep up with them. What would you suggest be my aim in presenting the Good News? I am loved by your God, accepted on the basis of the Father's grace; but, like the prodigal son, my older brother does seems to disdain me for it. How do I talk to my brother?
"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him off whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written,
"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
who bring glad tidings of good things!"
If Jesus is your Messiah, perhaps a little advice from my older brother will go a long way toward reconciliation, both between ourselves and our Father.
God bless you.
Jesus talked about the Kingdom of G-d very much. A Kingdom is not religion. A Kingdom is governed by the Kings spoken and written commands, statutes and judgments. Jesus was/is not a religious person, He is a King, for this He was born, and testified so in Pilots court. Convert is a religious term, Kingdom's offer Kingdom citizenship. The good news, is yes Jesus, but it's also about giving invitation to be citizen in the Kingsom. It's a free choice and not like Crusaders, nor long ago Vatican church, and islam who hisotricall converts through te sword.
Most Christian preaching comes though emotion munipuation and theats, like go to hell. The Kingdom of G-d was never like that, Jesus offered salvation into HIs kingdom. Christianity, is full of really good people, generous, kind but is made of over 30,000 different denominations, who don't agree even on what sin is, and made made "religion". Bible is Hebrew in language, thought and culture, not Roman, Euopean, Western cultures. Basically, the Message of hebew, Jewish Messiah became morphed as it left Judea, and entered the various nations, firstly Rome, Roman Catholic, and Protestant, they all have lost the original message and intention. Like playing post office.
The Pope is not my Messiah, He doesn't follow the real Jewish Messiah, i the way King Jesus taught, and whatever his good will at this time toward Jewish, will ony last until he gives a new edict, or dies and theirs a new pope.
Pope has no biblical authority to declare Jewish don't need Jesus, Pope has no bibical authority to declare don't convert Jewish. Where we agree or not; it's not his calling, it is the calling and authority of Jesus Christ, or in Hebrew Yeshua HA Messiah and HIs FAther to make those decisions. By the was Christ was not His last name, Christ is a title, Annointed One, is very poor communication to use just "christ' Go back to the Hebrew roots, read bible for youself, not all the extra, pope doctrines.
Janice - Is it not true the Old Testament was written in Hebrew; with the exception of portions of Daniel Chapter 4 (Nebuchadnezzar's testimony), and the New Testament in Greek? If this is true, we have available within the Christian faith many Hebrew and Greek scholars who help us to understand Hebrew culture then and now. They also help us to understand the New Testament culture; not only for the Israelite but for the gentile as well. As a minister of the Gospel of Christ (with emotion) I strive to share the truth of the Gospel with the lost of this world. You suggest, it seems, the Christian community holds to a "morphed" message of Christ Jesus. Your write,
"Christianity, is full of really good people, generous, kind but is made of over 30,000 different denominations, who don’t agree even on what sin is, and made made “religion”. Bible is Hebrew in language, thought and culture, not Roman, Euopean, Western cultures. Basically, the Message of hebew, Jewish Messiah became morphed as it left Judea, and entered the various nations,"
I'm not sure I fully understand the full meaning of your comment, but can you document for us where you learned "the Message of hebew, Jewish Messiah became morphed as it left Judea, and entered the various nations?"
Reconcilliation, does not come through any Pope, HIs kingdom is not the Jewish King Jesus Kingdom. Reconcilliation through any Pope changes with the political winds.
Jesus said if you don't know (be in covenant and teach) Moses, then you don't know (be in covenant) with Him. Pope has no biblical authority. The 7th Day Sabbath, the Feasts of the LORD (bible does not say feasts of Jews) and the rest of the tenants in MOsaic covenant are the laws, customs of the Kingdom of G-d.
Christian religious all of them are not true Kingdom of Yeshua the Jewish Messiah; is time to return to the origins of faith. Pope doesn't forgive sins, Yeshua Messiah forgives sins. Pope's forgive you for breaking their relgious rules.
The good news is not Just Jesus is the Messiah, who dies and was resurrected and forgives our sins. He paid the penalty for the decendants of the lost tribes of Israel who broke the covenant, and as a result were sent into excile, to repent, and return to the Covenant and the Land. As well as those who were never part of the Covenant; but would accept the Yoke of Heaven (covenant as given thorugh mOses) It offers Kingdom immigration, not religious conversion.
Lk 4:18 Jesus is in synagoe, He is handed the scroll of Isiah 61, He stands to read (this standing is what a King or judge does when He make a legal decree) is most likely a smittah year. He stops reading all of Is 61 as He does all the works that are listed, and is related to laws given for smittah found in Lev 23-26. Notice the verse says, to "proclaim the favorable year of the LORD" A favorable year is a smttah year.
When Yeshua returns He may read the rest of Is 61, as And the Day of VEngence of YHVH; and will most likely be a Jubilee Year, as Yeshua counts it; not as the Pope, Pope has no bibical or Kingdom authority, just authority over his man made religion.
Oliver states, "nowhere in the Bible are the Jews declared guilty of killing Yeshua..." In Acts 7:52, we read the words of Stephen to the Jewish leadership, "Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:" Stephen makes it clear the Jewish leadership was guilty of the death of the Son of God, And we also find the Jews fully accepted the blame for the shed blood of Christ. The Jews said on the very day they rejected Pilate's offer to release Jesus as an act of mercy on Passover, cried out for His crucifixion, "His blood be on us, and on our children." (Matthew 27:25). While it is true the death of Christ was ordained before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8) and that God was in complete control of His life and His death, the instruments (used by God) to bring about the death of His Son were His own brethren - the Jews. The Bible is clear on the matter.
By that statement I meant that nowhere are the Jewish people declared "corporately" guilty for that generation and all generations to come.
Hi i am a great fan of olive tree ministry.I learn a lot from Jan Markel. however ,the article regarding the pope's comment on Jews need not to convert to Christianity is anti Christ plus is not biblical.
I understand the injustice and determination committed by the catholic church against Jews.
The bible clearly tell us Jesus is the only way to go to God the father .are they going to strike out this verse in order to appease the Jews(i mean the pope)
I do not believe by replacement theology and it is not biblical.However, does not justify the Jews not to believe in Jesus to inherit the kingdom of God.
The leaders of the Jews religion leaders are the one who crucify the messiah Jesus Christ .There is historical and biblical evidence to this effect.
Jesus even acknowledge this fact and said forgive them they do not know what they are doing.
Jesus was crucified by Jews religious leaders to fulfill the prophecy in the old testament that he will be crucified to save us from the original sin committed by Adam and Eve.
Jesus set us free from the bondage of law in the old testament which are humanly impossible to satisfy .sticking to the laws not only the 10 commandment but also 1000 un biblical of laws created the Jews religious leader if making fun of God plus the sacrifice paid by Jesus on the cross.we are all saved by the Grace not following the Sabbath or observing laws.The only way for salvation and everlasting life is believing in Jesus and establishing personal relation ship with Jesus .This is true for all people including Jews. Any teaching than replace the exclusiveness of salvation through Jesus Christ is only the gospel of anti Christ. The pope has no authority who is going to heaven or not.He recently said that atheist can also go to heaven.He is the vicar of Devil not Christ.If every body going to heaven with out believing in Jesus Christ, what was the purpose of dying in the cross?please let us examine the words of carefully instead of listing the false teachers Like the pope. we true believers in gospel need explanation from Jane markel. i am writing this comment on behalf of 22 brothers and sisters in Christ.