Pet peeves are a popular device. They provide people of varied backgrounds with common ground; a foundation of like perceptions from which fraternal relations and civil discourse can prosper. But this tactic is a two-edged sword, as it also provides fodder for the not-so-civil exchanges with those that are not-so-like-minded. I perceive that this may be one of those times.
I intend to delve into a topic that goes well beyond the bounds of a 'pet' problem. This is instead a foray into the minefield of organized and traditionally sanctioned religious praxis. This post directly addresses a topic in which many people are heavily vested, both emotionally and economically. Persons so vested are thus compromised in both vision and intent. Therein lies the rub.
In the title banner of this blog-space abides the descriptor: "Welcome to an open discussion of 1st century Messianic Judaism." This statement hints at the crux of my pet peeve and directly addresses the conundrum that plagues modern Messianic Judaism. Mine is an attempt to apply the most uncommon of attributes - common sense - to the most common of problems - human nature.
There are those that see Messianic Judaism as an evangelical movement; a Christian outreach to the traditional Jewish community. Hence the Wikipedia definition: Messianic Judaism is a syncretic religious movement that arose in the 1960s and 70s. It blends evangelical Christian theology with elements of religious Jewish practice and terminology. Without looking under the skirts of Christianity with a critical eye, suffice to say that the focus of this effort is to convert ethnic and cultural Jews to a Christian theosophy while retaining a certain amount of Jewish flavor and ambiance.
Then again, there are those that view Messianic Judaism as Messianic 'Jewish' in nature. This group is led by Messianic Jews that are trying to BE (pun alert) a form of traditional Judaism that includes Y'shua as the long lost Jewish Messiah. Hence the UMJC statement: The Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC) envisions Messianic Judaism as a movement of Jewish congregations and groups committed to Yeshua the Messiah that embrace the covenantal responsibility of Jewish life and identity rooted in Torah, expressed in tradition, and renewed and applied in the context of the New Covenant. Messianic Jewish groups may also include those from non-Jewish backgrounds who have a confirmed call to participate fully in the life and destiny of the Jewish people. We are committed to embodying this definition in our constituent congregations and in our shared institutions. (emphasis, emphasis mine)
This group's primary goal is to be accepted as a valid form of Judaism by the Jewish community. They claim Torah observance in it's many and varied manifestations as Jewish cultural markers and distance themselves (with a ten-foot pole) from Gentile inclusion, many of their 'rabbis' counseling those pesky Goyim to remain in their churches. So much for, "...one new man in Messiah." They cling to compromised dogma such as Bipolar Ecclesiology in a vain attempt to render their observance as acceptable in Jewish circles. Recently it was revealed in casual conversation, that their headquarters might be situated on a Caribbean isle known as St. Happening.
There are many Messianic organizations and congregations that fall somewhere in the no-man's-land between these entrenched extremes. But alas, many are nonetheless heavily vested in a war that is bereft of heavenly goals, spiritual clarity and contextually sound scriptural support. To presume that Messianic Judaism should be shoe-horned into either modern Christianity or modern traditional Judaism is folly of the highest order; goals characterized by pseudo-conga lines of the visually impaired, undulating to culturally appropriate strains; lines that despite the broadness of the way, conclude their festivities in a linear earthen mosh pit and ministered to by very crafty Canis lupus attired in wool. Kippas and tallot are optional. Tithes and offerings, not so much.
The current path of modern Messianic Judaism assumes that both of these highly structured, if fractured expansive religious systems;
1) are not fraught with compounded and recursive theological error due to ethnic, cultural and sociopolitical influences,
2) are administered by caring and sincere people that would rather work downwind from the choking stench of a tannery while stitching tents than fleece the flock, and
3) are somewhere near the vision of Messiah; that of edicts of the Heavenly Throne being administered by His Spirit, according to His Word and through the anointed earthly emissaries of His choosing - not ours.
These assumption may be found detailed in numerous religious commentaries between the headings of 'Slim' and 'Fat' chance.
Please don't get me wrong. There are some notable exceptions to be found in independent congregations that ignore all but the Word and Will of the Father in heaven. Congregations that have offices of service, not paid offices of leadership. Congregations where two or three of His anointed speak and the congregation decides. But these are exceptional oases on the thirsty steppes of the Messianic path.
I have not lost sight of all the sweet souls that silently and sincerely serve. I do not discount the impressive quality and voluminous nature of the resources these religious organizations have to offer. I am not blinded to the good and charitable works of some of these various groups. But submitting to the rule of these organizations; submitting to these 'rabbis' and 'leaders' that act as 'spiritual fathers', in blatant rebellion to the instructions of the Master, for the sake of their good deeds, personal relationships, emotional investments, community concerns, peer pressure, prestige or personal gain is no substitute for simply picking up your allotted burden - the execution stake - and following Him.
Sometimes, if the shoe fits, it's better to just go barefoot.
Freely you have received, freely give.
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"Bipolar ecclesiology"... Hmmmm... Where have I heard that before? :)
ReplyDeleteGreat article. Excellent description of the various camps.
Thank you and yes, a self-induced condition worthy of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. I don't say this lightly, as nothing is worthy of SSRIs - unless unintended (or even intended) side-effects are your thing. :D
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