I’ve been wondering how to broach this subject, and I think I should just say it straight out. I get lots of interesting questions because of this site, and 99% I’m really very happy to answer them. I’ve also enjoyed many interesting discussions and debates about specific issues or points that I’ve raised on this site. Many of these people are now people I regularly correspond with and get all happy about when they leave comments on the site. (*I do love the comments!*)
However, beginning your question with phrases like, “what scripture do you use to defend your practices,” is not a good choice. I seem to have an influx of Christian visitors recently, and especially those who call themselves “Messianic Jews.” I will be honest and say that my experience with Messianic Jews, or Christians as I prefer to call them, has not been good. In my past experience, their only interest in me and my site is to either (a) try to convert me or (b) turn my site into their pulpit.
I read and join the conversation on a variety of blogs including Christian ones. When I am reading the thoughts of someone outside my spiritual path, I try to remain aware of the specific ways the different faith traditions filter information. And I would ask the same of those who come to this site. I am Jewish. I am not interested in converting to Christianity, or frankly adding Jesus’s teaching to those I study. Yes, I know Jesus was Jewish — but his teachings and those asking me to consider them — are now Christianity. It’s a line in the sand for me. Judaism is not an incomplete for of Christianity — it’s a self-contained religion with a myriad of flavors and facets.
If you are not Jewish, but are truly interested in my thoughts on things spiritual or my particular approach to things — I welcome the conversation — but my focus is on reaching out to Jews interested in Earth-based practice. I do not understand why I am able to easily explain to Pagans the difference between Hermetic Qabalah and the Jewish mystical tradition of kabbalah, but not be able to discuss the large difference between the Torah, Talmud, and the Jewish tradition of interpretation and the Christian bible and approach to scripture.
But please show me the respect that you would expect.
Technorati Tags: rant, interfaith, earth-based judaism, understanding, respect
Shalom
You are so right,respect is the basic that would spare us al a lot of conflicts.
Not only in personal discusion between persons but also between nations.
Pesach is upon us,pesach stands for freedom.
Did G-d not offer freedom first.
Lead the Hebrews to freedom.
Gave the Hebrews the choice.