Professor Rosen-Zvi - you would make a most gifted preacher of sermons (I think you must be a rabbi.) ;) I greatly enjoyed your lecture. You shine much illumination on that era and Judaism and Christianity of that time. Your lecture clarifies much and corrects my limited understanding and I understand the era better as a result. Thank you. And thank you to Kedem for presentng the lecture and all of its other fine work!
This professor went through a lot of information on Christianity from a small Jewish sect to the religion of the Roman empire. Professor Rosen-Tzi has a zeal for learning & it is contiguous.I need to brush up on my reading for this subject. I wish some of my professors were more like this man. He makes you want to learn more. Thank you, Alex for having him on your channel. I am glad to see that your channel is growing! Sincerely, Matt R
Atwell has solved this & we know with Hudson who Shakespear was. How can anyone want to be a Christian? It is obvious to the sane, there is no god, no Jesus Christ, no prophesy, outside of fiction. Christian meat comes from butchering the context of words & a sublime tourism resource. Can there be any moral justification for the Christian? It is obvious to the sane, there is no god, no Jesus Christ, no prophesy, outside of fiction. Christians gain for themselves by butchering the context of words. I'm sure, if everyone is not aware of the alleged deity, the god title is a bit fudged, & does not fit. Dear Christian Uploader, my god, have you any sense of decency? Christian invocations call into existence evil as good; they are wolves in sheep's clothing. We know a tree by the fruit. We know them by their works. Thank God secular law & order finally stopped the witch killings. I can only imagine if a deity desired my awareness of it, I would probably be aware & if not, then why call deity other than fiction? Christians embarrass & insult us with this barrage of nonsense, retreating into caves like this channel to refuel. You encourage people to travel as if best done with one foot in fantasyland. Theologians grant each other doctorates based on nothing whatsoever. Christians are fascists, rendering to Caesar what is his, exercising freedom of speech with abuse. The naked ape is a vein species, Christians want to own the narrative, claiming knowledge of a supreme being, which is never verified beyond a tool of fiction. Christians insult intelligence in public, suggesting we navigate reality with one foot one foot in literary fiction & state propaganda. Christians authorize themselves to weigh-in on whatnot as if Earth had gravity-free zones, & everyone knows it. We inherit their vast bulk of our oldest documents, the records of looting & torture: inquisitions. Christians are hypocrites with productions like this, making a scene of praying in the temple. Christians are the lowlifes in society, avoided like the insane pretending to talk to an invisible friend, holding a hairdryer in place of a phone. Christians manufacture ultimate vanity, proclaiming we are all gods, children of the highest god. When the contradictions of the economic system catch up to it, the politicians intone the same notions, because they don't know what to do. Democracy is a cult-like faith where many actually believe giving power to others always has consequence which can be tolerably managed by the managers. The models for Limits to Growth of 1973 were accurate. The state has no plans, so the only difference between a Republican & a Democrat is how fast the knee hits the floor when a donor walks in the room & SCOTUS produces stench. What is really funny, is these Christian delusions support videos. Christians ignore they are rejects, politely avoided like the old lady with 400 pet cats. Christians don't comprehend the parody being played, the guy making a scene of prayer in the temple. Christians are largely given a pass for suggestions we navigate with a map of fantasyland. Christians present evil as good, the wolves in sheep's clothing. Christians authorize themselves to weigh-in on whatnot as if Earth had gravity-free zones, and everyone knows it. That is why Alex Jones puts Jesus-lingo in the sales delivery.
What an entertaining Professor. I hope he is appreciated by his students. Your series is very informative. I'm a non practicing cradle catholic and find the historical analysis riveting!
Paul took to Jerusalem the problem of circumcision to the apostolic leaders and discussed if it was right to do this to the gentiles. Peter, as the leader of the apostles said it was not to be put forth anymore. We Christians believe that Baptism took the place of circumcision. But to say Paul is the sole “decider” is to ignore New Testament revelations. St. Ignatius of Antioch not only mentions the name of christians but uses for the first time katholos, Catholic Church. God bless!!
5 minutes in and already this scholar is wrong. Paul never prohibited circumcision. If anyone actually reads his letters they will find out he circumcised his own disciple Timothy. He never forbids it. He simply points out that it is not necessary physically. But to be spiritually circumcised.
==== Books by Ishay Rosen-Zvi (affiliated links) Goy: Israel's Multiple Others and the Birth of the Gentile (Oxford Studies in the Abrahamic Religions) amzn.to/3HQ8iaf = Demonic Desires: "Yetzer Hara" and the Problem of Evil in Late Antiquity (Divinations: Rereading Late Ancient Religion) amzn.to/3uZg9KS = The Evil Inclination in Early Judaism and Christianity amzn.to/3WxutGx
You can't begin to discuss why Christianity was successful without discussing the power of the concept of the Incarnation. And then of course the concept of grace vs law. This is the "good news" that caused Christianity to spread like wildfire.
*"Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness."* _Matthew 4:23 NLT_ *"And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come."* _Matthew 24:14 NLT_ *"This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God[...]Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. 'The time promised by God has come at last!' he announced. 'The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!'"* _Mark 1:1, 14-15 NLT_ *"Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them. But he replied, 'I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.'”* _Luke 4:42-43 NLT_ *“Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides. But now the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in."* _Luke 16:16 NLT_
Or how about the very temporal power of the then Roman emperor harnessed by manipulative Christian bishops. All religions are about power over others made all the more sinister by trying to tell others how to think.
And we can begin to discuss any topic including christianity without asking permission of anyone. Discussion is not dogmatic. It invites other ideas. Religions in general do not tolerate discussion. Eg I live near a Kadampa Buddhism centre. I was chatting to a young woman from it when she asked me what I thought of their new temple. I said I didnt like it. I was referring to its design. It is out of place in a formerly tranquil countryside. "Oh dear, I cant talk to you any more. Sorry." was her response. I have read that this outfit is more of a sect than anything and that adherents are not allowed to talk to anyone who expresses negative thought. I was shocked to have this accusation verified.
@@BNelso-lf7db It is easy for you to come across as an "third rate smart-arse intellectual atheist" making cheap strawman arguments. As a great theologian said even Betrand Russell was an "intellectual baby" compared to Thomas Aquinas...
This is an excellent lecture, and it presents a new perspectives (at least new to me) on the issue of how Christianity conquered the Roman, and later the wider world, instead of Judaism.
Thank you for a very good presentation of Christianity! About martyrdom... Never deny our faith, is what we are taught. Jesus says in Matthew 10:33.."whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."
Peter's in trouble. But I am sure there is an excuse. As always. We are responsible for our actions. Words mean nothing. Faith is that excuse for failure.
Another magnificent exposition with a fascinating comment about early Christian organisation as opposed to contemporary Jewish diversity! It is a long time since i studied the Patristics course and this was an excellent 'refresher'. Much food for thought! Great to hear and see a scholar under full sail traversing the ocean of knowledge!
There was even more diversity in "early Christianity" than in the forming rabbinic Judaism.... There was no one Christian organisation, the pre-orthodox aisle was only ultimately victorious form the council of Nicaea and the proclamation a a state religion!
He got most of it correct, it's a great view/perspective from a Jewish side. I will touch on what he didn't get accurate. Jesus and his Apostles, including hundreds of his first followers (disciples) were Jewish. The Roman Empire considered Jesus followers as a "Jewish Sec". Each of his Apostles began to travel outside of Rome and Israel to spread the word of the Bible all based on the Jewish Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The disciples each established Churches in different areas, after the passing of the original disciples, Bishops became the leader of each area with the Cathedral being the capital of area Churches. The Bishop of Rome is the father of the Church or THE POPE because he follows the first Bishop, Apostle Peter or Saint Peter. While disciples followed Jesus and learned from him, the apostles were in charge of continuing Jesus' ministry, spreading the gospel, and creating worship communities. Early on, the Church named itself Catholic (meaning "Universal") in order to convert and accept "everyone" into the religion. All the teachings were based on Jesus Teachings, Gospels and Jewish Bible and Traditions. In the year 380 Pope Damasus commissioned the gathering of all scriptures and writings to combine into THE HOLY BIBLE. There was a split between the Churches of the East and West that lead to the Catholic Orthodox Churches and the Roman Catholic Church (Schism of 1054). After further smaller splits from the Roman Catholic Church occurred, most notably the Lutheran Church which lead way to many denominations (simply called Protestants). Over time, the protestant church has been divided into a variety of denominations, including but not limited to, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, and Wesleyan. Since the mid 1800's it has also included The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church). During the Protestant Church split, outsiders began generalization or calling them CHRISTIAN CHURCHES, because they all follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church does not consider itself Christians, but Catholics. This is the reason why, Muslims are not viewed as Christians even though they have similar beliefs. Muslims follow the teachings of Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam and view Jesus Christ as just another Prophet that was blessed with creating miracles. It was not a contest about winning, the Jewish teachings are there, ten commandments, Moses, etc. "Christianity" in the general sense captured more followers because it became UNIVERSAL.
Ok so if Paul described the hierarchy of how being Christian is supposed to be deployed, then are these “bible only” evangelicals wrong to say that we don’t need anyone between us and God? I belong to the Assyrian church of the east and try to discuss this with my evangelical friends and family members. I tell them that “tradition” was there well before the New Testament was canonized.
Speaking as a former Christian… I am still fascinated by the story of how Christianity emerged, it is like trying to put together the pieces of a murder mystery…. Except there is no Sherlock Holmes to swoop in.
@@pepepena1937 What are my beliefs now.? I spent decades being a respectful agnostic. Then one day, I woke up thinking… “Who am I kidding? I do not actually feel uncertain about whether there is a God; it is simply no longer an issue for me. I fully accept that it is blindingly unlikely that there is a God. Moreover, IF there is a god….I am confident that we know nothing about God; and that all our religions are human invented nonsense that are irrelevant to god . I do not say this from arrogance, hatred, or contempt… this is a simple unemotional statement of what I am comfortable saying that I believe to be true.
Paul never forbids circumcision, he forbade it as a barrier to baptism as the church congregation he was writing that letter to was requiring of potential converts...also Justin Martyr wasn't preaching replacement theory, he was simply restating Paul's teaching that Jesus had adopted his flock into the Family of Jacob...that we are the nations grafted into the vine.
Enjoyed this, but feel that our learned friend misses out on a couple of points 1. Jesus was crucified, Romans and Jewish leaders in cahoots over this. 2. He rose again within three days, and those early martyrs of His chose gleefully to die,rather that deny that He had indeed risen. The very word " resurrection" only applies to this man alone. Unique 3. It was Paul that married Jewish prophetic, wisdom historical scripture to Greek philosophy and Roman law. And this synthesis depended on the very person of Jesus Himself. Believe in Him or be condemned, having to live under Mosaic law that couldnt be kept . Or under no law, and so being damned. 4. The concept of grace, alongside hopes of salvation and being in Gods New Covenant ,via mere acceptance of Jesus life being sacrificed ,then resurrected ? It was an attractive offer, and Paul created a powerful, near unarguable theology fron it. 5. My point? It was the CONTENT of the Gospel message that created the Christian momentum. Yes, they were organised and lived out a holy life in rhe face of Roman terrors and Jewish attacks in places and times. But we all know now that the Jews are the Christians big sister, stronger older brother that gave us the scriptures that the Gospels draw from. But the content and new priorities that the New "Testament " gives, can only be understood as that of a wayward, other wordly Jewish rabbi. As interpreted by the most significant thinker of those times, who knitted Jew, Roman and Greek wool into a Christian pattern that serves us today.
Could you please spell out the name of the person who interpreted the Old Testament in the second century ce. Professor in the video said, his name is Origin. But not sure how should I spell it to further read on the interpretations. Thanks in advance
Buddhism was both a universal and missionary religion. It was also known to the Romans and Egyptians by at least the start of the Common Era. It's new way of thinking outside of ethnicity and based on the individual's experience and actions predates Christianity. I would guess (wild, uninformed guess) that was the major influence for the Jesus movement to become open. Many of the Jesus parables and teachings echo the, at that time, well established 400 year old teachings of Gautama Siddhartha.
Yeah, not sure I buy his argument here about the uniqueness of Christianity's universalist and missionary approach. Not just Buddhism, which may have been known but didn't seem to make any large inroads in the Mediterranean world. It's a bit weird that he mentions things like Mithraism spreading among the legions - that's another non-ethnic religion, but he doesn't seem to acknowledge that. Zoroastrianism might have been heading in that direction as well. A It seems to be something that was developing in religious thought in that era. Christianity was very distinct from Judaism and from older more localized ethnic pagan religions, but hardly unique.
Well done. I’m a big fan of Paula Fredriksen’s scholarship, and appreciate his reference to her work. The importance of the concept of ethne is vital for modern people to understand, in order to really get what these scholars are saying. It’s not quite the same as the modern “ethnic,” although it comes close. The all-encompassing and permanent nature of ethne, and its association with the god or gods of one’s people - that it’s part of what one is born with - makes that Christian move of universality all the more revolutionary. I would like to know, however, how Prof. Rosen-Zvi interprets the passage in the book of Romans in which Paul uses the analogy of the cultivated olive tree and the branches of the wild olive that are grafted in. He explains that Christians “inherit” the promises of the Jewish God only as they are attached to the cultivated tree of Israel. Therefore, he says, the wild branches are forbidden to look down upon those people who were already part of the cultivated tree. Doesn’t this indicate that, rather than replace Israel, goyim join into the Jewish ethne, through their commitment to Jesus - who was, after all, born of the Jewish people? The analogy of adoption also applies. Adoption into what? A dead tree? Of course not; into the still-living tree of the Jewish people. To whom Paul’s followers are admonished to be humble and loving.
There are more Muslims in the world now than Christains. Jews and Muslims in AMERICA are few. Atheism is growing world wide including Israel and Asia, Nordics, etc. People are sick of religious wars and tyranny.
I don’t know how anyone can analyze such a complex era without mentioning Prof. Joseph Krausner ? His two volume books “from Jesus to Paul” in a conclusion of the previous 1000 years of research. A good lecture would be to summarize Klauzner first in bullet points then add whatever is new you bring to the table. I’m referring here to few of lectures I listened to, here in Kedem
What are your thoughts of Acts 16, where Paul, (Sha’ul) did b’ rit-Milah on Timothy because of the Jews living in those areas? Can we be certain Paul forbid, discontinued with this practice?
Surely Rome was open, not closed, to other beliefs? For example the cult of Mithras spread through the Roman Empire at the same time as Christianity. It also happily co-opted local gods in the provinces. It was this diversity within the Roman Empire's religions that gave both Christianity and Judaism their niches outside Palestine. It is just that, as he says, Christianity was an extrovert missionary religion, whereas Judaism was introverted and exclusionary.
But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Fantastic presentation. I am always amazed how the religious impluse, especialy in Christianity, is justified through theoretical gymnastics. I wonder if monotheism could theorise (using allegory of course) its way out of patriarchy, misogyny and homophobia.
You could say Christianity, viewed from a marketing and subscriptions perspective was well ahead of its time. It opens membership to EVERYONE regardless of race or economic status. It strips away the observance of the law (depicting it as an onerous burden). It removes the circumcision barrier (a deal breaker for at least half the population). Psychologically speaking, it knows the power of the, 'carrot and the stick' in shaping human behavior and creates the allure of a heavenly reward and places it against the coercive threat of eternal torture. It also departs from the idea of being created in the image and likeness of God and instead focuses on humanity being wretched, worthless, corrupt and depraved. In other words, you're infected with a disease for which there is no cure, BUT WAIT, we have a way out! Step right up folks,... and meet your way out of your hopeless situation, His name is JESUS! Marketing Genius! All this and a celebrity endorsement in the form of a ROMAN EMPEROR and you're going places baby!
Your ignorance is overwhelming: we never left the idea that we aren't created in God's image and likeness of God. Get a real education: not just indoctrination.
@david janbaz my ignorance is not too overwhelming. In Judaism, (the theistic foundation of the Christian faith), a method of atonement was well established for centuries in the observance of God's law. Humans, (being created in the image and likeness of God) had it within their power to choose God's path and follow his laws. "I have set before you LIFE and DEATH, blessing and curse; therefore CHOOSE life, that you and your offspring may live." Devarim 30:19 In the evolution of Christianity, we see several profound doctrinal departures from its Jewish foundations. A notable about face, involves the invention of original sin. The concept is now weighted in a way that views each baby born into this world as an evil, wretched convicted felon. And, (infected as they are with this malignant congenital defect), they cannot 'choose' anything of their own will and volition. Again, humans are heretofore viewed as helpless, corrupt and depraved and are condemned to be burned in conscious misery for all eternity! Oh, and that's another thing, eternal torture 🔥(HELL)🔥 is also a Christian innovation that DID NOT EXIST in the Jewish theological framework. Enter the fix,... God sacrifices Himself to Himself to change a rule He came up with reminding me of yet another stark contradiction with the clear descriptions expressed in Jewish scripture where the biblical writ describes (in several passages) God's UNIQUE, 'SINGULAR' NATURE. The notion of, '3 amigos' comprising some kind of confusing God-head or Trilogy is a completely alien notion in Judaism and sounds more pagan in nature where God babies born of some mysterious sexual union between a God and a human female is a common motif and, speaking of pagans, there's an expression in biblical scholarship that, "Rome didn't convert to Christianity, Christianity converted to Rome."
Yeah, it's great marketing to denounce the very popular pagan deities that were being worshipped at the as well as suffering persecution, being tortured, beheaded, fed to lions etc..
With all due respect for the enthusiastic professor, he tries to explain the pull of the new religion with a complicated theory (which I still am not sure I understand), while ignoring the much simpler and obvious explanation that is staring him in the face. Judaism is a difficult and scary religion. The Old Testament has 613 commandments, and according to the Rabbinic Tradition, they turn into thousands more by way of the Oral Law's expansion of the Torah, and they are all accompanied by punishments. For example, the single commandment to observe the Sabbath forbids 39 tasks and hundreds of corollaries, and violating a single one of them intentionally is punishable by a Heavenly death. In order to receive the Land of Israel that God had promised to Abraham, his descendants had to first suffer through hundreds of years in a painful exile, with many more to follow in Israel's history. Then along come the Apostles and introduce a religion in which the vast majority of the onerous commandments are waived. Sabbath merely demands that you go to Church and don't go to your job. You can now eat almost anything you want. No longer are you forbidden to till and sow the land an reap its grain every seventh year. Even more importantly, all the scary punishments are waived. You can commit every sin in the Bible, and all that is required to avoid punishment and Hell is saying the magic word -- "I believe in Jesus!" After a long history of constant warnings and reproofs by the Jewish prophets, the Christian prophets now offer a mass amnesty program. Say you believe, and Jesus will wipe your slate clean. Of course the masses would find this new religion attractive. It makes life (and death) so much easier and more appealing.
Islam has very strict rules and rituals. It’s followed by 25% of the world’s population. Yes by early forced occupation then gradual conversion but nevertheless the 25% of world population do follow it today. Christianity is followed by 32% of people worldwide, through colonialism and forced conversion. Colonized Christians and colonized Muslims are mostly happy today with their ‘foreign’ religions. The real reason Christianity won over J, and only 300 years after Jesus was ex is simple: Christianity became the forced religion of the powerful Roman Empire.
@@doyouknoworjustbelieve6694 Of course I left out the other reason that Christianity won out over Judaism: Whereas C has from its beginning made conversion of other believers by proselytizing or by force a central focus of its beliefs, J not only forbids proselytizing but also requires rabbis to try to dissuade anyone seeking to convert from doing so, and only accepts him if he rejects all dissuasion efforts and insists on becoming a Jew. Moreover, whereas a born Jew remains a Jew even if he violates the commandments, a convert is only accepted if he vows to accept all 613 of the Torah's commandments. However, I only mentioned the other point because the professor was focused on the very first years of Christianity. As for Islam, let's be honest: how many Islamic countries over the centuries have been democratic? Judaism, by contrast, has lasted for 3,000 years even though Jews have lived in exile (or under foreign domination) during the vast majority of this time.
Except that Christianity competed with mythical cults, organized Greek and Roman Temples, and philosophers with more political sway. Furthermore, Christians were persecuted much more than average. (see Nero, etc.). Christians were living in desperate times and had everything to lose. If you wanted an "easy" religion, you would go to the Mithra cults or temples to Zeus, which had more carnal pleasures or political favors to get ahead. So, the professor's theory might explain why some would prefer Christianity to Judaism but not the other religions. Don't forget that for almost 200 years before Constantine, Christians were tortured and thrown to lions. It would be easier to stay a Jew or another religion. It stands to reason that something extraordinary makes Christians believe under such persecution and attracts people en-mass. Christians endured far more hardship as Christians than if they stayed Jewish or non-Christian, the "simplication" of jewish laws isn't satisfying, the obvious reason is that Christ claimed to BE the promised messiah in the Jewish scripture. Jews wouldn't leave their Law because Christianity is "simpler"; they would leave if they believed Christ fulfilled the prophecy in the Bible they are bound to since childhood.
@@exousia2002 With all due respect, I cannot debate someone who creates imaginary facts and history. Anyone who can argue that it has been historically easier to be a Jew than a Christian in terms of persecution, is either living in dreams, or willfully making up a history he prefers.
Jews unfortunately keep Gentiles out. The only way for Gentiles to get close to God is to follow the Jewish Jesus. How can it be any other way? It's like the Samaritan woman who talked to Jesus at the well. How can she worship God? Unless through Jesus, she is required to worship in spirit and truth. Jesus brings the nations to God.
Without Christianity and Islam the biblical stories and the riches found in the Bible would have only been known by a tiny % of people and instead,especially in Christian cultures,they have become extremely well known and have influenced to the maximum western literature,poetry,language,drama and music as well as thought!
It "won" when Western countries tried to find a way to India when the Ottoman Empire blocked the mediterranean to the east, but it instead found the Americas, which certain Christian Western countries could start to colonize and exploit. It didn't win because of any certain inbuilt quality.
At 11:53 the Professor makes an important statement "not everybody likes this idea." This is true and mostly lost after Constantine. However there have always been true believers in Jesus who never accepted replacement theology and were killed for their faith in Jesus and the fact God's covenants with the Jews are forever.
@@vdoniel An ad hominem argument is an attack on the holder of an opinion on grounds that have nothing to do with the nature of case under discussion. If I called you ugly or fat, THAT would be ad hominem. But since your argument is Scofieldian, an incorrect viewpoint, and you hold it, THAT's why I called you deluded.
@@vdoniel Thanks for not surprising me. The inability of people like you (an ad hominem remark) to follow anything like a train of thought is legendary.
The Christian Church followed in a footsteps of the Roman Empire Rules even while they were persecuted by the Empire. The “rules” of the empire were written on tablets in Rome for all to see.
Maybe if non believers had been forced to convert to Judaism the same way the Christians forced non believers to convert to Christianity or die throughout history, then Judaism would be the most popular religion in the 21st century.
Without hesitation, though I am not an historian, I write that Paul and his followers were able to establish Christianity as the major religion of the West, and the Jews failed ever to make inroads or even to preserve themselves, except at high cost, because the leaders of Judaism were very poor politicians. I believe their political naivety has always been their downfall. Perhaps "naivety" is the wrong word. Perhaps it would be fairer to write that Jews have never been willing to adopt their religion to make it more inclusive. In fact, the requirements of circumcision for men and the difficulty of conversion to Judaism doomed it to be always a small fraction of the local population everywhere. As a tiny minority with unfamilar practices, Jews were easily scapegoated for any problems that afflicted the larger society, diseases and natural disasters. In times of war, and Europe was always afflicted by them, as kingdoms and nations competed for territories and resources, Jews could be blamed for defeats as spies who worked for the enemy. They were seldom regarded as fellow subjects or citizens who just had a different, somewhat odd, religion.
How does God write this new covenant on the hearts of the people that they would all know Him? This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds. A testimony that better explains the absence of a High Priest on earth the message of the gospels Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. To the ends of the earth by God's decree. To all nations. “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates "the Father" has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Well, the problem with a lot of things he says is, much of that "Christian" history could be an invention of some writers working for emperor Constantin. One thing is for sure, Christianity has nothing to do with Yehoshua and his teachings.
With all his enthusiasm, he forgot the most important point: Judaism has 613 commandments, including that you can't drive or use your iphone on Shabbat. Christianity got rid of all the laws and replaced them with belief in one Godly man and all your sins are forgiven. THAT's brilliant marketing.
Not to oversimplify the obvious but "Christianity" won because of its basis in God's plan as laid out in the Old Testament. The Professor maligns the Messiah by titling him as a "Jewish Reformer." If Jesus is the Messiah as millions believe, then he is a world reformer at the very least. But he is more than that. Read about the seven claims of Christ in the Book of John ... I AM! He equates himself with God as part of what the Christians call the Holy Trinity. A reformer indeed! Rosen-Zvi seems to assert that Saul, later to be known as Paul, is the causation for the growth of Christian belief. Not true. Consider this; perhaps what is the causation of the growth could be the truths presented by Christ as Messiah. Paul and Peter and James (Christs blood brother) were faithful servants of their Lord and Master. And they were not the only evangelists. They spread the Gospel of Christ Risen. Their efforts were brought to fruition via the support of the Holy Spirit. Christ said this in The Book of John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me." Millions and millions came to believe over the last two thousand years. Hence Christianity, or better yet God, wins by having His will accomplished. Truth usually prevails.
The genius of Christianity is to approach Judaism from Noahic covenant instead of Mosaic covenant. 613 commandments become a stumbling block for most gentiles. On Acts 15 the apostles agreed to grant Gentiles an Oikonomia not to be imposed with Torah and only required to keep at least what God commanded to Noah. Yet notice a chapter later in Acts 16 Paul circumcised Timothy. Paul fully aware that he must present Christ as Jewish as possible to the Jews while as Gentile as possible to the Gentiles. This approach is genius. Because this is what God Himself did in the OT. The ancient people back then were savage and brutal so God spoke without mercy and impose severe punishment. Including commanding everyone including infants and animals to be killed. Imagine if God said to them be merciful and let your enemies alive then no one would believe He is God. Because for these people they're blinded by their conception of God that mercy is weakness not strength. But as time progress God speak mercy and tell us to love our enemies and pray for them. Because humanity has developed and becoming mature. So now God speak as if He talking to someone who is mature. To babies He spoke like a baby. To adults He spoke as an adult. This is why Christianity spread among gentiles better than Judaism. By presenting it for Noah's descendants Christianity gain traction better than imposing strictness of the Torah. Christianity spiritualize the Torah. So instead of separating man and woman Paul speak that in Christ there's no male and female. Instead of submitting women under men Paul commanded them to obey one another. In the end it is this advantage that helps Christianity.
Paul did not prohibited the circumcision among gentiles. Actually he took the matter to Jerusalem where the Apostles were. They decided and follow the orders.
Nothing - never meant to be a war - it was all about salvation through truth - giving gentiles too a chance to correct - not about wealth, power, and persecution - have to answer for the error in our ways, misrepresentation, denial of facts, causing confusion, causing one to disbelieve (to fall) etc etc.
It's easier not to observe than to observe isn't it? It's easier to demonize than to praise isn't it? It's easier to plagiarize isn't it? That's exactly what occurred.
The greatest damage to the Jewish Believers in Yeshua as being the True Messiah is the false doctrine of Trinity. Bet you did not know there are over 500 million followers of Yeshua that do not follow that false doctrine but know and teach there is but one G-d. G-d is spirit not 3 persons. Yeshua was a man but like Moses the powerful spirit of almighty G-d was in his so he could do all those Miracles. The Messiah was in the mind and plan of G-d before the earth was created. New Covenant says Yeshua was slain (in the plan of G-d ) before the earth was Created. And without the shedding of blood there is no remission. That is why millions of animals were slain in the old Covenant to cover sin for 1 more year. Daniel 9/27 plainly tells when Messiah was to arrive and be killed. Also he was to be the direct descendent of King David. Over 200 scripture tell about the Messiah and what would happen to him. And Yeshua foretold of the many events that would come upon plant earth after his death. He even told of the destruction of the second Holy Temple=which happened at 70 AD. Note from myself=after Israel destroys Iran's nuke factories Russia will bring 6 armies down through Syria to destroy Israel, However G-d will destroy 5/6 of those armies and all Nations will know G-d did it to protect Israel. Ezekiel chapters 38,39
If you are sincerely searching for the truth,seeking for peace and tranquility,islam is definitely your right choice. Do not waste your time,life is short.
The tunak says it again and again. The israelites brought Jesus to the world. All the early follows of Christ were Israelites. Everyone from Jesus to all the apostles. Christianity is out of and from the chosen people of God. That is undeniably.
Judaism required books, education and the support of teachers (rabbis). The common person had no need or use for literacy or this additional expense. Christianity had no requirement to send children to learn and taking them away from work.
Christianity won because when Portuguese , Spanish , Italian , German , French and people from the British isles unite they are a force to be reckoned with .
Christianity won because it proselytizes and is inclusive of all nations. If Judaism would proselytize and include nations then it would also win. It’s that simple.
Don’t forget that in the pagan world of Europe many great ones were born to virgins and fathered by gods like Alexander the Great, Plato, Horus, Attis (also resurrected), Romulus & Remus, Ra and even fictional Hercules et al. It is that reason that Isaiah 7:14 was purposely mistranslated to say that a virgin gave birth as a sign to Ahaz (during a battle with the northern kingdom & Syria) that all would be ok even though the birth (sign) happened 700 years later. Jesus being born from a virgin was very effective among the pagan population. Also let’s not forget that so many were converted by force not by true acceptance. Also if a nation’s king became Christian the entire population was coerced to join. The kings and crusaders didn’t really care how people believed rather it was more for control and power. Believe as your told then eternal life - if not a fire and brimstone hell. That’s one of the main reasons Christianity grew. Not my opinion- read how it grew.
Stop reveling in your scriptural ignorance. Read the Torah and the Tanakh. Anyone that reads scripture will tell you that Christ birth falls right in line with the order of how THE MOST HIGH does things. Shoftim - Judges - Chapter 13 3 And an angel of the Lord appeared to the woman, and said to her, "Behold now, you are barren, and have not borne; and you shall conceive and bear a son. 4 Consequently, beware now, and do not drink wine or strong drink, and do not eat any unclean thing. 5 Because you shall conceive, and bear a son; and a razor shall not come upon his head, for a Nazirite to God shall the lad be from the womb; and he will begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines." Bereshit - Genesis - Chapter 18 10 And he said, "I will surely return to you at this time next year, and behold, your wife Sarah will have a son." And Sarah heard from the entrance of the tent, and it was behind him. Melachim I - I Kings - Chapter 13 2And he called [in prophecy] about the altar at the command of the Lord, and he said: "Altar, altar, so said the Lord, "Behold a son will be born to the house of David, Josiah will be his name, and upon you he will slaughter all the priests of the high places who offer sacrifices on you, and human bones will they burn upon you." Bereshit - Genesis - Chapter 16 11And the angel of the Lord said to her, "Behold, you will conceive and bear a son, and you shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard your affliction. To invalidate Christ birth based on the logic the Rabbi is trying to use that same logic would invalidate Abraham's off spring and the Lords covenant that was made with him going forward. Hebrews 2:16,17 KJV: 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. The scriptures are clear that Christ was brought about through normal means. But like Samson the Holy Spirit resided within. As for Mathew 18-20 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. Key words "she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." meaning the angle came to her and told her about the child that was going to partnered with the holy spirit. Keep in mind a woman running around claiming she was going to have a child of the holy ghost would have been boarder line blasphemy and that is why people told Joseph to put her away. If Marry would have had the child before they were married she would have been taken out to the pubic square and stoned to death. Joseph would have had nothing to do with any of this. Honestly it is not that complicated. How many times in scripture did an angle for before a women and tell her about the off spring she was going to have and the significance it would have on future events?
Galatians 3:7 was written by Paul and clearly proves he believed in the spiritual Israel concept. So we know for a fact Justin Martyr didn't just come up with this idea but inherited it from apostolic times instead. And there is not a single verse in the New Testament which talks about replacing old Israel. Rather great effort is put into expanding the Israelite scope to include everyone who believes in the promise made to Abraham, Jew and Gentile alike, all who believe in the Messiah Yeshua. Rabbinic Jews are unhappy with this expansion of scope because they want Israel to be confined to Abraham's physical seed. That's why they use this straw man argument called "replacement theology" when in fact it should be called something like "expansion theology", because unlike with a replacement, believing Jews are not excluded but instead remain a part of the spiritual Israel, the great Christian nation of the world, where they have always belonged.
Another comment: anyone reading OT and NT intuitively, realizes that NT is not Judaism. It is an entirely different religion, with an entirely different ethic. Only Christian theologicians claim otherwise, but they are (probably for bio-emotional reasons) denying the obvious. Whether Jesus was a Jew, or a Mandean as the Mandeans claim, is irrelevant, the NT texts are considerably different from the Judaic religion, so as to probably have a different heritage than that of the Pharisaic Judaism, and that religion might have "appropriated" a real Jesus for their own purpose, like Islam appropriated Jesus and Abraham/Ibrahim from someone else.
Sociologist Rodney Stark points to data that there were about 6 million Jews spread around the Roman Empire during the 1st Century CE, but in the 3rd Century there were only about 2 million Jews. The Romans disestablished the Jewish nation after two rebellions in 70 and 100 CE, but did not persecute Jews in the rest of the empire. Normally a population would grow over the course of 4 to 5 generations. So where did the majority of Jews go to? Stark argues that the majority became part of the worshippers of Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God. Those Jews who did not accept Jesus actively rejected him and defined Judaism in those terms. While Paul describes success in converting gentiles to Christ followers, his actual associates were full of Jewish converts, and the other apostles were converting Jews in Judea and among Jewish communities in Rome and Alexandria and other cities.
![When did Judaism begin? Prof. Yonatan Adler - The Origins of Judaism [4K]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5U1TN-i0x7g/mqdefault.jpg)
![When did Judaism begin? Prof. Yonatan Adler - The Origins of Judaism [4K]](/img/tr.png)
I could listen to theses talks all day. Absolutely love them.
Thank you!
Professor Rosen-Zvi's analysis of this topic is superb. Kedem is an excellent source of Jewish and early Christian history and theology.
Thank you!
I agree.
Professor Rosen-Zvi - you would make a most gifted preacher of sermons (I think you must be a rabbi.) ;) I greatly enjoyed your lecture. You shine much illumination on that era and Judaism and Christianity of that time. Your lecture clarifies much and corrects my limited understanding and I understand the era better as a result. Thank you. And thank you to Kedem for presentng the lecture and all of its other fine work!
This professor went through a lot of information on Christianity from a small Jewish sect to the religion of the Roman empire. Professor Rosen-Tzi has a zeal for learning & it is contiguous.I need to brush up on my reading for this subject. I wish some of my professors were more like this man. He makes you want to learn more. Thank you, Alex for having him on your channel. I am glad to see that your channel is growing! Sincerely, Matt R
Atwell has solved this & we know with Hudson who Shakespear was.
How can anyone want to be a Christian?
It is obvious to the sane, there is no god, no Jesus Christ, no prophesy, outside of fiction. Christian meat comes from butchering the context of words & a sublime tourism resource.
Can there be any moral justification for the Christian? It is obvious to the sane, there is no god, no Jesus Christ, no prophesy, outside of fiction. Christians gain for themselves by butchering the context of words. I'm sure, if everyone is not aware of the alleged deity, the god title is a bit fudged, & does not fit. Dear Christian Uploader, my god, have you any sense of decency? Christian invocations call into existence evil as good; they are wolves in sheep's clothing. We know a tree by the fruit. We know them by their works. Thank God secular law & order finally stopped the witch killings.
I can only imagine if a deity desired my awareness of it, I would probably be aware & if not, then why call deity other than fiction? Christians embarrass & insult us with this barrage of nonsense, retreating into caves like this channel to refuel. You encourage people to travel as if best done with one foot in fantasyland. Theologians grant each other doctorates based on nothing whatsoever. Christians are fascists, rendering to Caesar what is his, exercising freedom of speech with abuse. The naked ape is a vein species, Christians want to own the narrative, claiming knowledge of a supreme being, which is never verified beyond a tool of fiction. Christians insult intelligence in public, suggesting we navigate reality with one foot one foot in literary fiction & state propaganda. Christians authorize themselves to weigh-in on whatnot as if Earth had gravity-free zones, & everyone knows it. We inherit their vast bulk of our oldest documents, the records of looting & torture: inquisitions. Christians are hypocrites with productions like this, making a scene of praying in the temple. Christians are the lowlifes in society, avoided like the insane pretending to talk to an invisible friend, holding a hairdryer in place of a phone. Christians manufacture ultimate vanity, proclaiming we are all gods, children of the highest god.
When the contradictions of the economic system catch up to it, the politicians intone the same notions, because they don't know what to do. Democracy is a cult-like faith where many actually believe giving power to others always has consequence which can be tolerably managed by the managers. The models for Limits to Growth of 1973 were accurate. The state has no plans, so the only difference between a Republican & a Democrat is how fast the knee hits the floor when a donor walks in the room & SCOTUS produces stench.
What is really funny, is these Christian delusions support videos. Christians ignore they are rejects, politely avoided like the old lady with 400 pet cats. Christians don't comprehend the parody being played, the guy making a scene of prayer in the temple. Christians are largely given a pass for suggestions we navigate with a map of fantasyland. Christians present evil as good, the wolves in sheep's clothing. Christians authorize themselves to weigh-in on whatnot as if Earth had gravity-free zones, and everyone knows it. That is why Alex Jones puts Jesus-lingo in the sales delivery.
What an amazing scholar, so accurate, passionate and knowledgeable. I'd like to hear more from him
Thank you! The good news are that a new episode with Prof. Rosen Tsvi will be published soon 😊
A interesting perspective on the expansion of Christianity. Thank you and to the Professor.
Thanks 🙏
Very good explanation from such an enthusiastic scholar. I loved it.
Glad you liked it!
Interview without interruption.
Impressive.
Thank you 🙏
Yes. It is a rare phenomenon!
What an entertaining Professor. I hope he is appreciated by his students. Your series is very informative. I'm a non practicing cradle catholic and find the historical analysis riveting!
Thank you 🙏
Paul took to Jerusalem the problem of circumcision to the apostolic leaders and discussed if it was right to do this to the gentiles. Peter, as the leader of the apostles said it was not to be put forth anymore. We Christians believe that Baptism took the place of circumcision. But to say Paul is the sole “decider” is to ignore New Testament revelations. St. Ignatius of Antioch not only mentions the name of christians but uses for the first time katholos, Catholic Church. God bless!!
5 minutes in and already this scholar is wrong. Paul never prohibited circumcision. If anyone actually reads his letters they will find out he circumcised his own disciple Timothy. He never forbids it. He simply points out that it is not necessary physically. But to be spiritually circumcised.
Thank You very much for an informative talk.
Never watched a schooler with such enthusiasm
He’s very Israeli.
==== Books by Ishay Rosen-Zvi (affiliated links)
Goy: Israel's Multiple Others and the Birth of the Gentile (Oxford Studies in the Abrahamic Religions)
amzn.to/3HQ8iaf
=
Demonic Desires: "Yetzer Hara" and the Problem of Evil in Late Antiquity (Divinations: Rereading Late Ancient Religion)
amzn.to/3uZg9KS
=
The Evil Inclination in Early Judaism and Christianity
amzn.to/3WxutGx
I'm almost to the end. Excellent!
Thank you 🙏
Why did it have to end?? 😫
Thanks so much for posting
Our pleasure, thank you!
Absolutely brilliant!
Thank you 😊
That was truly educational, engaging, and honestly... FUN! I love that kind of energy and it made the points stick even more.
You can't begin to discuss why Christianity was successful without discussing the power of the concept of the Incarnation. And then of course the concept of grace vs law. This is the "good news" that caused Christianity to spread like wildfire.
The Bible has great scientific accuracy like round Eartb and jet streams.
*"Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness."*
_Matthew 4:23 NLT_
*"And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come."*
_Matthew 24:14 NLT_
*"This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God[...]Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. 'The time promised by God has come at last!' he announced. 'The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!'"*
_Mark 1:1, 14-15 NLT_
*"Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them. But he replied, 'I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.'”*
_Luke 4:42-43 NLT_
*“Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides. But now the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in."*
_Luke 16:16 NLT_
Or how about the very temporal power of the then Roman emperor harnessed by manipulative Christian bishops. All religions are about power over others made all the more sinister by trying to tell others how to think.
And we can begin to discuss any topic including christianity without asking permission of anyone. Discussion is not dogmatic. It invites other ideas. Religions in general do not tolerate discussion.
Eg I live near a Kadampa Buddhism centre. I was chatting to a young woman from it when she asked me what I thought of their new temple. I said I didnt like it. I was referring to its design. It is out of place in a formerly tranquil countryside. "Oh dear, I cant talk to you any more. Sorry." was her response. I have read that this outfit is more of a sect than anything and that adherents are not allowed to talk to anyone who expresses negative thought. I was shocked to have this accusation verified.
@@BNelso-lf7db It is easy for you to come across as an "third rate smart-arse intellectual atheist" making cheap strawman arguments. As a great theologian said even Betrand Russell was an "intellectual baby" compared to Thomas Aquinas...
This is an excellent lecture, and it presents a new perspectives (at least new to me) on the issue of how Christianity conquered the Roman, and later the wider world, instead of Judaism.
Thank you!
The problem is what Constantine called Christianity was not what Jesus taught.
Thank you for a very good presentation of Christianity! About martyrdom... Never deny our faith, is what we are taught. Jesus says in Matthew 10:33.."whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."
Our pleasure
Peter's in trouble.
But I am sure there is an excuse. As always.
We are responsible for our actions. Words mean nothing. Faith is that excuse for failure.
Excellent
Deeds, not words.
I suppose it's both
Excellent.
Many thanks!
fascinating! enlightening
Thank you very much!
Another magnificent exposition with a fascinating comment about early Christian organisation as opposed to contemporary Jewish diversity! It is a long time since i studied the Patristics course and this was an excellent 'refresher'. Much food for thought! Great to hear and see a scholar under full sail traversing the ocean of knowledge!
Thank you🙏
There was even more diversity in "early Christianity" than in the forming rabbinic Judaism....
There was no one Christian organisation, the pre-orthodox aisle was only ultimately victorious form the council of Nicaea and the proclamation a a state religion!
excellent interview format. very informative
Glad you enjoyed it!
Because God. God knows the end from the beginning. This is all in God's plan. A passionate teacher is a treasure .
Very good. Thank you.
Our pleasure!
He got most of it correct, it's a great view/perspective from a Jewish side. I will touch on what he didn't get accurate. Jesus and his Apostles, including hundreds of his first followers (disciples) were Jewish. The Roman Empire considered Jesus followers as a "Jewish Sec". Each of his Apostles began to travel outside of Rome and Israel to spread the word of the Bible all based on the Jewish Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The disciples each established Churches in different areas, after the passing of the original disciples, Bishops became the leader of each area with the Cathedral being the capital of area Churches. The Bishop of Rome is the father of the Church or THE POPE because he follows the first Bishop, Apostle Peter or Saint Peter. While disciples followed Jesus and learned from him, the apostles were in charge of continuing Jesus' ministry, spreading the gospel, and creating worship communities. Early on, the Church named itself Catholic (meaning "Universal") in order to convert and accept "everyone" into the religion. All the teachings were based on Jesus Teachings, Gospels and Jewish Bible and Traditions. In the year 380 Pope Damasus commissioned the gathering of all scriptures and writings to combine into THE HOLY BIBLE. There was a split between the Churches of the East and West that lead to the Catholic Orthodox Churches and the Roman Catholic Church (Schism of 1054). After further smaller splits from the Roman Catholic Church occurred, most notably the Lutheran Church which lead way to many denominations (simply called Protestants). Over time, the protestant church has been divided into a variety of denominations, including but not limited to, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, and Wesleyan. Since the mid 1800's it has also included The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church). During the Protestant Church split, outsiders began generalization or calling them CHRISTIAN CHURCHES, because they all follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church does not consider itself Christians, but Catholics. This is the reason why, Muslims are not viewed as Christians even though they have similar beliefs. Muslims follow the teachings of Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam and view Jesus Christ as just another Prophet that was blessed with creating miracles. It was not a contest about winning, the Jewish teachings are there, ten commandments, Moses, etc. "Christianity" in the general sense captured more followers because it became UNIVERSAL.
Muslims have similar beliefs?
You, no offense, do not have even superficial knowledge about Islam, which is an absolute negation of the Bible.
Ok so if Paul described the hierarchy of how being Christian is supposed to be deployed, then are these “bible only” evangelicals wrong to say that we don’t need anyone between us and God?
I belong to the Assyrian church of the east and try to discuss this with my evangelical friends and family members. I tell them that “tradition” was there well before the New Testament was canonized.
Speaking as a former Christian… I am still fascinated by the story of how Christianity emerged, it is like trying to put together the pieces of a murder mystery…. Except there is no Sherlock Holmes to swoop in.
What are your beliefs now?
@@pepepena1937
What are my beliefs now.? I spent decades being a respectful agnostic. Then one day, I woke up thinking… “Who am I kidding? I do not actually feel uncertain about whether there is a God; it is simply no longer an issue for me. I fully accept that it is blindingly unlikely that there is a God. Moreover, IF there is a god….I am confident that we know nothing about God; and that all our religions are human invented nonsense that are irrelevant to god .
I do not say this from arrogance, hatred, or contempt… this is a simple unemotional statement of what I am comfortable saying that I believe to be true.
you seem quite silly - it must be due to your being an ex-Christian
Paul never forbids circumcision, he forbade it as a barrier to baptism as the church congregation he was writing that letter to was requiring of potential converts...also Justin Martyr wasn't preaching replacement theory, he was simply restating Paul's teaching that Jesus had adopted his flock into the Family of Jacob...that we are the nations grafted into the vine.
Enjoyed this, but feel that our learned friend misses out on a couple of points
1. Jesus was crucified, Romans and Jewish leaders in cahoots over this.
2. He rose again within three days, and those early martyrs of His chose gleefully to die,rather that deny that He had indeed risen. The very word " resurrection" only applies to this man alone. Unique
3. It was Paul that married Jewish prophetic, wisdom historical scripture to Greek philosophy and Roman law. And this synthesis depended on the very person of Jesus Himself. Believe in Him or be condemned, having to live under Mosaic law that couldnt be kept . Or under no law, and so being damned.
4. The concept of grace, alongside hopes of salvation and being in Gods New Covenant ,via mere acceptance of Jesus life being sacrificed ,then resurrected ? It was an attractive offer, and Paul created a powerful, near unarguable theology fron it.
5. My point? It was the CONTENT of the Gospel message that created the Christian momentum. Yes, they were organised and lived out a holy life in rhe face of Roman terrors and Jewish attacks in places and times. But we all know now that the Jews are the Christians big sister, stronger older brother that gave us the scriptures that the Gospels draw from. But the content and new priorities that the New "Testament " gives, can only be understood as that of a wayward, other wordly Jewish rabbi. As interpreted by the most significant thinker of those times, who knitted Jew, Roman and Greek wool into a Christian pattern that serves us today.
Could you please spell out the name of the person who interpreted the Old Testament in the second century ce.
Professor in the video said, his name is Origin. But not sure how should I spell it to further read on the interpretations. Thanks in advance
Look for Origen or Origenes
I love both Jewish and Christian history. In fact, I love the way they explain both origins.
Buddhism was both a universal and missionary religion. It was also known to the Romans and Egyptians by at least the start of the Common Era. It's new way of thinking outside of ethnicity and based on the individual's experience and actions predates Christianity. I would guess (wild, uninformed guess) that was the major influence for the Jesus movement to become open. Many of the Jesus parables and teachings echo the, at that time, well established 400 year old teachings of Gautama Siddhartha.
Yeah, not sure I buy his argument here about the uniqueness of Christianity's universalist and missionary approach. Not just Buddhism, which may have been known but didn't seem to make any large inroads in the Mediterranean world. It's a bit weird that he mentions things like Mithraism spreading among the legions - that's another non-ethnic religion, but he doesn't seem to acknowledge that. Zoroastrianism might have been heading in that direction as well. A
It seems to be something that was developing in religious thought in that era. Christianity was very distinct from Judaism and from older more localized ethnic pagan religions, but hardly unique.
This is majestic! 27:11 sums up my lifetime of thought on this topic.
Well done. I’m a big fan of Paula Fredriksen’s scholarship, and appreciate his reference to her work. The importance of the concept of ethne is vital for modern people to understand, in order to really get what these scholars are saying. It’s not quite the same as the modern “ethnic,” although it comes close. The all-encompassing and permanent nature of ethne, and its association with the god or gods of one’s people - that it’s part of what one is born with - makes that Christian move of universality all the more revolutionary. I would like to know, however, how Prof. Rosen-Zvi interprets the passage in the book of Romans in which Paul uses the analogy of the cultivated olive tree and the branches of the wild olive that are grafted in. He explains that Christians “inherit” the promises of the Jewish God only as they are attached to the cultivated tree of Israel. Therefore, he says, the wild branches are forbidden to look down upon those people who were already part of the cultivated tree. Doesn’t this indicate that, rather than replace Israel, goyim join into the Jewish ethne, through their commitment to Jesus - who was, after all, born of the Jewish people? The analogy of adoption also applies. Adoption into what? A dead tree? Of course not; into the still-living tree of the Jewish people. To whom Paul’s followers are admonished to be humble and loving.
Thank you 🙏
There are more Muslims in the world now than Christains. Jews and Muslims in AMERICA are few. Atheism is growing world wide including Israel and Asia, Nordics, etc. People are sick of religious wars and tyranny.
People in Europe and America are sick of tyrrany of the Leftists.
About the dietary laws, that must have been a complete turn off for a lot a "believers".
I don’t know how anyone can analyze such a complex era without mentioning Prof. Joseph Krausner ? His two volume books “from Jesus to Paul” in a conclusion of the previous 1000 years of research. A good lecture would be to summarize Klauzner first in bullet points then add whatever is new you bring to the table. I’m referring here to few of lectures I listened to, here in Kedem
I think that Paul’s unique religious insight/innovation was promoting universal evangelism
He sold the greatest lie of all times.
@@simonetartocchi6968 Bless Holy Paul. May God make his face brighter than the sun.
@@scottmoon4721 A jew who went against the jews and the Torah… He’s considered an idolater to us.
@@darksaurian6410 WTF are you talking about bro?! 😂😂😂
@@darksaurian6410 Kamosh you mean. Silly pagan figure for which human sacrifices were made. Sick people…
What are your thoughts of Acts 16, where Paul, (Sha’ul) did b’ rit-Milah on Timothy because of the Jews living in those areas? Can we be certain Paul forbid, discontinued with this practice?
I thought the same thing…and I don’t think Paul was anti-nomian. But some argue that he did it b/c Timothy’s mother was Jewish.
You are absolutely correct. We must follow God and His word. Not really smart and intriguing scholars.
Surely Rome was open, not closed, to other beliefs? For example the cult of Mithras spread through the Roman Empire at the same time as Christianity. It also happily co-opted local gods in the provinces. It was this diversity within the Roman Empire's religions that gave both Christianity and Judaism their niches outside Palestine. It is just that, as he says, Christianity was an extrovert missionary religion, whereas Judaism was introverted and exclusionary.
But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Fantastic presentation. I am always amazed how the religious impluse, especialy in Christianity, is justified through theoretical gymnastics. I wonder if monotheism could theorise (using allegory of course) its way out of patriarchy, misogyny and homophobia.
Many thanks!
You could say Christianity, viewed from a marketing and subscriptions perspective was well ahead of its time. It opens membership to EVERYONE regardless of race or economic status. It strips away the observance of the law (depicting it as an onerous burden). It removes the circumcision barrier (a deal breaker for at least half the population). Psychologically speaking, it knows the power of the, 'carrot and the stick' in shaping human behavior and creates the allure of a heavenly reward and places it against the coercive threat of eternal torture. It also departs from the idea of being created in the image and likeness of God and instead focuses on humanity being wretched, worthless, corrupt and depraved. In other words, you're infected with a disease for which there is no cure, BUT WAIT, we have a way out! Step right up folks,... and meet your way out of your hopeless situation, His name is JESUS!
Marketing Genius!
All this and a celebrity endorsement in the form of a ROMAN EMPEROR and you're going places baby!
Well put,
Your ignorance is overwhelming: we never left the idea that we aren't created in God's image and likeness of God.
Get a real education: not just indoctrination.
@EXPOSING.THE.SATURNISTS the true Mythohististry: that isn't your fantasy !
@david janbaz my ignorance is not too overwhelming. In Judaism, (the theistic foundation of the Christian faith), a method of atonement was well established for centuries in the observance of God's law. Humans, (being created in the image and likeness of God) had it within their power to choose God's path and follow his laws.
"I have set before you LIFE and DEATH, blessing and curse; therefore CHOOSE life, that you and your offspring may live."
Devarim 30:19
In the evolution of Christianity, we see several profound doctrinal departures from its Jewish foundations. A notable about face, involves the invention of original sin. The concept is now weighted in a way that views each baby born into this world as an evil, wretched convicted felon. And, (infected as they are with this malignant congenital defect), they cannot 'choose' anything of their own will and volition. Again, humans are heretofore viewed as helpless, corrupt and depraved and are condemned to be burned in conscious misery for all eternity! Oh, and that's another thing, eternal torture 🔥(HELL)🔥 is also a Christian innovation that DID NOT EXIST in the Jewish theological framework. Enter the fix,... God sacrifices Himself to Himself to change a rule He came up with reminding me of yet another stark contradiction with the clear descriptions expressed in Jewish scripture where the biblical writ describes (in several passages) God's UNIQUE, 'SINGULAR' NATURE. The notion of, '3 amigos' comprising some kind of confusing God-head or Trilogy is a completely alien notion in Judaism and sounds more pagan in nature where God babies born of some mysterious sexual union between a God and a human female is a common motif and, speaking of pagans, there's an expression in biblical scholarship that, "Rome didn't convert to Christianity, Christianity converted to Rome."
Yeah, it's great marketing to denounce the very popular pagan deities that were being worshipped at the as well as suffering persecution, being tortured, beheaded, fed to lions etc..
1 Peter 2:17, NIV: Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
Jesus used midrashim and pesherim to interpret the Tanakh as being fulfilled in his person.
Great presentation. This is scholarship at it.s finest. Thank you
You are very welcome 🙏
With all due respect for the enthusiastic professor, he tries to explain the pull of the new religion with a complicated theory (which I still am not sure I understand), while ignoring the much simpler and obvious explanation that is staring him in the face. Judaism is a difficult and scary religion. The Old Testament has 613 commandments, and according to the Rabbinic Tradition, they turn into thousands more by way of the Oral Law's expansion of the Torah, and they are all accompanied by punishments. For example, the single commandment to observe the Sabbath forbids 39 tasks and hundreds of corollaries, and violating a single one of them intentionally is punishable by a Heavenly death. In order to receive the Land of Israel that God had promised to Abraham, his descendants had to first suffer through hundreds of years in a painful exile, with many more to follow in Israel's history. Then along come the Apostles and introduce a religion in which the vast majority of the onerous commandments are waived. Sabbath merely demands that you go to Church and don't go to your job. You can now eat almost anything you want. No longer are you forbidden to till and sow the land an reap its grain every seventh year. Even more importantly, all the scary punishments are waived. You can commit every sin in the Bible, and all that is required to avoid punishment and Hell is saying the magic word -- "I believe in Jesus!" After a long history of constant warnings and reproofs by the Jewish prophets, the Christian prophets now offer a mass amnesty program. Say you believe, and Jesus will wipe your slate clean. Of course the masses would find this new religion attractive. It makes life (and death) so much easier and more appealing.
Islam has very strict rules and rituals. It’s followed by 25% of the world’s population. Yes by early forced occupation then gradual conversion but nevertheless the 25% of world population do follow it today.
Christianity is followed by 32% of people worldwide, through colonialism and forced conversion.
Colonized Christians and colonized Muslims are mostly happy today with their ‘foreign’ religions.
The real reason Christianity won over J, and only 300 years after Jesus was ex is simple:
Christianity became the forced religion of the powerful Roman Empire.
@@doyouknoworjustbelieve6694 Of course I left out the other reason that Christianity won out over Judaism: Whereas C has from its beginning made conversion of other believers by proselytizing or by force a central focus of its beliefs, J not only forbids proselytizing but also requires rabbis to try to dissuade anyone seeking to convert from doing so, and only accepts him if he rejects all dissuasion efforts and insists on becoming a Jew. Moreover, whereas a born Jew remains a Jew even if he violates the commandments, a convert is only accepted if he vows to accept all 613 of the Torah's commandments. However, I only mentioned the other point because the professor was focused on the very first years of Christianity. As for Islam, let's be honest: how many Islamic countries over the centuries have been democratic? Judaism, by contrast, has lasted for 3,000 years even though Jews have lived in exile (or under foreign domination) during the vast majority of this time.
When will we as a species stop arguing over who’s fan fiction is Better and more real than the other fan fiction? Just ridiculous.
Except that Christianity competed with mythical cults, organized Greek and Roman Temples, and philosophers with more political sway. Furthermore, Christians were persecuted much more than average. (see Nero, etc.). Christians were living in desperate times and had everything to lose. If you wanted an "easy" religion, you would go to the Mithra cults or temples to Zeus, which had more carnal pleasures or political favors to get ahead. So, the professor's theory might explain why some would prefer Christianity to Judaism but not the other religions. Don't forget that for almost 200 years before Constantine, Christians were tortured and thrown to lions. It would be easier to stay a Jew or another religion. It stands to reason that something extraordinary makes Christians believe under such persecution and attracts people en-mass. Christians endured far more hardship as Christians than if they stayed Jewish or non-Christian, the "simplication" of jewish laws isn't satisfying, the obvious reason is that Christ claimed to BE the promised messiah in the Jewish scripture. Jews wouldn't leave their Law because Christianity is "simpler"; they would leave if they believed Christ fulfilled the prophecy in the Bible they are bound to since childhood.
@@exousia2002 With all due respect, I cannot debate someone who creates imaginary facts and history. Anyone who can argue that it has been historically easier to be a Jew than a Christian in terms of persecution, is either living in dreams, or willfully making up a history he prefers.
Jews unfortunately keep Gentiles out. The only way for Gentiles to get close to God is to follow the Jewish Jesus. How can it be any other way? It's like the Samaritan woman who talked to Jesus at the well. How can she worship God? Unless through Jesus, she is required to worship in spirit and truth. Jesus brings the nations to God.
Without Christianity and Islam the biblical stories and the riches found in the Bible would have only been known by a tiny % of people and instead,especially in Christian cultures,they have become extremely well known and have influenced to the maximum western literature,poetry,language,drama and music as well as thought!
It "won" when Western countries tried to find a way to India when the Ottoman Empire blocked the mediterranean to the east, but it instead found the Americas, which certain Christian Western countries could start to colonize and exploit. It didn't win because of any certain inbuilt quality.
But why did those once pagan "Christian Western countries" become Christian? THAT is the question.
I had the volume turned down to zero, and I could still hear him.
Funny 😄
At 11:53 the Professor makes an important statement "not everybody likes this idea." This is true and mostly lost after Constantine. However there have always been true believers in Jesus who never accepted replacement theology and were killed for their faith in Jesus and the fact God's covenants with the Jews are forever.
Another deluded Scofieldian.
@@polemeros Another ad hominem argument.
@@vdoniel An ad hominem argument is an attack on the holder of an opinion on grounds that have nothing to do with the nature of case under discussion. If I called you ugly or fat, THAT would be ad hominem. But since your argument is Scofieldian, an incorrect viewpoint, and you hold it, THAT's why I called you deluded.
@polemeros Schofield has nothing to do with the fact there were first century followers of Jesus who never adhered to Roman Catholicism.
@@vdoniel Thanks for not surprising me. The inability of people like you (an ad hominem remark) to follow anything like a train of thought is legendary.
The Christian Church followed in a footsteps of the Roman Empire Rules even while they were persecuted by the Empire. The “rules” of the empire were written on tablets in Rome for all to see.
Maybe if non believers had been forced to convert to Judaism the same way the Christians forced non believers to convert to Christianity or die throughout history, then Judaism would be the most popular religion in the 21st century.
Thanks
Thanks for the kind words and support!
Such enthusiasm!
I do not admire this. We are the only people to experience the Revelation at Har Sinai
Very interesting
Glad you think so!
Christianity won because it is true
SUMMARY:
There is ONE GOD creator of ALL, but he prefers one single, minor, ethnicity vs. All Are Welcome to share in THE GRACE OF GOD.
Without hesitation, though I am not an historian, I write that Paul and his followers were able to establish Christianity as the major religion of the West, and the Jews failed ever to make inroads or even to preserve themselves, except at high cost, because the leaders of Judaism were very poor politicians. I believe their political naivety has always been their downfall. Perhaps "naivety" is the wrong word. Perhaps it would be fairer to write that Jews have never been willing to adopt their religion to make it more inclusive. In fact, the requirements of circumcision for men and the difficulty of conversion to Judaism doomed it to be always a small fraction of the local population everywhere. As a tiny minority with unfamilar practices, Jews were easily scapegoated for any problems that afflicted the larger society, diseases and natural disasters. In times of war, and Europe was always afflicted by them, as kingdoms and nations competed for territories and resources, Jews could be blamed for defeats as spies who worked for the enemy. They were seldom regarded as fellow subjects or citizens who just had a different, somewhat odd, religion.
How does God write this new covenant on the hearts of the people that they would all know Him?
This is the covenant I will make with them
after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds.
A testimony that better explains the absence of a High Priest on earth the message of the gospels
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
To the ends of the earth by God's decree. To all nations.
“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant
to restore the tribes of Jacob
and bring back those of Israel I have kept.
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,
that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates "the Father" has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
I only have seen french people gesticulate and “move around”, like professor Rosen Avi while talking. Is this common with hebrew speakers also?
the enthusiasm of the man is contagious - but he is saying very basic erudition about Christianity
Prof on steroid...
Jews explain Christianity better than Christians.
Jews just explain the Christianity of Christians.
A little hard to listen to but great, excellent lecture.
Thank you 😊
Well, the problem with a lot of things he says is, much of that "Christian" history could be an invention of some writers working for emperor Constantin. One thing is for sure, Christianity has nothing to do with Yehoshua and his teachings.
I love the "not pagans yet not Jews either"! Children of Abraham and worshippers of Israel's god, redeemed away from the worship of false gods!
The Bible had incredible scientific accuracy like round Earth and jet streams and man from soil and more.
With all his enthusiasm, he forgot the most important point: Judaism has 613 commandments, including that you can't drive or use your iphone on Shabbat. Christianity got rid of all the laws and replaced them with belief in one Godly man and all your sins are forgiven. THAT's brilliant marketing.
This is very TRUE.
You must repent your sins and also not sin again.
Christians ony have one commandment love your neighbor as yourself for this this the fulfillment of the law and the prophets.
@@sksman71 Not only one. They were some others as: peace, acceptance of not so pure persons as lepre, blind people, missing limbs etc.
@Iyas kelu well technically the Jews are the light of the world through Jesus .
Not to oversimplify the obvious but "Christianity" won because of its basis in God's plan as laid out in the Old Testament. The Professor maligns the Messiah by titling him as a "Jewish Reformer." If Jesus is the Messiah as millions believe, then he is a world reformer at the very least. But he is more than that. Read about the seven claims of Christ in the Book of John ... I AM! He equates himself with God as part of what the Christians call the Holy Trinity. A reformer indeed! Rosen-Zvi seems to assert that Saul, later to be known as Paul, is the causation for the growth of Christian belief. Not true. Consider this; perhaps what is the causation of the growth could be the truths presented by Christ as Messiah. Paul and Peter and James (Christs blood brother) were faithful servants of their Lord and Master. And they were not the only evangelists. They spread the Gospel of Christ Risen. Their efforts were brought to fruition via the support of the Holy Spirit. Christ said this in The Book of John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me." Millions and millions came to believe over the last two thousand years. Hence Christianity, or better yet God, wins by having His will accomplished. Truth usually prevails.
Yet another Dogmatic approach to subject
Klar und plausibel
Circumscision is a real disincentive for converts to Judaism.
The genius of Christianity is to approach Judaism from Noahic covenant instead of Mosaic covenant. 613 commandments become a stumbling block for most gentiles. On Acts 15 the apostles agreed to grant Gentiles an Oikonomia not to be imposed with Torah and only required to keep at least what God commanded to Noah. Yet notice a chapter later in Acts 16 Paul circumcised Timothy. Paul fully aware that he must present Christ as Jewish as possible to the Jews while as Gentile as possible to the Gentiles. This approach is genius. Because this is what God Himself did in the OT. The ancient people back then were savage and brutal so God spoke without mercy and impose severe punishment. Including commanding everyone including infants and animals to be killed. Imagine if God said to them be merciful and let your enemies alive then no one would believe He is God. Because for these people they're blinded by their conception of God that mercy is weakness not strength. But as time progress God speak mercy and tell us to love our enemies and pray for them. Because humanity has developed and becoming mature. So now God speak as if He talking to someone who is mature. To babies He spoke like a baby. To adults He spoke as an adult. This is why Christianity spread among gentiles better than Judaism. By presenting it for Noah's descendants Christianity gain traction better than imposing strictness of the Torah. Christianity spiritualize the Torah. So instead of separating man and woman Paul speak that in Christ there's no male and female. Instead of submitting women under men Paul commanded them to obey one another. In the end it is this advantage that helps Christianity.
Paul did not prohibited the circumcision among gentiles.
Actually he took the matter to Jerusalem where the Apostles were. They decided and follow the orders.
Nothing - never meant to be a war - it was all about salvation through truth - giving gentiles too a chance to correct - not about wealth, power, and persecution - have to answer for the error in our ways, misrepresentation, denial of facts, causing confusion, causing one to disbelieve (to fall) etc etc.
Jesus was not a Jewish reformer ...... He was God:
It's easier not to observe than to observe isn't it? It's easier to demonize than to praise isn't it? It's easier to plagiarize isn't it? That's exactly what occurred.
Well said!
The greatest damage to the Jewish Believers in Yeshua as being the True Messiah is the false doctrine of Trinity. Bet you did not know there are over 500 million followers of Yeshua that do not follow that false doctrine but know and teach there is but one G-d. G-d is spirit not 3 persons. Yeshua was a man but like Moses the powerful spirit of almighty G-d was in his so he could do all those Miracles. The Messiah was in the mind and plan of G-d before the earth was created. New Covenant says Yeshua was slain (in the plan of G-d ) before the earth was Created. And without the shedding of blood there is no remission. That is why millions of animals were slain in the old Covenant to cover sin for 1 more year. Daniel 9/27 plainly tells when Messiah was to arrive and be killed. Also he was to be the direct descendent of King David. Over 200 scripture tell about the Messiah and what would happen to him. And Yeshua foretold of the many events that would come upon plant earth after his death. He even told of the destruction of the second Holy Temple=which happened at 70 AD. Note from myself=after Israel destroys Iran's nuke factories Russia will bring 6 armies down through Syria to destroy Israel, However G-d will destroy 5/6 of those armies and all Nations will know G-d did it to protect Israel. Ezekiel chapters 38,39
If you are sincerely searching for the truth,seeking for peace and tranquility,islam is definitely your right choice.
Do not waste your time,life is short.
Right?
this is not clear
Judaism was too restrictive to be popular in the Greco-Roman world?
The tunak says it again and again. The israelites brought Jesus to the world. All the early follows of Christ were Israelites. Everyone from Jesus to all the apostles. Christianity is out of and from the chosen people of God. That is undeniably.
Judaism required books, education and the support of teachers (rabbis). The common person had no need or use for literacy or this additional expense. Christianity had no requirement to send children to learn and taking them away from work.
Win what? Truth, secularism, idolatry, war , sins , confusion, which one?
Christianity won because when Portuguese , Spanish , Italian , German , French and people from the British isles unite they are a force to be reckoned with .
Christianity won because it proselytizes and is inclusive of all nations.
If Judaism would proselytize and include nations then it would also win.
It’s that simple.
Don’t forget that in the pagan world of Europe many great ones were born to virgins and fathered by gods like Alexander the Great, Plato, Horus, Attis (also resurrected), Romulus & Remus, Ra and even fictional Hercules et al. It is that reason that Isaiah 7:14 was purposely mistranslated to say that a virgin gave birth as a sign to Ahaz (during a battle with the northern kingdom & Syria) that all would be ok even though the birth (sign) happened 700 years later.
Jesus being born from a virgin was very effective among the pagan population. Also let’s not forget that so many were converted by force not by true acceptance. Also if a nation’s king became Christian the entire population was coerced to join. The kings and crusaders didn’t really care how people believed rather it was more for control and power. Believe as your told then eternal life - if not a fire and brimstone hell. That’s one of the main reasons Christianity grew. Not my opinion- read how it grew.
Stop reveling in your scriptural ignorance. Read the Torah and the Tanakh.
Anyone that reads scripture will tell you that Christ birth falls right in line with the order of how THE MOST HIGH does things.
Shoftim - Judges - Chapter 13
3 And an angel of the Lord appeared to the woman, and said to her, "Behold now, you are barren, and have not borne; and you shall conceive and bear a son.
4 Consequently, beware now, and do not drink wine or strong drink, and do not eat any unclean thing.
5 Because you shall conceive, and bear a son; and a razor shall not come upon his head, for a Nazirite to God shall the lad be from the womb; and he will begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines."
Bereshit - Genesis - Chapter 18
10 And he said, "I will surely return to you at this time next year, and behold, your wife Sarah will have a son." And Sarah heard from the entrance of the tent, and it was behind him.
Melachim I - I Kings - Chapter 13
2And he called [in prophecy] about the altar at the command of the Lord, and he said: "Altar, altar, so said the Lord, "Behold a son will be born to the house of David, Josiah will be his name, and upon you he will slaughter all the priests of the high places who offer sacrifices on you, and human bones will they burn upon you."
Bereshit - Genesis - Chapter 16
11And the angel of the Lord said to her, "Behold, you will conceive and bear a son, and you shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard your affliction.
To invalidate Christ birth based on the logic the Rabbi is trying to use that same logic would invalidate Abraham's off spring and the Lords covenant that was made with him going forward.
Hebrews 2:16,17 KJV:
16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
The scriptures are clear that Christ was brought about through normal means. But like Samson the Holy Spirit resided within.
As for Mathew 18-20
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
Key words "she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." meaning the angle came to her and told her about the child that was going to partnered with the holy spirit. Keep in mind a woman running around claiming she was going to have a child of the holy ghost would have been boarder line blasphemy and that is why people told Joseph to put her away.
If Marry would have had the child before they were married she would have been taken out to the pubic square and stoned to death. Joseph would have had nothing to do with any of this.
Honestly it is not that complicated. How many times in scripture did an angle for before a women and tell her about the off spring she was going to have and the significance it would have on future events?
Regurgitating Zeitgeist?
Stop Embarrassing Yourself.
I guarantee he doesn't say settler colonialism
The Ruach hakodesh was responsible for guiding the people of the way in spreading the good news of Yeshua the Messiah
I am going to ensure you are fully charged.
Galatians 3:7 was written by Paul and clearly proves he believed in the spiritual Israel concept. So we know for a fact Justin Martyr didn't just come up with this idea but inherited it from apostolic times instead. And there is not a single verse in the New Testament which talks about replacing old Israel. Rather great effort is put into expanding the Israelite scope to include everyone who believes in the promise made to Abraham, Jew and Gentile alike, all who believe in the Messiah Yeshua. Rabbinic Jews are unhappy with this expansion of scope because they want Israel to be confined to Abraham's physical seed. That's why they use this straw man argument called "replacement theology" when in fact it should be called something like "expansion theology", because unlike with a replacement, believing Jews are not excluded but instead remain a part of the spiritual Israel, the great Christian nation of the world, where they have always belonged.
Another comment: anyone reading OT and NT intuitively, realizes that NT is not Judaism. It is an entirely different religion, with an entirely different ethic. Only Christian theologicians claim otherwise, but they are (probably for bio-emotional reasons) denying the obvious. Whether Jesus was a Jew, or a Mandean as the Mandeans claim, is irrelevant, the NT texts are considerably different from the Judaic religion, so as to probably have a different heritage than that of the Pharisaic Judaism, and that religion might have "appropriated" a real Jesus for their own purpose, like Islam appropriated Jesus and Abraham/Ibrahim from someone else.
What does Jesus do to become a christ.
I would say it was because some random black swan events!
Israel nor the Jews were ever an Empire ! We don’t have the experience of being an Empire. But a good “Balagan”
Sociologist Rodney Stark points to data that there were about 6 million Jews spread around the Roman Empire during the 1st Century CE, but in the 3rd Century there were only about 2 million Jews. The Romans disestablished the Jewish nation after two rebellions in 70 and 100 CE, but did not persecute Jews in the rest of the empire. Normally a population would grow over the course of 4 to 5 generations. So where did the majority of Jews go to? Stark argues that the majority became part of the worshippers of Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God. Those Jews who did not accept Jesus actively rejected him and defined Judaism in those terms. While Paul describes success in converting gentiles to Christ followers, his actual associates were full of Jewish converts, and the other apostles were converting Jews in Judea and among Jewish communities in Rome and Alexandria and other cities.