Questions tagged [christianity]
Questions related to how Judaism regards or relates to the Christian religion or its followers. NOTE: Questions that require independent expertise in Christianity to answer are off-topic.
251
questions
1
vote
3
answers
64
views
Proper definition for an idol/idol worshiping? [closed]
What is the proper definition for an idol/idol worshiping?
I'm asking this because in Christianity, an idol can be any person or thing that consumes your thoughts, words, time, energy, or money other ...
- 41
-1
votes
0
answers
134
views
Is it worse to be a Christian or an atheist?
I've heard that Christianity is at least oftentimes avodah zarah, at least for Jews. Would that mean atheism is better halachically?
- 197
0
votes
1
answer
91
views
Does Jews for Judaism have disputed ideas or could it be distributed to christians to enrich their knowledge?
Does Jews for Judaism have disputed ideas or could it be distributed to christians to increase their knowledge?
https://jewsforjudaism.org/
- 11
0
votes
1
answer
103
views
Reading fictional works during week, or on Shabbos? [closed]
I'm fascinated in reading the christian bible as a work of 1st century Jewish fiction. When is a more appropriate time to read it, or is reading it utterly forbidden?
3
votes
2
answers
182
views
Is it okay for Jewish people to read Narnia or Lord of the Rings?
The Narnia series was written by a Christian named C.S. Lewis who also wrote books that argued for Christianity. The Narnia series is supposed to contain Christian themes, which might be there for ...
- 109
0
votes
2
answers
271
views
How would you define this list of breakaways from Judaism?
I don’t know so much about history and theology, but I saw the following list and I was hoping that someone could help me understand it;
I saw R Dovid Gottlieb in "Reason to Believe" ...
- 143
2
votes
0
answers
122
views
Is there a Jewish source for the saying: "only the father knows when the wedding would take place"?
The website below describes what is apparently an ancient Jewish wedding custom, in which it was apparently said that "only the Father" of the groom "knows" when the wedding would ...
- 251
-4
votes
1
answer
117
views
Why can it not be possible that God could see the power it would have over the world, that sending part of himself to save the ones who strayed away? [closed]
My problem is I want to be Jewish, I dont understand why Jesus, cant be real. If hes able to make the majority even slightly better than luke warm, will God still spit them out? Doesnt God reward the ...
0
votes
3
answers
172
views
According to Ibn Ezra, does Ovadiah predict drastic population changes of other religions?
I recently learned that Edom today means the Christians. See for example Ibn Ezra
This prophecy contains the decree made against Edom, that is, against the empire of Rome and Constantinople, who are ...
- 439
0
votes
1
answer
231
views
Halacha Regarding Entering a Church
It would be very much appreciated if someone can provide some sources that permit a Jew to enter a church premises (not the actual sanctuary). I've signed up for a classical guitar festival that's in ...
- 87
3
votes
1
answer
159
views
Is it Mutar to Listen to Music Recorded in a Church?
I read somewhere that listening to music recorded in a church is asur, because it essentially brings the church into one's home. This is common practice for classical music. Has anyone heard of or not ...
- 87
3
votes
0
answers
103
views
Sources Allowing Listening to Christian Music?
I read Igros Moshe forbids listening to music with idolatrous intent. What are some sources, if any, that allow listening to, or playing/performing Christian classical music, such as Bach's or Handel'...
- 87
6
votes
0
answers
196
views
Why did the 4 miracles of the Temple stop 40 years before the destruction of the Temple?
According to the Sefaria translation of Yoma 39b:
The Sages taught: During the tenure of Shimon HaTzaddik, the lot for God always arose in the High Priest’s right hand; after his death, it occurred ...
- 439
0
votes
2
answers
218
views
Does belief in the abrogation of the Torah by the NT disqualify a Ben Noah?
The Rambam in Hilchos Melachim 8:10-11 (see also Likkutei Sichos vol. 26 p. 132) rules it is a prerequisite of the 7 Noahide Laws that Gentiles bide by them because it says so in “the Torah of Moses&...
- 905
2
votes
0
answers
174
views
Is trinitarian Christianity really Shituf? [duplicate]
Recently I have gotten involved in anti-missionary work after I came across a couple Jews tragically entrenched in Christianity. I was forced to study about Christian theology to help them return to ...
- 905
2
votes
1
answer
195
views
Edom/House of Esav
I have a question:
Why does G‑d hate Edom (Esaw)? Why do you always read negative things about Edom? What if I'm descended from Esau, does G‑d hate me? Wouldn't that be unfair? I am referring to this ...
- 35
1
vote
0
answers
66
views
Jewish Mysticism/Kabbalah - Separation of souls from Hashem good, bad, or neither? [closed]
This is an except from G.K. Chesterton's "Romance of Orthodoxy". Chesterton was a English writer, philosopher, lay theologian, and argues that Buddhism and the Theosophical concept of one ...
1
vote
1
answer
190
views
Where is the source of Yeshu (ימח שמו) hearing the Shem Hashem from the Kohen Gadol?
There is a Sefer "תם ומועד" which reportedly says that Yeshu (ימח שמו) was able to perform miracles because he was in the Beis Hamikdash when the Kohen Gadol said the Shem HaMeforash, wrote ...
- 12.9k
1
vote
1
answer
194
views
May one study medieval Christian philosophers such as Augustine or Aquinas? [duplicate]
Many colleges and graduate schools require their students to read Christian philosophers such as Augustine or Aquinas. Does this pose a halachic problem?
- 447
3
votes
1
answer
218
views
Church fathers and the Rabbis
I’m wondering if there is any evidence in Jewish writings of correspondence/the mentioning of church fathers. I would assume that the interactions would have happened in the time of the late tanaaim/...
- 370
0
votes
0
answers
92
views
Are you Jewish if adopted immediately after birth by a Jewish mother raised and having lived Catholic? [duplicate]
This is a hypothetical with a fact pattern that has not been answered by any previous questions.
Generally, a non-Jew adoptee in a Jewish family will be Jewish by halachic upbringing.
If a child of a ...
- 109
3
votes
0
answers
221
views
Rav ha Meiri's interpretation of the term "notzrim" in Talmud Bavli-Avodah Zarah 6a and 7b
According to the legal determination established in Talmud Bavli -Avodah Zarah 6a and 7b, the halachic status of christians (“notzrim”) appears to be that of idolaters:
Avodah Zara 6a
Avodah Zarah 7b
...
- 2,476
3
votes
1
answer
210
views
The history of Rabbi Samuel the Israelite
I found a book that is archived at BYU (a famously Mormon university). It is called The Epistle of Rabbi Samuel the Israelite to Rabbi Isaac, and was originally written in Arabic in the eleventh ...
- 1,523
3
votes
1
answer
236
views
Why is the Trinity considered polytheistic in traditional Jewish thought? [closed]
I've read a couple questions on this site and other Jewish sources stating the traditional Jewish view is the Christian concept of the Trinity is polytheistic. However, I haven't found any questions ...
- 189
0
votes
0
answers
206
views
Is it true that Arizal said even Jesus’s neshama will receive a tikkun but that it will take 50,000 yovels for that to happen?
I’ve heard this claim from Rav Moshe Weinberger but I wonder whether or not it’s true (that the Arizal said this). Please provide sources.
- 632
0
votes
3
answers
226
views
Do Jews believe Christianity alters Torah according to Melachim uMilchamot - Chapter 11/4
Do Jews believe Christianity alters Torah according to Melachim uMilchamot - Chapter 11/4. Isn't it the same old testament Jews and Christians believe in, how would it be altered?
- 11
6
votes
3
answers
487
views
Was the concept of Godhead (one God in multiple persons) known to Judaism? [closed]
Was the concept of Godhead (one God, but multiple persons) known to Judaism? Were there Jews that held a Binitarian, Trinitarian or similar "Godhead" theology as a result of studying and ...
user25280
7
votes
5
answers
1k
views
Responding to Christians [closed]
As I am approaching the completion of gerus, HaShem has brought me a new wave of challengers. Old friends who were drawn to Christianity have began contacting me. A conversation was initiated about a ...
- 701
1
vote
3
answers
237
views
What, if anything, is different about Christianity compared to other forms of Avodah Zara?
Idolatry, defined as worshipping something or someone other than Hashem is forbidden to jews. This goes all the way back to Avraham and then is stated explicitly in the commandments received by Moshe ...
- 166
4
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Does the Talmud say that Jesus writhes in excrement and Mary was a prostitute?
There is a widespread belief among many Christian denominations that Jesus and Mary are referred to in overly disrespectful, even scatological, language in the Talmud. Examples often given are that ...
- 41
3
votes
2
answers
166
views
Does asking a righteous deceased and/or an "angel" to intercede with HaShem in favor of a living person violate the Noahide Law or not?
Among Catholics and Orthodox Christians, the tradition of asking Mary (the mother of Jesus), "angels" and saints to intercede with HaShem in favor of one or more living people is very ...
- 2,476
3
votes
0
answers
129
views
What are some of the influences on Judaism post Constantine The Great?
Up until Constantine The Great both Jewish and Christian religions were small religions among many others that vanished throughout history. Not only they were small, but both were also constantly ...
- 201
0
votes
2
answers
157
views
Refraining from studying Torah on Christian holidays? [duplicate]
Apparently, some Jews mark the Christian holidays by refraining from studying Torah. Does this practice have any roots in halacha? Do the rabbis sanction it? References? The only such restriction ...
- 18.5k
-5
votes
3
answers
270
views
Is a trinitarian-like view of God found in the Tanakh and held in Judaism? [closed]
Is a triune quality to God's nature, like the Trinity as espoused in Christianity, a foreign teaching as far as Judaism is concerned? Or is such a belief held (or have been historically held) by Jews?
- 482
0
votes
1
answer
166
views
inscription on Chagall's "White Crucifixion"? [closed]
What does the inscription on Chagall's painting White Crucifixion say?
Isn't John 19:19 ("Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews") written ישוע הנצרי ומלך היהודים in Hebrew?
- 132
0
votes
0
answers
44
views
Is the use of referring to a Torah prescription through the expression "Moses said / commanded" attested in Jewish tradition?
I am an Italian Noahide.
I read in Jewish sources that the expression "Torah of Moses" is sometimes used.
In the Christian Gospels, on the other hand, I have seen that in certain passages it is ...
- 2,476
0
votes
0
answers
76
views
Is Jehovah's Witness considered halachically different than other Christians? [duplicate]
Jehovah's Witnesses believe in one God with J. being a prophet/son of god, kind of like Muhammad or Elijah the prophet. They don't believe he IS god, and they don't believe in the Trinity. It probably ...
- 2,171
2
votes
0
answers
275
views
Could Jesus the Nazarene have been buried near the Galilean city of Safed? [closed]
I am an Italian noahide.
I read that the famous Rabbi Isaac Luria, in his "Book of the Reincarnations", writes in chapter 37, within the long list of Jewish Tzadiks:
"On your way from Safed toward ...
- 2,476
3
votes
1
answer
571
views
May a Jew act as a godparent to a Christian child?
A Jewish friend was recently asked to be serve as a Godparent (Godfather) to the child of his Christian friend. I would like to know if a Jew may accept such a request and if not why not.
- 12.9k
3
votes
2
answers
272
views
Rabbi who killed children?
I recall of a story where a Rabbi during the time of the Tosafists who personally killed many Jewish children in order to save them being raised in the Christian faith.
Anyone know source?
...
- 922
-5
votes
1
answer
773
views
Any basis in Jewish tradition of crossing oneself as in the Christian 'sign of the cross' hand gesture? [closed]
Is there any Jewish tradition of crossing oneself as in the Christian 'sign of the cross' hand gesture?
I'm aware of a crossover between Jewish tradition and other mystical traditions which involves ...
- 115
1
vote
0
answers
175
views
Does Yeshu’s teaching on divorce qualify the Notzri as a false prophet according to the Halakhah? [closed]
I’m an Italian Noahide.
With regard to the false prophet, this is what Rambam says:
Mishneh Torah-Yesodei haTorah 9:1
It is clear and explicit in the Torah that it is [God's] commandment,
...
- 2,476
1
vote
0
answers
33
views
Does the Torah encourage monotheistic evangelism? [duplicate]
Although Judaism is not a proselytizing religion in the classical sense, is there any responsibility to bring non-jews to monotheism and away from idolatry?
- 709
3
votes
1
answer
206
views
Can you pray or study torah in a non-Jewish cemetery?
There is a large non-Jewish cemetery near where I live. It has beautiful grounds and is open to the public for visiting. Is it OK to pray or study Torah there?
- 2,171
4
votes
0
answers
79
views
Are there examples of Sasanian censorship in the Bavli?
The talmud Bavli was compiled and edited in Iraq while Jews were under the rulership of the Sasanian empire. There are (unfortunately) ample examples of the Bavli being censored by Christians I would ...
- 12.9k
3
votes
0
answers
136
views
Visiting/using a decommissioned ex-church
Visiting sites previously used for idol worship asks about visiting a historical site previously used for idolatry, and talks about ruins and the possibility of extant religious symbols. My question ...
- 56.1k
2
votes
1
answer
102
views
Source for Ramban regarding Devarim 30:7
According to Ramban (in the context of Vikuah), Devarim 30:7 applies both to notzrim and ishmaelim:
וקראתי להם פרשת והיה כי יבואו עליך כל הדברים האלה הברכה והקללה אשר
נתתי לפניך, וגמר הפרשה עד ...
- 6,805
2
votes
2
answers
332
views
Is one allowed to sleep in a room/house where there are images of JC and other avodah zarah?
Is a Jew permitted to sleep in a room/house where there are idolatrous images on the walls, such as JC, etc.? What about non-Jews?
- 1,165
2
votes
2
answers
173
views
Should one wish for the destruction of buildings of idol worship?
Two sequential questions, prompted by the Notre Dame fire:
Is one obligated to wish that places of idol worship are consumed if they already are on fire? (I would think so, given e.g. OC 224:2)
If so,...
- 1,068
4
votes
0
answers
96
views
Is there any work that specifically refutes the claims of Martin Luther in "The Jews and Their Lies"? [closed]
Recently I learned about Martin Luther's anti-Jewish book, The Jews and Their Lies which makes all of the accusations of anti-Semetism against him make a lot more sense given that they're explcitly ...
- 49