Subject: Re: Understanding the Book of Galations
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 1998 01:19:18 +0000
From: heb_roots_chr@mail.geocities.com
Reply-To: heb_roots_chr@geocities.com
To: "Hebraic Heritage Newsgroup"<heb_roots_chr@geocities.com>

From:          Bruce Barham
To:            heb_roots_chr@geocities.com
Subject:       Re: Understanding the Book of Galations

I can fully understand those hung-up on Paul's letters.  I came from a
denomination (church of Christ) that STRONGLY teaches against "law".
The position held is that "the law was nailed to the cross", the law was
"abolished", etc.

One of the main problems is the common Marcionite practice of elevating
the "New" Testament over the "Old".  They call themselves "New Testament
Christians" for a reason - it's about all they read!!!  I know, I came
from that environment and never even read the "old" Testament until a
few years ago.  BOY!! - was it a revelation!!  It's no coincidence how
many denominations give away "Bibles" that don't even have the Tanakh
(Old Testament) in them.  I STRONGLY suggest those that believe against
Torah actually take the time to read it!

These antinomians don't even realize they're following the much of the
teaching of the heretic Marcion.  I think they need to study who this
guy was and consider their denomination's theological background.

It's also worth noting that the authors of the New Testament would have
been alarmed how their letters have become "scripture".  Don't get me
wrong - I DO consider them inspired.  However, the "scripture" the first
century believers used WAS NOT the letters of the apostles.  Scripture
was the TANAKH!!  The "Old" Testament!!  The New Testament epistles are
inspired commentary - period!  Nothing "new" is taught in them, although
some truths are expanded upon.  If your interpretation of the New
Testament conflicts with the Torah you better reconsider your
interpretation.  Paul would be devastated at how his writings have been
used to destroy Torah!

Brad Young makes an interesting point in his recent book, PAUL THE
JEWISH THEOLOGIAN.  He describes studying the New Testatment as playing
the gameshow Jepardy.  We are given the answers and have to figure out
the questions.  Many that misinterpret Paul's writings forget they were
written to answer very specific questions and problems which were
present in the communities to which they were addressed.  Many
Christians take Paul's letters and apply them wholesale to the entire
faith system!!  This is a grave mistake!  Galations, for instance, was
written to address specific instances of Judaizing - NOT Torah
observance in general.  It was written to address the problem of MISUSE
or Torah.  It was not written to discourage proper use of Torah.

I also suggest those with questions about Paul's letters get a copy of
David Stern's book, THE JEWISH NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY!  Unfortunately,
most Christian friends I've suggested this to will not even consider
this.  They stubbornly refuse to consider any interpretation other than
their traditional denominational teachings.  There are tons of books
available that very clearly explain the true interpretations of Paul's
letters (Eddie's books are among those); thus, there is no longer any
excuse for the continued anti-Torah beliefs prevalent in Christianity.
Brad Young, David Flusser, David Stern, Eddie Chumney, Dan Juster,
E.P. Sanders, Marvin Wilson, William Davies, etc., etc. are among many
authors of excellent books which do a wonderful job of presenting the
true proTorah stance of the early church.

I am convinced the Holy One is moving mightily and will continue to
awaken decieved, anti-Torah Christians to the Truth - just as he did me.

Bruce

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