Bruce101
25th November 2004, 01:55 PM
"And he that doubts is damned if he eats, because he eats not of faith; for whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Romans 14:23
What think ye?
I was asked about this, but before I give my answer, I want to consider what others think.
Bruce
visionary
25th November 2004, 03:53 PM
If you were to hear of a enlightened understanding of scripture, and had doubts (where your conscience is bothering you to how true to God is this) and you continue as you did before, you conscience is not going to give you rest, and that is the daming part of it. Here he is eating but not with faith that he is doing right. This disconnect with the source of all our answers with whatever is brought before us is for our spiritual growth not spiritual hemorageing and that is why it is a sin.
Just my thoughts on the subject.
torahlife
28th November 2004, 02:23 AM
Bruce,
Look back to the context of the passage you're questioning.
Rom 14:2 One indeed believes to eat all things, but being weak, another one eats vegetables.
You are seeing the argument between differing judaisms. meaning,that in 2nd temple Jerusalem there were 30+ known sects within judaism alone. THis argument which Paul is addressing is about kosher. Some jews ate only vegetables because they didn't want to be guilty of unconsciencly eating unkosher meat; improperly slaughtered, while others did eat meat. These two groups judged and condemned, etc one another for their torah observance; halachah. The "weak" comment is just name calling.
It is not good to cause a brother to stumble per:
Rom 14:20 Do not by your food undo the work of God. Truly, all things are clean, but it is bad to the man who eats through a stumbling-block.
Rom 14:21 It is good not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything by which your brother stumbles, or is offended, or is weak.
Rom 14:22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Blessed is the one not condemning himself in what he approves.
Therefore we end the thought with your passage.
Rom 14:23 But the one doubting, if he eats, he has been condemned, because it is not of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin.
Some would have you think that Paul is saying that the issue is kosher vs non kosher, but the fact is that this was in internal jewish matter debating what is the proper halachah concerning this issue within the messinaic group.
There are many such arguments recorded in Pauls writings because the diverse groups of jews were all coming together in new fellowship bringing with them all their personal views and diverse practices.
Blessings,
torahlife