Conversions to and from Non-Messianic Judaism

[DanielRB]

Hi All, and Shalom, :wave:

I've heard some stories of those who converted from non-Messianic (though usually non-religious) Judaism to Messianic Judaism. However, my non-scientific statistical observation is that a huge number (perhaps a majority) of those in the Messianic Jewish movement were not born Jews.

Others have moved into Messianic Judaism and eventually moved into other Christian denominations.

I've also heard from those who were non-Jewish Christians, who converted to Messianic Judaism and later moved to non-Messianic Judaism (leaving faith in Yeshua as Messiah completely).

What have been your experiences with those moving in and out of the movement? Do you see a relatively stable core in your Synagogues, with the usual "churn" happening on the edges, or do you see a lot of "churn" in the whole congregation?

Were those who came from outside the movement attracted to MJ largely because of theology, because they liked Jewish culture, or because you people were so darned handsome and friendly? ;)

Have you encountered those who once were involved in Messianic Judaism and now are outside of it--in particular, those who have given up Yeshua all together? Are the reasons they give generally theological, or some other issues?

Your responses would be appreciated.

In the Messiah,

Daniel

[stone]

for me it just makes sense.


what is written in the bible is the truth, just as it is written.

One point that it boils down to for me is that, should i listen to gentiles explain what hebrew writeings really mean, or should i listen to those with hebrew roots, those who have been passing the teachings of their ancestors on from one another, explain to me, what scripture means as it was written. It's much more plain and simple.

One of the things that is written plain and simple that is a major stumbling block for christians is that when Y-shua says he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, that it means exactly what is written. He lived out the torah as it is meant to be.

I havnen't been Messianic very long, but this is where the holy spirit of father has brought me.

:angel:

[visionary]

I too came because the Lord lead...

[simchat_torah]

I've also heard from those who were non-Jewish Christians, who converted to Messianic Judaism and later moved to non-Messianic Judaism
I'd be one from that camp ;)

[Talmidah]

I'd be one from that camp

Same here.

[simchat_torah]

hello fellow camper ;)

[Wags]

I would say that the "churn" is about average.

There are always people that are looking for their next "high". They are all about feelings and not about actually doing anything. (These are the types of people that James was addressing when he wrote: "Don't deceive yourselves by only hearing what the Word says, but do it!" )

It is true that the majority of those embracing the messianic faith are gentiles - but thats not too surprising when you remember that statistically there are a lot more gentiles in this world than there are Jews.

[Espada]

for me it just makes sense.


what is written in the bible is the truth, just as it is written.

One point that it boils down to for me is that, should i listen to gentiles explain what hebrew writeings really mean, or should i listen to those with hebrew roots, those who have been passing the teachings of their ancestors on from one another, explain to me, what scripture means as it was written. It's much more plain and simple.

One of the things that is written plain and simple that is a major stumbling block for christians is that when Y-shua says he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, that it means exactly what is written. He lived out the torah as it is meant to be.

I havnen't been Messianic very long, but this is where the holy spirit of father has brought me.

:angel:

This is all okay but people can get very tied up in what people said before and forget about what the Bible actually says - the RC church at the time of Luther being a great example of this. Sometimes it is good to get that fresh perspective on things.

To say that one group has a greater understanding than others really boils down to intelectual snobbery. Many of the Jews at the time of Christ were missing the point on the mitzvah, Christ spent much of his time teaching the true meanings of the mitzvah. I am not suggesting that Messianic Jews have got it wrong, I don't know enough to even think that, just that age does not always validate teachings.

[Tishri1]

I have found that stability is the Messianics middle name....Maybe it's the fact that the scripture truely is real to them now....maybe they understand how the 1st century Believers lived.....maybe it's the blessing of walking in God's ways or maybe it's just cuz they look sooooo cute in their kippahs (lol) All I know is that I haven't met a more stable group of people in my life...and peaceful, and joyful, and greatful, loving, devoted,caring.........

[Espada]

I have found that stability is the Messianics middle name....Maybe it's the fact that the scripture truely is real to them now....maybe they understand how the 1st century Believers lived.....maybe it's the blessing of walking in God's ways or maybe it's just cuz they look sooooo cute in their kippahs (lol) All I know is that I haven't met a more stable group of people in my life...and peaceful, and joyful, and greatful, loving, devoted,caring.........

I have to say that the New Testament becomes so alive when you begin to understand the OT, I can see exactly where you are coming from here. The reasons why many events happened, the way some texts like Isaiah 53 leave you shaking from God's glory.

[jgonz]

The L-rd led me to MJ also. Probably the biggest thing I've found is what a lack of foundation the Christian church has, and it's that foundation in Torah that has made me feel more gounded than I've ever been. :)

As far as the original post goes, we don't have a Messianic congregation, so I can't compare the turn-over/churn with Christian churches I've attended in the past.

[talmidim]

Led. Me too.

[Mirelys]

In real life, the only people I know who are Messianic were raised that way. That could be because of my age though...
Oh, except for one family I know that's slowly moving that way. Not quite there yet.
One person I know who went from Messianic to mainstream is my sister. She doesn't want to discuss it with me, so I don't know why.

[JBond]

I'm in the same camp as Simchat_Torah and Talmidah

[Gwenyfur]

L-rd led me here, though scripture, through traditions and through bloodlines.

It's His will that I follow His law, grace is wonderful, but His word never changes ;)

[plum]

what's interesting to me is that the only Messianic congregation near me is made up of most-if not all Jewish believers. Yes, it is rather small, but it shoots the trend of mostly-gentile congregations in the foot. so i, as a gentile, am actually the distinct minority there. they seem to want us gentiles to stay in church, so i don't go there anymore because i am not a second class citizen in the Kingdom.

so i guess i can't say that i've seen what others here have.

[DanielRB]

Thanks for all the responses so far, folks.

I was also wondering if you've seen a lot of converts from Seventh-Day Adventism or other Sabbatarian groups. Since Adventists already keep Sabbath and keep Kosher (well--not full "Kosher", but they avoid unclean meats), I was wondering if they might convert to MJ on a regular basis.

In Messiah,

Daniel

[visionary]

I am sure there are some, especially when the controversies that riddle the SDA cause lack of confidence in the organizational leadership direction.