FAQ Question: Differing views of Messiah?

[iitb]

SInce 3 of these questions are rather easy, I figured I'd go ahead and post 4 questions instead of going with the usual 2 question format.

Is a Messianic believer a convert to Judaism?

Are Messianic Believers a branch of the Nazarene sect of Judaism?

Do you need to attend a Messianic Synagogue to be a Messianic believer?

How do MJs reconcile the differing portrayals of the messiah in the Tanakh (and Talmud) with the portrayal of Jesus in the NT?

Note: the purpose of this post is to compile answers for the Messianic Judaism FAQ. Therefore, I'm requesting that only Messianic members participate in this discussion. If you aren't Messianic, but have a question about something in this thread, feel free to start a new thread on the topic.

[simchat_torah]

Is a Messianic believer a convert to Judaism?

If HaShem impresses it upon their heart, yes.
There is no correct answer.

Are Messianic Believers a branch of the Nazarene sect of Judaism?
uhhh... tough question.
There is the ancient sect of Judaism called the Netzarim who were a part of Judaism. That sect has since died out circa the 13th century. However, there are two 'netzarim' groups that exist today. Both are self-proclaimed and neither has a link historically to the Netzarim of the first century. Both also claim to be 'restoring' the doctrine/theology/philosophy of the original Netzarim. This, of course, is subjective.

Some would propose that simply a Judaic view and an added belief in Y'shua as HaMoshiach would denote one as a Nazarene. This, in my opinion, is drastically incorrect. The Netzarim had a set core of beliefs that define the movement.

Do you need to attend a Messianic Synagogue to be a Messianic believer?
No. A Messianic Believer is defined by their lifestyle and belief system. Not where they attend. Some attend synagouge, some messianic congregations, and yet others stay at home and observe Shabbat.

How do MJs reconcile the differing portrayals of the messiah in the Tanakh (and Talmud) with the portrayal of Jesus in the NT?
While Y'shua is portrayed rather negatively in Judaism, he is non-existent in the Talmud.


Shalom!
Yafet.

[iitb]

While Y'shua is portrayed rather negatively in Judaism, he is non-existent in the Talmud.Ah, looks like I need to clarify that last question. ;)

How do MJs reconcile the differing portrayals of the messiah in the Tanakh (and Talmud) with the portrayal of Jesus in the NT?

This isn't asking about how Y'shua the man is portrayed, but how we reconcile what the Rabbis say the Messiah is suppose to accomplish vs what Y'shua actually did. Does that make any sense?

[Henaynei]

Is a Messianic believer a convert to Judaism?

No, becoming a Messianic believer does not make you Jewish - however, you may, at some point in your study and growth, decide that G-d has called you to convert to Judaism.
Are Messianic Believers a branch of the Nazarene sect of Judaism?
As a whole, no. There are some who call themselves Messianic who also claim the label Nazarene.
Do you need to attend a Messianic Synagogue to be a Messianic believer?

In the VAST majority of situations it is to be highly recommended, at least to start for the first several years, as one has much to learn that will not be found in either the church or the rabbinic synagogue. It is also highly recommended that one choose their MJ synagogue carefully, in most situations one would want to find one that is Torah positive and growing in Torah observance or even Messianic and Orthodox, rather than choosing one that felt more comfortable initally because it was more like a church dressed Jewishly. Such a place is prone to deform and stunt one's growth.

How do MJs reconcile the differing portrayals of the messiah in the T’NaKh (and Talmud) with the portrayal of Jesus in the NT?

I can only address the NT vs T'NaKh as I have done little study of Talmud:

Personally, I see no conflict in the TRUE portrayal of Messiah in any of the books of scripture.

The [erroneous] conflict, seen starkly in some forums in CF, is in the church where, as an example, one person put it that they were glad they served “the loving, gentle forgiving G-d of the NT and not the raping, murdering and plundering G-d of the OT.” The G-d they are taught is in the "OT" is not the G-d who is really there but rather a portrait manufactured millennia ago to starkly delineate between the followers of the "NT" (aka - Constantine "Christians") and those of both the "OT" and "NT" (Messianic Jews) in the early centuries after Yeshua's sacrifice.

[simchat_torah]

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If HaShem impresses it upon their heart, yes.
There is no correct answer.

Allow me to clarify...

I understood the question to be whether someone who is messianic *should* convert to MJ'ism. Not whether one who is messianic automatically qualifies as a convert.