Soloveichik - Messiah: Christians vs Jews
Torah Study 4/8 we reviewed an essay by Meir Soloveichik from Azure . Soloveichik points out the differences rather than the similarities when comparing the philosophy of Christians and Jews. A key element in his analysis relates to the role of humans in bringing the Messiah.
Soloveichik says we must be deserving of the Messiah, there must be redemption of all people before there can be a Messiah. Faith in the Messiah means we must have faith in human’s ability to redeem themselves.
Another interesting comparison noted: Jesus comes from Mary, the symbol of purity and good. The Messiah in Jewish literagy is a descendent of King David, and all the complex lineage of his birth and his life that was so much a mixture of goodness and sinfulness that the contrast cannot go unnoticed. While Christains believe in 'original sin' and that Jesus died for their sins; Jews must rise above the sins of our heritage and embrace redemption to enable a Messiah to come.
Critical Optimism:
Are people basically good? OR are people not necessarily good but capable of good. People have free will. Thus the laws are more important to help make people good.
Do we see ourselves as good or sinful? Are utopian ideals valid? How do you tell between good and sinful? Are the laws our guidelines? Is it about understanding ourselves? It is about making informed choices.
Hubris - what an interesting word and image mentioned in the discussion.
Wikipedia definition: is exaggerated self-pride or self-confidence (overbearing pride), often resulting in fatal retribution. In Ancient Greek hubris referred to actions taken in order to shame the victim, thereby making oneself seem superior.
Hubris implies that we have the answers and yet there is constant questioning.
Soloveichik’s commentary makes you think:
Another interesting article by Soloveichik
Soloveichik says we must be deserving of the Messiah, there must be redemption of all people before there can be a Messiah. Faith in the Messiah means we must have faith in human’s ability to redeem themselves.
Another interesting comparison noted: Jesus comes from Mary, the symbol of purity and good. The Messiah in Jewish literagy is a descendent of King David, and all the complex lineage of his birth and his life that was so much a mixture of goodness and sinfulness that the contrast cannot go unnoticed. While Christains believe in 'original sin' and that Jesus died for their sins; Jews must rise above the sins of our heritage and embrace redemption to enable a Messiah to come.
Critical Optimism:
Are people basically good? OR are people not necessarily good but capable of good. People have free will. Thus the laws are more important to help make people good.
Do we see ourselves as good or sinful? Are utopian ideals valid? How do you tell between good and sinful? Are the laws our guidelines? Is it about understanding ourselves? It is about making informed choices.
Hubris - what an interesting word and image mentioned in the discussion.
Wikipedia definition: is exaggerated self-pride or self-confidence (overbearing pride), often resulting in fatal retribution. In Ancient Greek hubris referred to actions taken in order to shame the victim, thereby making oneself seem superior.
Hubris implies that we have the answers and yet there is constant questioning.
Soloveichik’s commentary makes you think:
Another interesting article by Soloveichik
Note a previous blog entry:
Christians vs Jews - Big Differences
Labels: Christian vs Jew Differences, Hubris, Soloveichik
posted by Chavarah @ 10:26 PM
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