HolyGround >> Much needed help concerning Hebraic thought...

770mdm - For non-Jewish readers interested in the Jewish roots of Christianity and for Jewish readers who want a New Testament that neither proselytizes for Christianity nor denigrates Judaism, The Jewish Annotated New Testament is an essential volume that places these writings in a context that will enlighten students, professionals, and general readers.

RoninBT - DB
I have some suggestions but am Out of the office right now. Should have something for you by this afternoon.
Thanks
Bydge

DyingBreed -  Does anyone here know of any resources that will show me the ways Hebrews look at scripture and God. If possible, Christian Hebrew thought. I just got "matthew" a book looking at Matthews gospel from Hebrew eyes.


Podcasts and books would be very helpful. As would other sources.


There is much light shed on the scriptures when you understand it from Hebrew eyes as opposed to centuries of white people's theology looked at through European culture


Thanks much!

Ridgeback -

DyingBreed -  Does anyone here know of any resources that will show me the ways Hebrews look at scripture and God. If possible, Christian Hebrew thought. I just got "matthew" a book looking at Matthews gospel from Hebrew eyes.


Podcasts and books would be very helpful. As would other sources.


There is much light shed on the scriptures when you understand it from Hebrew eyes as opposed to centuries of white people's theology looked at through European culture


Thanks much!

The early Church fathers were not really European or even "white" in many cases.  Why not study what Christians have said about the Lord they loved and followed with their lives rather than what those who reject him have said?  I agree that a Jewish understanding of scriptures can be interesting, but one of the themes of Christianity, as demonstrated by the incident of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, was that the scriptures were closed to those who rejected Jesus.   There is no interepration of scripture that isn't informed by tradition, and you could spend a lifetime just beginning to study the writings of early Christians from St. John Chrysostom to St. Isaac of Syria (a semitic man who wrote in Syriac, a near cousin of Aramaic). 

RoninBT - DB,
I am sure their intentions were pure and I would encourage you to maintain that attitude as you find out how deep the rabbit hole goes.

Jer 16:19 O LORD, my strength and my stronghold, And my refuge in the day of distress, To You the nations will come From the ends of the earth and say, "Our fathers have inherited nothing but falsehood, Futility and things of no profit."

For books that address the Hebraic perspective of the scriptures I would suggest:

Restoration by Todd D. Bennett: An examination of pagan influences in Christianity and the need for scriptural restoration. This is the first book of a series by this author called “Walk in the Light”. I have extra copies & would be happy to send you one. If you’re interested just send me an email (bydgew@gmail.com).

Let This Mind Be in You by Brad Scott: A historical study of the differences between the Greek and Hebrew thought.

His Name Is One by Jeff A. Benner: An ancient Hebrew perspective of the Names of God.

Hebrew Gospel of Matthew by George Howard: This is an English translation and analysis of Matthew from a Hebrew source, sometimes referred to as Shem – Tob’s Hebrew Matthew. There is some evidence to suggest the gospel of Matthew was originally written in Hebrew. If so then how close does Shem-Tob’s version stack up to the original. We will likely never know but we can compare it to the Greek translations. I did this chapter by chapter and can’t recommend it enough.

To balance out the list with authors who do not believe Yeshua is the Messiah (i.e., one orthodox rabbi and one practitioner of karaite Judaism) I suggest the following:

Jesus the Pharisee by Harvey Falk: A look at the Jewishness of Jesus. Side note to 770, I believe this book was banned in some synagogues; read at your own risk.

The Hebrew Yeshua vs. The Greek Jesus by Nehemia Gordon: New light on the seat of Moses from Shem-Tov’s Hebrew Matthew.

I enjoyed reading and learned from each of these books. Each author has a unique perspective but nobody has a corner on the truth. We are all children trying to please our father in our childlike ways. Blessings on your journey,
Bydge

770mdm - http://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Annotated-New-Testament/dp/0195297709

Although major New Testament figures--Jesus and Paul, Peter and James, Jesus' mother Mary and Mary Magdalene--were Jews, living in a culture steeped in Jewish history, beliefs, and practices, there has never been an edition of the New Testament that addresses its Jewish background and the culture from which it grew--until now. In The Jewish Annotated New Testament, eminent experts under the general editorship of Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Z. Brettler put these writings back into the context of their original authors and audiences. And they explain how these writings have affected the relations of Jews and Christians over the past two thousand years.

An international team of scholars introduces and annotates the Gospels, Acts, Letters, and Revelation from Jewish perspectives, in the New Revised Standard Version translation. They show how Jewish practices and writings, particularly the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, influenced the New Testament writers. From this perspective, readers gain new insight into the New Testament's meaning and significance. In addition, thirty essays on historical and religious topics--Divine Beings, Jesus in Jewish thought, Parables and Midrash, Mysticism, Jewish Family Life, Messianic Movements, Dead Sea Scrolls, questions of the New Testament and anti-Judaism, and others--bring the Jewish context of the New Testament to the fore, enabling all readers to see these writings both in their original contexts and in the history of interpretation. For readers unfamiliar with Christian language and customs, there are explanations of such matters as the Eucharist, the significance of baptism, and "original sin."

For non-Jewish readers interested in the Jewish roots of Christianity and for Jewish readers who want a New Testament that neither proselytizes for Christianity nor denigrates Judaism, The Jewish Annotated New Testament is an essential volume that places these writings in a context that will enlighten students, professionals, and general readers.

DyingBreed - Just ordered 8 message series from Shane Willard called "the sermon on the mount"


Look him up in podcast guys if u want speaking from this angle

mmanthebay -

DyingBreed - Just ordered 8 message series from Shane Willard called "the sermon on the mount"


Look him up in podcast guys if u want speaking from this angle

I've got that series. Very good resource. I'd like to get his series on The Lords Prayer.

In regards to Ridgebacks post, I understand what you are saying. If you are doing it for spritiual purposes only, you wont get much from a non christian viewpoint. 

However, depending on the motivation, studying purely the non christian viewpoint is very rewarding if you can tolerate it. As an example, I read several books about Jews in the Roman world. It was very eye opening to see how the Romans viewed Palestine and jews in general. It brought a new understanding to how the Romans then viewed christianity. I feel we should not shield ourselves from anything unless you are restricted in time and scope to simply edification.