Questions for Jews

[Kepler!]

In my continuing quest to understand religion better I have a few questions for our Jewish friend here. I am not trying to disparage anyone's religion and I am only asking these things to gain a better understanding. So I apologize if these questions offend anyone.

Judaism doesn't make any sense to me as a stand-alone religion. In the context of setting the stage for Christianity it does makes sense.

This is how it makes sense to me as a precursor to Christianity. God wanted everyone to know him. He starts off with a small group of people known as the Israelites. He makes a pact with them and they worship him as He awaits a mechanism to spread knowledge of Himself. When that mechanism arrives (the Roman Empire) he sends Jesus to take the next step in spreading His word by starting Christianity. In this sense Judaism makes sense but now it seems obsolete.

As a stand alone religion it doesn't makes sense (to me) that God would make a pact with this small group of people and then leave it at that even though the mechanisms to spread his word around the world has been around for a long time.

How does modern Judaism see itself in relation to Christianity?

Is God still waiting for the right time to spread his message to the masses?

Are Jews exempt from needing to accept Christ as lord and savior because of the pact made with God?

[Tim><]

So, the only religion that makes sense to you is one that waits 1500 years to spread itself as opposed to one that would wait longer?

[The Drunken Actuary]

Originally Posted by karma police

So, the only religion that makes sense to you is one that waits 1500 years to spread itself as opposed to one that would wait longer?

Bingo.

[Mr. Penguin]

Originally Posted by The Drunken Actuary

Bingo.

I thought that was a Catholic thing?

[L. Mo]

um, as much as I hate to get into religious discussions, I've got to point out one thing:

It's all the same God. What does it matter how someone chooses to express that idea?

You're basically implying that anything except Christianity is somehow wrong. Pretty arrogant, don't you think?

[razorback]

Originally Posted by elmo

um, as much as I hate to get into religious discussions, I've got to point out one thing:

It's all the same God. What does it matter how someone chooses to express that idea?

You're basically implying that anything except Christianity is somehow wrong. Pretty arrogant, don't you think?

True, but the focus here is on God's message.

Originally Posted by elmo

You're basically implying that anything except Christianity is somehow wrong. Pretty arrogant, don't you think?

Actually, he explicitly pointed out "this is my current viewpoint, which I know is somewhat limited, and I'd really like to hear your view on your religion."
If there's any arrogance in this thread, it's from the people jumping down his throat for saying, "I don't understand."

[Paul Brand]

Originally Posted by elmo

um, as much as I hate to get into religious discussions, I've got to point out one thing:

It's all the same God. What does it matter how someone chooses to express that idea?

You're basically implying that anything except Christianity is somehow wrong. Pretty arrogant, don't you think?

First, Kepler is agnostic, so I wouldn't call him arrogant yet. His question seems pretty sincere to me (ie he is searching for information he dosen't currently have).

Second, what does it matter to you if a Christian chooses to express "that idea" of God as more refined than your definition? By your own logic, you are arrogant. Sincerely believing something is factually true can in no way be construed as being arrogant. It's like calling someone who believes 2+2=4 is arrogant for believing that anyone who disagrees is wrong.

[VernSchil]

What about ANY religion makes sense?

[Toronto]

Originally Posted by elmo

um, as much as I hate to get into religious discussions, I've got to point out one thing:

It's all the same God. What does it matter how someone chooses to express that idea?

You're basically implying that anything except Christianity is somehow wrong. Pretty arrogant, don't you think?

Wrong.

And it's not arrogant to say this because its a statement by Faith. If you're implying that making such a statement is a disrespect to the religion of others, then please allow me to make the following clarification.

It's not arrogance, it's disbelief. There's only One God, and there's only one way to God and that's through Jesus Christ.

You're stating there's only one God but multiple beliefs.

I'm stating there's only one God and only one belief.