From Minister to
Torah Observant Noachide
Rabbi Moshe Ben-Chaim,
Having just finished reading the recent articles published in Volume III, No 32.....June 18, 2004 of the 'Jewish Times' I would like to make some comments especially about two of the articles, "Christianity Vs Judaism" and "G-d Becoming Man."
After reading these two articles, which caught my eye instantly, I said to my wife, "This is probably the first time since the 'Debate at Barcelona' that someone has had the courage to speak out so strongly about the differences between Christianity and Judaism." I would like to applaud your efforts not only to educate the Jews concerning false religions but also to challenge those in Christianity to be seekers of Truth, rather than continuing to just conform to the theologies prescribed by Christianity's various denominations.
Having myself once been a Baptist minister, I know how difficult it is for someone to look at one's current religious status and evaluate it objectively. Most people, rather than challenging themselves to seek the truth, would rather spend their time and effort defending their current religious position - without paying any attention to the possibility that their position could be wrong.
I remember in the 'Debate at Barcelona' that the whole purpose of the Catholic priests was to try and convert the rabbi to their theological system, by insisting that he keep his mind open to the possibility that he was wrong and then lead him to convert. But when the rabbi challenged the priests to extend the same courtesy to him, i.e., to keep their minds open to the possibility that they were wrong, it seemed to strike a nerve. While they insisted that the rabbi keep his mind open to the possiblility that he might be wrong, it failed to enter their minds that they could ever be wrong. But I know this from my own experience: if truth becomes the sole object of one's search, it can be done. One can achieve that level of humility.
Over the years since I left Christianity and became an observant Noachide, I have continually challenged people to develop a correct concept of the Creator. Because if one doesn't first develop a correct concept of our Creator, everything else will be flawed. The true concept of our Creator can be found only in what He declares of Himself. These declarations are to be found only in the Torah, Tanach, and the Teachings of the Sages of Israel. It is only when one departs from these sources that an unhealthy concept of the Creator will emerge, and one will find himself involved in idolatry.
If one seeks to know idolatry for what it is, then having a correct concept of the Creator will expose any and all forms of it.
May Hashem, blessed be His Name, bless you in your efforts to expose people to the truth and to challenge them, whether they are Jews or non-Jews, to be seekers of the truth, and to direct their hearts in the only true direction, toward the Creator - the Creator of the Universe, Who has chosen to reveal Himself to all of humanity as the L-ORD G-D of Israel.
Shalom,
Jack E. Saunders
