Question on the Acceptance of the New Testament by Jews
Email from Elizabeth Martin: “Dear Rabbi Joshua, I understand that the New Testament is a Christian text, but given that Jesus and his disciples were Jewish, do Jews believe in the New Testament in any way?”
Response from Rabbi Joshua
Shalom Elizabeth, you’ve asked a thoughtful question that addresses the relationship between Judaism and Christian texts. Let’s explore this topic.
Judaism and the New Testament
Judaism does not consider the New Testament to be a religious text. The New Testament represents the writings central to the Christian faith, detailing the life and teachings of Jesus and the early Christian church. Since Jews do not accept Jesus as the Messiah or divine, the New Testament does not hold religious authority in Judaism.
The Jewish Bible and Jewish Faith
The Jewish Bible, known as the Tanakh, which includes the Torah, Prophets, and Writings, is the canonical collection of Jewish texts. Jewish religious life, practice, and belief are based on these texts, along with rabbinic commentaries and writings such as the Talmud.
Historical Context and Jewish Tradition
While Jesus and his early followers were Jewish and operated within a Jewish context, their teachings as recorded in the New Testament reflect the emergence of a new, distinct faith tradition that would become Christianity. This divergence in belief is why the New Testament is not part of Jewish religious teachings.
Interfaith Respect and Understanding
Despite this, there is respect within Judaism for the sacred texts of other faiths, including the New Testament. Interfaith dialogue often involves discussing these differences in belief with respect and mutual understanding.
Conclusion
Elizabeth, while Jews recognize the New Testament as an important text in Christianity, it is not part of Jewish religious belief or practice. The core of Jewish teaching remains rooted in the Tanakh and the rabbinic tradition that interprets these scriptures.
If you have any more questions or wish to learn about the Jewish faith and its texts, please feel free to reach out.
Kind regards,
Rabbi Joshua
