The How Jewish Is Christianity?

<p>A major issue facing first-century believers was what to do with Gentile peoples who wanted to be part of the growing movement of Messiah followers.</p><p>Today the problem is reversed. <strong>Is there space within the scope of Christianity for a Messianic congregation: believers of Christ who maintain a Jewish culture that reflects Jewish background and customs?</strong></p><p>Understand the scope of this discussion from six contemporary contributors who have lived and wrestled with this issue as they present their arguments for both sides of the debate: </p><ul><li>John Fischer a rabbi of Congregation Ohr Chadash and Chairman of Judaic Studies at St. Petersburg Theological Seminary</li><li>Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum who served with the Chosen People Ministries and Christian Jew Foundation and is now the founder and director of Ariel Ministries</li><li>Gershon Nerel who served as Israel Secretary for the International Messianic Jewish Alliance and has also been a member of the executive committee for the Messianic Jewish Alliance of Israel</li><li>David Stern the translator of the Jewish New Testament from Greek to English</li><li>Will Varner a professor of biblical studies at the Master's College CA and the director of the Israel Bible Extension campus of this college in Israel</li></ul><p>The book concludes with a chapter on the future for Messianic Jews and a directory of messianic movement organizations.</p><p><strong>The </strong><strong><em>Counterpoints</em></strong><strong> series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own educated opinion.</strong></p>