Judaism- The 19th Century Rebellion and 21st Century Redemption of Reform Judaism

I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see. T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear and Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed...When we've been here ten thousand years bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise than when we've first begun.

- Amazing Grace, a famous Christian Gospel song

Part IV. A Brief Look at the Rebellion and Redemption of Reform Judaism

Like Christianity, Judaism is a multi-denominational religion with three major branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism. For several different reasons, the practice of Conservative and Reform Judaism exists mainly in North America, most especially the United States. In Israel, South and Central America, and certain parts of Europe, the vast majority of Jews either practice, or belong to, Synagogues of Orthodox Judaism. The basic history of these denominations starts in Germany where the first official break with Orthodox Judaism began in the early to mid-19th century. To many traditional Jews, especially the devout Rabbis, this movement, known as Reform Judaism, was considered an outright rebellion and little more than a blatant effort to please and cater to the Protestant Gentiles who ruled both Germany and German society. This movement, which had been expected to spread out to the Jewish communities found in other nations, met with little to no success in England, France and throughout Eastern Europe.

With the sole exception of Jews living in Germany, the rest of the Jewish diaspora overwhelmingly rejected the Reform Jewish movement and continued to look to the Orthodox Jewish establishment for religious guidance. However, the growing population of Jews living in the United States, funded and sponsored by a certain number of very wealthy German-American Jews, found Reform Judaism to be a perfect way to blend into American society and to possibly find acceptance among the Gentiles after centuries of isolation and persecutions. Quite a bit of the success of Reform Judaism was due to the weakness and lack of influence the Orthodox Jewish authorities had in the United States.

As time went by, the underlying religious doctrines of the original Reform Jewish movement began to be seen as too non-traditional and militantly secular by a growing number of God-fearing American Jews. To counter some of the radical changes in religious beliefs sought by the leaders of Reform Judaism, the Conservative Jewish denomination was then formed and became quite successful throughout America. Thus, the three branches of Judaism can be seen as follows:

Orthodox Judaism: Practiced throughout the world, especially in Israel and the United States

Conservative Judaism: Only practiced in the United States of America

Reform Judaism: Only practiced in Germany and the United States

Some observers, including both Jews and Christians, have had mixed feelings about Reform Judaism. Even so, there seems to be a major lack of understanding about the tenets of Reform Judaism as practiced and understood in the 19th century compared to the official doctrines of 21st century Reform Judaism. In short, there has been an almost complete reversal in the basic religious beliefs of the Reform Jewish movement, especially here in the United States. As to be expected, Reform Judaism in today's Germany has basically gone extinct and is now being practiced by a dwindling number of German Jews, consisting of those who returned to Germany after the Nazis were defeated in World War II. Basically, the surviving elements of Reform Judaism have completely changed course on a great number of fundamental religious beliefs and practices. This can be seen in the following manner:

- The official Jewish doctrines of Divine Revelation, Divine Judgment, Divine Miracles, and Divine Redemption were officially denied by the Reform Jewish authorities in 1843 (Germany) and 1885 (USA). Then, in 1976 and 1997 these same age-old doctrines were re-affirmed in two different official statements of American Reform Judaism.

- Nearly all the religious beliefs, traditions, and practices of Orthodox Judaism were completely rejected and abolished by Reform Judaism in the late 19th century. This included complete denial of the ordained Rabbinical authority, the rules and laws of the Talmud, the binding, eternal nature of the Mosaic laws and commandments including kosher food restrictions and Sabbath day observance.Today, the Reform Jews of the United States are openly Zionist and are now strongly encouraging all Jews to practice as many of the traditional customs as possible.

Put bluntly, the official statements of 19th century Reform Judaism were little to no different from that of secular humanism, which is founded upon a total rejection of the Bible as the 'Word of God', claiming it has no meaning or value outside of its historical and literary value. Read carefully, the Reform Jewish movement appears to have had very little, to no, faith in the LORD God of Israel, who was considered to be a tribal myth created by their primitive ancestors who didn't know any better. Like many liberal Protestant Gentile intellectuals, both in Germany and America, Reform Judaism basically saw itself as a progressive force guiding humanity towards a universal and global spirituality that knew no particular religious faith other than reason alone. Their typical attitude towards religion, including Judaism, can be seen from the following quote:

Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut writes "there is no such thing as a Jewish theological principle, policy, or doctrine." This is because Reform Judaism affirms "the fundamental principle of Liberalism: that the individual will approach (Jewish law)...in the spirit of freedom and choice. Traditionally Israel started with...the commandment engraved upon the Tablets, which then became freedom. The Reform Jew starts with..the freedom to decide what will be...ngraved upon the personal Tablets of his life."

- Contemporary Reform Jewish Thought. Edited by Bernard Martin. Quadrangle Books (1968)

The truth of the matter, which remains little known to the vast majority of Biblical believers, including some Jews, is that the radical rejection of Judaism, as seen in their official 19th century statements, has basically been repudiated by today's Reform Jews. Their most recent public proclamations contain a far more appreciative, and traditional, view of Judaism as a unique, even supernatural, revelation of God's will. Ironically, the Reform Jewish documents of 1843 and 1885 seem to completely contradict the later statements made in 1937, 1976 and 1997. Indeed, the Reform Jews of yesteryear, who adamantly opposed and ignored the call to resettle the Holy Lands, have now become the American Zionists of today. Reform Judaism's initial rebellion against ancient Jewish religious practices and traditions have given way to an affectionate and encouraging attitude that seeks to have all Jews practice their religion on a daily basis and look to Israel for theological and spiritual guidance.

Indeed, the story of Reform Judaism seems a lot like the Christian parable about the Prodigal Son, who met with little success after ignoring his father's wishes and leaving his family behind. With no money left to his name, the Prodigal Son finally goes back home to find his father and family overcome with happiness and love upon his arrival. Thus, the Reform Jewish movement's slow, but steady return to traditional Judaism after having strayed away, must be seen as a great blessing for all believers in the Judeo-Christian tradition. What follows is a collection of passages taken from the official documents of Reform Judaism. They reveal a clear evolution from 19th century agnosticism, and even atheism, back to an authentically Judeo-Christian monotheism. All things considered, this Reform Jewish progress towards orthodoxy bodes well for the future of all Judaism and the Jewish people.

The Denials and Rejections of 19th Century Reform Judaism

(Frankfurt Society of Friends of Reform , Declaration of Principles, 1843)

(Declaration of Principles "The Pittsburgh Platform" - 1885)

The Affirmations and Acceptances of 21st Century Reform Judaism

(The Guiding Principles of Reform Judaism "The Columbus Platform" - 1937)

(Reform Judaism: A Centenary Perspective Adopted in San Francisco - 1976)

(Reform Judaism & Zionism: A Centenary Platform "The Miami Platform" - 1997)

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The Official Denials of 19th Century Reform Judaism

Denial of Divine Revelation: 'We recognize in every religion an attempt to grasp the Infinite, and in every mode, source or book of revelation held sacred in any religious system the consciousness of the indwelling of God in man.' (Declaration of Principles "The Pittsburgh Platform" - 1885)

Denial of Divine Judgment: 'We reject as ideas not rooted in Judaism, the beliefs both in bodily resurrection and in Gehenna and Eden (Hell and Paradise) as abodes for everlasting punishment and reward.' (Declaration of Principles "The Pittsburgh Platform" - 1885)

Denial of Divine Miracles: 'Modern discoveries of scientific researches in the domain of nature and history are not antagonistic to the doctrines of Judaism, the Bible reflecting the primitive ideas of its own age, and at times clothing its conception of divine Providence and Justice dealing with men in miraculous narratives.' (Declaration of Principles "The Pittsburgh Platform" - 1885)

Denial of Divine Redemption: 'A Messiah who is to lead back the Israelites to the land of Palestine is neither expected or desired by us; we know no fatherland except that which we belong by birth or by citizenship.' (Frankfurt Society of Friends of Reform , Declaration of Principles, 1843)

Denial of Eternal Law: 'We recognize in the Mosaic legislation...only its moral laws, and maintain only such ceremonies as elevate and sanctify our lives, but reject all such as are not adapted to the views and habits of modern civilization.' (Declaration of Principles "The Pittsburgh Platform" - 1885)

Denial of Moral Standards: 'We hold that Judaism presents the highest conception of the God-idea...developed and spiritualized by the Jewish teachers, in accordance with the moral and philosophical progress of their respective ages.' (Declaration of Principles "The Pittsburgh Platform" - 1885)

The Official Rejections of 19th Century Reform Judaism

Rejection of Orthodox Judaism: 'We recognize the possibility of unlimited development in the Mosaic religion.' (Frankfurt Society of Friends of Reform , Declaration of Principles, 1843)

Rejection of Talmudic Authority: 'The collection of controversies, dissertations, and prescriptions commonly designated by the name Talmud possesses for us no authority, from either the dogmatic or practical standpoint.' (Frankfurt Society of Friends of Reform , Declaration of Principles, 1843)

Rejection of Kosher Diet: 'We hold that all such Mosaic and rabbinical laws as regulate diet, priestly purity, and dress originated in ages and under the influence of ideas entirely foreign to our present mental and spiritual state. They fail to impress the modern Jew with a spirit of priestly holiness; their observance in our days is apt rather to obstruct than to further modern spiritual elevation.' (Declaration of Principles "The Pittsburgh Platform" - 1885)

Rejection of Rabbinical Holiness: 'We hold that all such Mosaic and rabbinical laws as regulate diet, priestly purity, and dress originated in ages and under the influence of ideas entirely foreign to our present mental and spiritual state. They fail to impress the modern Jew with a spirit of priestly holiness; their observance in our days is apt rather to obstruct than to further modern spiritual elevation.' (Declaration of Principles "The Pittsburgh Platform" - 1885)

Rejection of Zionism: 'We consider ourselves no longer a nation, but a religious community, and therefore expect neither a return to Palestine, nor a sacrificial worship under the sons of Aaron, nor the restoration of any of the laws concerning the Jewish state.' (Declaration of Principles "The Pittsburgh Platform" - 1885)

Rejection of Mt. Sinai Covenant: 'We recognize in Judaism a progressive religion, ever striving to be in accord with the postulates of reason...We acknowledge that the spirit of broad humanity of our age is our ally in the fulfillment of our mission, and therefore we extend the hand of fellowship to all who cooperate with us in the establishment of the reign of truth and righteousness among men.' (Declaration of Principles "The Pittsburgh Platform" - 1885)

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The Official Affirmations of 21st Century Reform Judaism

Affirmation of Divine Revelation: We believe that the eternal covenant established at Sinai ordained a unique religious purpose for Am Yisrael. Medinat Yisrael , the Jewish State, is therefore unlike all other states. Its obligation is to strive towards the attainment of the Jewish people's highest moral ideals to be a mamlechet kohanim (a kingdom of priests), a goy kadosh (a holy people), and l'or goyim (a light unto the nations). (Reform Judaism & Zionism: A Centenary Platform "The Miami Platform" - 1997)

Affirmation of Divine Judgment: 'The people of Israel is unique because of its involvement with God and its resulting perception of the human condition. Throughout our long history our people has been inseparable from its religion with its messianic hope that humanity will be redeemed.' (Reform Judaism: A Centenary Perspective Adopted in San Francisco - 1976)

Affirmation of Divine Miracles: 'We ground our lives, personally and communally, on God's reality and remain open to new experiences and conceptions of the Divine. Amid the mystery we call life, we affirm that human beings, created in God's image, share in God's eternality despite the mystery we call death.' (Reform Judaism: A Centenary Perspective Adopted in San Francisco - 1976)

Affirmation of Divine Redemption: 'While that day of redemption remains but a distant yearning, we express the fervent hope that Medinat Yisrael, living in peace with its neighbors, will hasten the redemption of Am Yisrael, and the fulfillment of our messianic dream of universal peace under the sovereignty of God...When God restores the fortunes of Zion we shall be like dreamers. Our mouths will fill with laughter and our tongues with songs of joy. Then shall they say among the nations God has done great things for them. ' (Reform Judaism & Zionism: A Centenary Platform "The Miami Platform" - 1997)

Affirmation of Eternal Law: 'Torah results from the relationship between God and the Jewish people. The records of our earliest confrontations are uniquely important to us.' (Reform Judaism: A Centenary Perspective Adopted in San Francisco - 1976)

Affirmation of Moral Standards: 'In Judaism religion and morality blend into an indissoluble unity. Seeking God means to strive after holiness, righteousness and goodness. The love of God is incomplete without the love of one's fellowmen. Judaism emphasizes the kinship of the human race, the sanctity and worth of human life and personality and the right of the individual to freedom and to the pursuit of his chosen vocation. justice to all, irrespective of race, sect or class, is the inalienable right and the inescapable obligation of all. The state and organized government exist in order to further these ends.' (The Guiding Principles of Reform Judaism "The Columbus Platform" - 1937)

The Official Acceptances of 21st Century Reform Judaism

Acceptance of Orthodox Judaism: 'Jewish life is marked by consecration to these ideals of Judaism. It calls for faithful participation in the life of the Jewish community as it finds expression in home, synagogue and school and in all other agencies that enrich Jewish life and promote its welfare. The Home has been and must continue to be a stronghold of Jewish life, hallowed by the spirit of love and reverence, by moral discipline and religious observance and worship. The Synagogue is the oldest and most democratic institution in Jewish life. It is the prime communal agency by which Judaism is fostered and preserved. It links the Jews of each community and unites them with all Israel. The perpetuation of Judaism as a living force depends upon religious knowledge and upon the Education of each new generation in our rich cultural and spiritual heritage.' (The Guiding Principles of Reform Judaism "The Columbus Platform" - 1937)

Acceptance of Talmudic Authority: 'Rabbis and teachers, philosophers and mystics, gifted Jews in every age amplified the Torah tradition. For millennia, the creation of Torah has not ceased.' (Reform Judaism: A Centenary Perspective Adopted in San Francisco - 1976)

Acceptance of Kosher Diet: 'The past century has taught us that the claims made upon us may begin with our ethical obligations but they extend to many other aspects of Jewish living, including: creating a Jewish home centered on family devotion: lifelong study; private prayer and public worship; daily religious observance.' (Reform Judaism: A Centenary Perspective Adopted in San Francisco - 1976)

Acceptance of Rabbinical Holiness: 'Lawgivers and prophets, historians and poets gave us a heritage whose study is a religious imperative and whose practice is our chief means to holiness.' (Reform Judaism: A Centenary Perspective Adopted in San Francisco - 1976)

Acceptance of Zionism: 'The restoration of Am Yisrael to its ancestral homeland after nearly two thousand years of statelessness and powerlessness represents an historic triumph of the Jewish people, providing a physical refuge, the possibility of religious and cultural renewal on its own soil, and the realization of God's promise to Abraham: "to your offspring I assign this land" .,,To help promote the security of Medinat Yisrael and ensure the welfare of its citizens, we pledge continued political support and financial assistance...we resolve to implement educational programs and religious practices that reflect and reinforce the bond between Reform Judaism and Zionism.' (Reform Judaism & Zionism: A Centenary Platform "The Miami Platform" - 1997)

Acceptance of Mt. Sinai Covenant: 'We believe that the eternal covenant established at Sinai ordained a unique religious purpose for Am Yisrael. Medinat Yisrael , the Jewish State, is therefore unlike all other states. Its obligation is to strive towards the attainment of the Jewish people's highest moral ideals to be a mamlechet kohanim [a kingdom of priests], a goy kadosh [a holy people], and l'or goyim [a light unto the nations].' (Reform Judaism & Zionism: A Centenary Platform "The Miami Platform" - 1997)

May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Moses.

The Judeo-Christian, Part VI. Neoliteralism, the Cornerstone of Judeo-Christian Theology

Fear God and keep His Commandments for this is the whole duty of man.

- Ecclesiastes 12:13

Part VI. Neoliteralism, the Cornerstone of Judeo-Christian Theology

Today, there are a countless number of methods along with differing schools of thought when it comes to Bible Studies and Theology. At least some astute observers might say there are already far too many, with each ‘method’ or ‘school’ contradicting another so that these traditionally Christian fields of study have become nothing more than a ‘Mystery Babylon’ intellectual enterprise. Obviously, adding yet another catchy term to the list would seem to be compounding the problem, rather than providing a solution. Nevertheless, the project of Neoliteralism, a new term for a new scholarly outlook, has only one intent and that is simplification. Neoliteralism, as the word implies, presumes to take the Bible literally, but it also includes a basic understanding of what the Bible represents. This understanding is simple, not complex, and general, rather than specific. Thus, a perfect example of Neoliteralism can be seen in the following comments and remarks:

I. The Holy Bible is the most published, read, studied, documented, analyzed, interpreted and discussed book ever known in the history of the world.
II. The Holy Bible is currently available in more alphabets, languages, and versions which are spoken and written by more ethnicities and cultures than any other book on earth today.
III. The Holy Bible is the the single most influential book underlying the development of nearly all the written languages still used on earth today.
IV. The Holy Bible is the official text of Christianity, the largest religion with the most followers in the entire world.
V. The Holy Bible is the cornerstone of monotheism, represented by the three great religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
VI. The Holy Bible is the chronological story of a single family’s relationship with a specific supernatural entity that began in 3760 B.C. with Adam and ended with Joshua ben Joseph (Jesus) in 33 A.D.
VII. The Holy Bible is the most powerful piece of literature in the modern world that has inspired, motivated, and influenced more individuals to think and act in more ways than any other written document in the history of the world.

Even if the simple generalizations just mentioned may appear controversial to some readers, each one of them is not only true, but a scientific fact that cannot be denied or dis-proven. In other words, Neoliteralism is willing to make ample use of the Statistical Sciences in order to further its primary agenda, simplicity. Is simplicity an objective goal? Is simplicity biased or politically motivated? The answers to both of those questions depend on the assumptions of what simplicity will do to the fields of Theology and Religious Studies. Put bluntly, there is an infinite number of ways of interpreting Neoliteralism‘s emphasis on simplicity. The non-believer might suspect that it is simply a code word for fundamentalist Christianity intent on quashing complex, sophisticated dissent of traditional Biblical belief systems. On the other hand, the believer may mistake simplicity as either an attempt to water down or dilute Christian truth or an absurd strategy to tear down the Church which has been built upon a continuing accumulation of scholarship compiled and studied throughout the centuries.

In other words, religious scholars may well be skeptical of this new contraption, this intellectual tool known as Neoliteralism. All things considered, they have every right to be. Indeed, for most readers this is the first mention of the word Neoliteralism. This original piece of jargon could end up being nothing more than another case of self-promotion. Theologians and Religious Scholars, just like nearly everybody in today’s world, crave attention. They crave readers, listeners, endowments, large offices, and higher salaries. For some, the spread of Christian intellectual truth is also a strong underlying motivation.

With that in mind, Neoliteralism must be honest with itself and with others about what the term really means. This includes the inventor of the word and author of this essay. In other words, who is the man behind the curtain pulling the strings of Neoliteralism? Well, for starters, Neoliteralism is obviously a self-interested attempt to be different. Are not all ‘methods’ and ‘outlooks’ found in Theology the same way? Of course they are. Theologians, like all intellectuals, entered the field out of a desire to have their religious ideas read and listened to by others. Assuming the factor of self-interest remains, here are the basic, and specific, agendas underlying Neoliteralism.

I. Neoliteralism is Catholic: Catholic Christianity is emphasized because it is older and has more adherents than Protestantism. The reason is simple, St. Peter was specifically chosen to be the leader by Joshua (Jesus) (NOTE: the author of this essay is a practicing Roman/Ukrainian Catholic scholar.)
II. Neoliteralism is Judaic: Athens, Greco-Roman Philosophy, and Hellenism are ignored in favor of Jerusalem, Mysticism, and Judaism. The reason is simple, Joshua (Jesus) was and is a Jew.
III. Neoliteralism is Iconoclastic: Extreme anti-Christian sentiments and assumptions found in the visual arts proves their inherently Pagan and demonic tendencies. The reason is simple, God prohibited the graven image as one of the Ten Commandments
IV. Neoliteralism is Scientific: Darwin’s Theory of Evolution is losing ground due to scientific dissent among experts. Natural law is concurrent with biological behavior of other mammalian species.
V. Neoliteralism is Evangelical: The continued popularity of the Bible, of Christianity, and their combined historical influence clearly indicates supernatural forces that cannot be explained scientifically. The probability of Christianity’s success and the Bible’s best-selling status are statistically impossible. Judeo-Christian theology is a statistically significant reality.
VI. Neoliteralism is Judeo-Christian: Numerous sayings and parables found in the Gospels have exact parallels in the Talmud, the Apocrypha, and in modern Orthodox Judaism.

VII. Neoliteralism is Catholic, Judaic, Iconoclastic, Scientific, Evangelical, and Judeo-Christian.

Honesty should not condemn a new idea, theory, or paradigm. In short, these particular aspects of Neoliteralism cannot, and should not, disqualify it from being taken seriously. No type of Theology can ever be objective due to the pre-existing preferences of their creator or inventor. Most importantly, the above statements of subjectivity represent a key component in Neoliteralism. How so? By admitting the simple, unspoken truth of Theology and Biblical Studies. Rather than remain in denial, Neoliteralism simply accepts the reality of dualism embedded in the historical differences of Judeo-Christian thought.

Sometimes, like a coin with only two sides, objective study of these differences is impossible to achieve. Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, even nonbelievers and Pagan, are either Catholic or Protestant because, regardless of their personal faith, they will always prefer one over another. This understanding is also true concerning the traditional Christian stereotypes which have, at times, erupted into violent opposition. Historically speaking, the Glorious Revolution of England and the Iconoclasm Rebellion of the Byzantine Empire are perfect examples of ideas armed with swords. Everyone, including every theologian is, in the end, either a Judaizer or a Hellenizer, an Iconophil or an Iconoclast, an Artist or a Scientist, who is Private or Evangelical about being Christian or Judeo-Christian. To summarize, Neoliteralism is brutally honest about its intentions of being barbarically simple about Theology and Biblical Studies. Complexity and sophistication are both acceptable, but there must be balance instead of a one-sided journey into obscurity and obsolescence.

May the LORD God bless you in the name of the Judeo-Christian tradition..

The Good News Talmud, Part IX. The Wisdom of the West is Best

Every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of Heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.

- Matthew 13:52

Part IX. The Wisdom of the West is Best

The Wisdom of both the Talmud and the Gospels is never-ending and a sweet song unto the LORD. Those in denial are always quick to say the Wisdom of the East is just as good if not better. In fact, all the wisdom of the East can be found in the West, but the even more complex wisdom of the Judeo-Christian West is still lacking. Here are even more examples of the profound similarities found in both documents, written a long, long time ago.

TALMUD: See what an excess of wine did in the world. Noah came out of the ark with his three sons, his wife and their wives, who composed the human family of the world; and a fourth of this he cursed in consequence of his indulgence.(Numbers Rabba 10)
GOSPEL: Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. (Luke 21:34)

TALMUD: R. Kahana also said, 'R. Nathan b. Minyomi expounded in R. Tanhum's name: why is it written, and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. From the implication of what is said, and the pit was empty, do I not know that there was no water in it; what then is taught by, there was no water in it? There was no water, yet there were snakes and scorpions in it.'- Shabbath 22a
GOSPEL: I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. (Luke 10:19)

TALMUD: Rabbis Gamaliel, Joshua, Eleazar b. Azaria and Akiba were preachers in Rome. (Exodus Rabba 30)

GOSPEL: Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 28:18-20)

TALMUD: It is prohibited to add to the canon of the Bible, consisting of twenty-four books. (Numbers Rabba 14)
GOSPEL: There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written, 'JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.' Therefore many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews'; just because He said, 'I am King of the Jews.'" Pilate answered, 'What I have written I have written.' (John 19:18-22)

TALMUD: R. Kahana also said, 'R. Nathan b. Minyomi expounded in R. Tanhum's name: why is it written, and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. From the implication of what is said, and the pit was empty, do I not know that there was no water in it; what then is taught by, there was no water in it? There was no water, yet there were snakes and scorpions in it.'- Shabbath 22a
GOSPEL: Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! (Luke 11:11-13)

TALMUD: Rabbis Gamaliel, Joshua, Eleazar b. Azaria and Akiba were preachers in Rome. (Exodus Rabba 30)

GOSPEL: This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 'Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight. I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.' (Matthew 12:17-18)

TALMUD: Rabbis Gamaliel, Joshua, Eleazar b. Azaria and Akiba were preachers in Rome. (Exodus Rabba 30)
GOSPEL: Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.... “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. (John 10:1-14)

TALMUD: The infliction of stripes, given in the Torah, was not a severe punishment, and was moreover given in many instances in lieu of capital punishment, which the delinquent might have deserved besides. When the punishment had been inflicted, there was to be no further reproach attached to the punished individual, but he was to be received in the community as a brother (Deut. 25).--Numb. Rabba 5.
GOSPEL: Pilate then took Jesus and scourged Him. (John 19:1)

TALMUD: R. Kahana also said, 'R. Nathan b. Minyomi expounded in R. Tanhum's name: why is it written, and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. From the implication of what is said, and the pit was empty, do I not know that there was no water in it; what then is taught by, there was no water in it? There was no water, yet there were snakes and scorpions in it.' - Shabbath 22a
GOSPEL: Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? (Matthew 7:8-10)

TALMUD: See what an excess of wine did in the world. Noah came out of the ark with his three sons, his wife and their wives, who composed the human family of the world; and a fourth of this he cursed in consequence of his indulgence.(Numbers Rabba 10)
GOSPEL: John came and did not eat or drink like other people. So people say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came, eating and drinking, and people say, 'Look at him! He eats too much and drinks too much wine, and he is a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is proved to be right by what she does." (Matthew 11:18-19)

TALMUD: Rabbis Gamaliel, Joshua, Eleazar b. Azaria and Akiba were preachers in Rome. (Exodus Rabba 30)
GOSPEL: And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come. (Matthew 24:14)

TALMUD: MOSES declared (Exodus 4) that he was not a man of words, but observe his eloquence in the book of Deuteronomy; an eloquence acquired since he gained possession of the Torah. (Deuteronomy Rabba 1)
GOSPEL: The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.... 'I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father...They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. (John 10:1-14)

May the LORD God bless you in the name of the Judeo-Christian Tradition.

The Good News Talmud, Part VI. Rivalry and Similarity Between the Talmud and the Gospels

Every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of Heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.

- Matthew 13:52

Part VI. Rivalry and Similarity Between the Talmud and the Gospels

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the
Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
For truly I tell you, until Heaven and Earth disappear, not the
smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means
disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore
anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and
teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of
Heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will
be called great in the kingdom of Heaven. For I tell you that unless
your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers
of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of Heaven.

- Matthew 5:17-20

Even though this has been said before, it should be said again that the sayings, and even the parables, of Jesus Christ were not all of His own, but were the culmination of many centuries of ancient Israelite and Jewish tradition. These words of wisdom did not inspire, nor impress, the Greco-Roman elites and their philosophers or cause them to believe, on the contrary. What did finally cause them to convert was the miraculous transformation they saw in people who were diseased, sick, or in despair, as well as the very real supernatural miracles performed by the Apostles, Disciples, and the dozens of Saints who came after them. The Rabbis crucified R. Joshua ben Joseph because they thought He was practicing black magic or was hopelessly (and helplessly) possessed by the Devil. 2,000 years later, His magic lives on within the most famous compilation of Jewish wisdom and advice ever written- commonly known as the Gospels of Jesus Christ. Enjoy the following comparisons.

TALMUD: The builder mixes a thick sand with a thinner one in the mortar, by which contrivance the latter becomes very strong and the building more substantial. In creating the first pair, something of this method was adopted. Adam was the strong and Eve the weaker. This mixture of the weak with the strong is beneficial to the human race. (Genesis Rabba 14)
GOSPEL: ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. (Mark 10:7-9)

TALMUD: Man was originally formed with a tail like the lower animals, but this was afterwards taken from him out of consideration for him. (Genesis Rabba 14)
GOSPEL: Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. (Matthew 7:6)

TALMUD: Man in celibacy is in sublime ignorance of what is meant by the words good, hell, joy, blessing, peace and expiation of sin. He is, in fact, not entitled to the dignified name of man. (Genesis Rabba 17)
GOSPEL: Jesus replied, 'Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others- and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.' (Matthew 19:11-12)

TALMUD: God designed man for work, to work for his own sustenance. He who does not work shall not eat. (Genesis Rabba 14)
GOSPEL: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23)

TALMUD: After Adam's fall came Abraham, who established in the world the knowledge of God. As a builder puts the strongest beam in the centre of the building, so as to support the structure at both ends, so Abraham was the strong beam carrying the burden of the generations that existed before him and that came after him. (Genesis Rabba 14a)
GOSPELS: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. (Luke 9:23-24)

TALMUD: Dreams, something like prophecy, are the offspring of imaginations and comparisons which we may form whilst awake. (Genesis Rabba 17)
GOSPEL: Because Mary's husband, Joseph, was a good man, he did not want to disgrace her in public, so he planned to divorce her secretly. While Joseph thought about these things, an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream. The angel said, 'Joseph, descendant of David, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the baby in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' (Matthew 1:19-21)

TALMUD: After Adam's fall came Abraham, who established in the world the knowledge of God. As a builder puts the strongest beam in the centre of the building, so as to support the structure at both ends, so Abraham was the strong beam carrying the burden of the generations that existed before him and that came after him. (Genesis Rabba 14a)
GOSPEL: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (Mark 8:34)

TALMUD: Here in this life we have the Spirit = the soul, blown into our nostrils, hence it goes from us at death. In the future, the soul, when restored, will be given to us, as it is said in (Ezekiel 37:14): a complete gift never to be returned. - Genesis Rabba 14
GOSPEL: Jesus, when He had cried out again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost...Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee onto a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw Him (again), they worshiped Him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, 'All power is given unto Me in Heaven and on Earth.' (Matthew 27:50, 28:16-18)

TALMUD: The river Euphrates is the chief and choicest of all rivers. (Genesis Rabba 16)
GOSPEL: And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:4-5)

TALMUD: The Greeks, amongst other insults which they heaped on Jews, had a satirical saying. The Jews should write on the horn of an ox- alluding to the making of the golden calf, that they are not the portion of the God of Israel. (Genesis Rabba 16)
GOSPEL: They said to Jesus, 'Teacher, this woman was caught having sexual relations with a man who is not her husband. The law of Moses commands that we stone to death every woman who does this. What do you say we should do?' They were asking this to trick Jesus so that they could have some charge against him. But Jesus bent over and started writing on the ground with his finger. When they continued to ask Jesus their question, he raised up and said, 'Anyone here who has never sinned can throw the first stone at her.' Then Jesus bent over again and wrote on the ground. (John 8:4-8)

TALMUD: Sleep is a sixtieth portion of death, a dream is the same proportion of prophecy and the Sabbath of the Future bliss. (Genesis Rabba 17)
GOSPEL: Then Jesus went back to his followers and found them asleep. He said to Peter, 'You men could not stay awake with me for one hour? Stay awake and pray for strength against temptation. The spirit wants to do what is right, but the body is weak.' (Matthew 26:40-41)

TALMUD: 'Why,' asked a matron of Rabbi José, 'did God steal a rib from Adam?' 'Steal, did you say?' replied the Sage. 'If one were to take away from your house an ounce of silver, and give you in return a pound of gold, that would not be stealing from you.' 'But,' Persisted his friend, 'what need was there for secrecy?' 'It was surely better,' replied R. José, 'to present Eve to Adam when she was quite presentable, and when no traces of the effects of the operation were visible.' (Genesis Rabba 17)
GOSPEL: After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb (of Jesus).There was a violent earthquake, for an Angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow...The Angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples'...So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy...Suddenly Jesus met them. 'Greetings,' he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. (Matthew 28:1-9)

TALMUD: That woman exercises more influence over man than he possesses over woman was illustrated by a couple who were famous for their piety, but who were eventually divorced. The man married a woman of questionable habits, and soon copied her conduct and became like his new wife, conspicuous for his evil deeds; whilst the divorced woman married a notorious sinner, and converted him into a pious man. (Genesis Rabba 17)
GOSPEL: A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is-that she is a sinner.' Jesus answered him, 'Simon, I have something to tell you'...Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, 'Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.' Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.' (Luke 7:37-48)

TALMUD: Dreams, something like prophecy, are the offspring of imaginations and comparisons which we may form whilst awake. (Genesis Rabba 17)
GOSPEL: So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, 'Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?'...While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, 'Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.' (Matthew 27:17-19)

TALMUD: Dreams, something like prophecy, are the offspring of imaginations and comparisons which we may form while awake. (Genesis Rabba 17)
GOSPEL: On coming to the house, they (three wise men) saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. (Matthew 2:11-13)

TALMUD: Sleepiness and laziness in a man are the beginning of his misfortune. (Genesis Rabba 17)
GOSPEL: Then Jesus went back to his followers and found them asleep. He said to Peter, 'You men could not stay awake with me for one hour? Stay awake and pray for strength against temptation. The spirit wants to do what is right, but the body is weak'...Then he went back to his followers, and again he found them asleep, because their eyes were heavy. So Jesus left them and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing. Then Jesus went back to his followers and said, 'Are you still sleeping and resting? The time has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to sinful people. Get up, we must go.' (Matthew 26:40-46)

TALMUD: Man in celibacy is in sublime ignorance of what is meant by the words good, hell, joy, blessing, peace and expiation of sin. He is, in fact, not entitled to the dignified name of man. (Genesis Rabba 17)
GOSPEL: 'The only reason for a man to divorce his wife is if his wife has sexual relations with another man.' The followers said to him, 'If that is the only reason a man can divorce his wife, it is better not to marry.' Jesus answered, 'Not everyone can accept this teaching, but God has made some able to accept it. There are different reasons why some men cannot marry. Some men were born without the ability to become fathers. Others were made that way later in life by other people. And some men have given up marriage because of the kingdom of Heaven. But the person who can marry should accept this teaching about marriage.' (Matthew 19:9-12)

TALMUD: Rabbi Meier wrote a scroll for his own use, on the margin of which he wrote, in connexion with the words: 'And God saw that it was good,' 'This means death, which is the passing from life transitory to life everlasting.' - Genesis Rabba 9
GOSPEL: Then Jesus said to his disciples: 'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For he that will save his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall find it. For what does it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul?' (Matthew 16:24-26)

May the LORD God bless you in the name of the Judeo-Christian tradition.

The Good News Talmud, Part III. Discovering that the Talmud is Judeo-Christian

Every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of Heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.

- Matthew 13:52

Part III. Discovering that the Talmud is Judeo-Christian

As always, a collection of Talmud/Gospel comparisons. Right or wrong, agree or disagree, the sheer volume of clear and obvious parallels shows that the quiet Jewish and Gentile Christian scholars who have discovered the clear links between the Talmud and the New Testament in the past have also been silenced for centuries, for far too long. In their memory, the Good News Talmud, Part III. is dedicated.

Potential Rabbis study Talmud

TALMUD: God pairs- in marriages, and appoints all destinies. (Leviticus Rabba 8)
GOSPEL: ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. (Mark 10:7-9)

TALMUD Amongst the heavenly bodies and beings there is no envy, jealousy, hatred or contention. Yet it is said (Job 25:2), 'He maketh peace in his high places.' How much more, then, is peace needed amongst God's creatures in this lower sphere. (Leviticus Rabba 9)
GOSPEL: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly host praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth and goodwill towards men!' So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into Heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.' (Luke 2:13-15)

The Talmud, an Eastern European Opera

TALMUD: 'The merciful man,' says King Solomon, 'doeth good to his own soul, but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh' (Prov. 11. 17). Solomon meant by this, the rich who disdain to invite their poor relatives to their festive tables.(Leviticus Rabba 34)
GOSPEL: Then Jesus said to his host, 'When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.' (Luke 14:12-14)

TALMUD: Sweet is the attainment of the evil inclination at the start, but bitter, very bitter in the end. (Leviticus Rabba 16)
GOSPEL: For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mark 8:36-37)

TALMUD: If thou hast done any meritorious act, do not ask at once for the reward thereof, if you receive it not, your offspring after you will receive it. (Exodus Rabba 44)
GOSPEL: At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, 'Who then is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?' And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you...become like children...Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.' (Matthew 18:1-4)

Orthodox Jewish students study the same books 2,000 years later

TALMUD: Moses considered the breaking of the Tablets preferable to delivering them to the people, after they had made the golden calf. He was like a man commissioned by a king to convey the marriage contract to his future bride, who learns on his way that the would-be bride has rendered herself guilty of a serious indiscretion. He decides--in the woman's own interest--not to proceed further with the nuptial contract, but to tear it up, as she will thus still be unmarried and her guilt less serious than if she were guilty of her misdeed after she had received her marriage lines. (Exodus Rabba 43 and 46)
GOSPEL: This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'...When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. (Matthew 1:18-20,24)

TALMUD: Ninety-nine out of a hundred evils which overtake man can be traced to his own acts. (Leviticus Rabba 16)
GOSPEL: For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? If it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. So it is not the will of your Father who is in Heaven that one of these little ones perish. (Matthew 18:11-14)

TALMUD: Israel is the most arrogant among nations, like the dog amongst beasts and the cock amongst fowls. (Exodus Rabba 42)
GOSPEL #1: The (non-Jewish) woman came and knelt before Him (Jesus) . 'Lord, help me!' she said. Joshua (Jesus) replied, 'It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.' 'Yes it is, Lord,' she said. 'Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.' (Matthew 15:25-27)
GOSPEL #2: Peter answered and said unto Him, 'Though all men be offended because of You, yet I will never be offended.' Jesus said unto him, 'Indeed, I say unto you that this night, before the cock crows aloud, you shall deny me three times.'...Peter sat outside in the palace, and a damsel came unto him, saying, 'You also were with Jesus of Galilee." But he denied it before them all, saying, "I know not what you're saying.' And when he had gone out onto the porch, another maid saw him and said unto those who were there, "This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.' And again he denied with an oath, 'I do not know the man!' And after a while...those who stood by, said to Peter, "Surely you are also one of them.'...Then he began to curse and to swear, saying, "I know not the man!" And immediately the cock crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, when He said unto him, "Before the cock crows aloud, you shall deny Me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:33-34,69-75)

A Talmudic Homeless shelter, with no wickedness lurking anywhere nearby

TALMUD: If your prayers are earnest, hope for the fulfilment of them. (Leviticus Rabba 16)
GOSPEL: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:7-11)

A Talmud with Diamonds and Gold

TALMUD: The human tongue is not free, like some other members of the human body, but is confined in the mouth, and moreover is constantly in moisture: yet how many burns can it cause with its sharp edge and its fire. How much worse then would it have been, were that dangerous member of the human body possessed of more facilities. (Leviticus Rabba 16)
GOSPEL: Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. (Matthew 15:17-19)

TALMUD: If speech is silver, then silence is gold. (Leviticus Rabba 16)
GOSPEL: Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, 'Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?' But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. (Mark 14:60-61)

TALMUD: Better for you to have no more than two coins (about a shilling) as the means with which to gain a livelihood, than to be a man of large capital and employ it in usury. (Leviticus Rabba 3)
GOSPEL: Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out...These were his instructions: 'Take nothing for the journey except a staff-no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.' (Mark 6:7-8)



Even Former President George W. Bush, the Evangelical Protestant Christian from Texas studies Talmud now and then.

May the LORD God bless you the name of the Judeo-Christian tradition.

The Judeo-Christian, Part XI. The Number Seven in Christianity

Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

- Ecclesiastes 12:13

Part X. The Number Seven in Christianity

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The Seven Archangels
I. Michael
II. Gabriel
III. Raphael
IV. Uriel
V. Raguel
VI. Remiel.
VII. Saraqael

The Seven Virtues of God
I. Prudence
II. Justice
III. Restraint
IV. Courage
V. Faith
VI. Hope
VII. Love

The Seven Sacraments
I. Baptism
II. Communion
III. Confession
IV. Confirmation
V. Matrimony
VI. Ordination
VII. Anointing


The Seven Material Deeds of Mercy
I. Feed the Hungry
II. Quench the Thirsty.
III. Clothe the Naked.
IV. Shelter the Homeless
V. Visit the Imprisoned
VI. Comfort the Sick
VII. Bury the Dead

The Seven Spiritual Deeds of Mercy
I. Instruct Ignorance
II. Counsel Doubt
III. Rebuke Sinners
IV. Endure Others Patiently
V. Forgive Others Willingly
VI. Comfort Affliction
VII. Pray for the the Living and the Dead

The Seven Deadly Sins
I. Lust
II. Gluttony
III. Greed
IV. Sloth
V. Wrath
VI. Envy
VII. Pride

The Seven Heavenly (Contrary) Virtues
I. Chastity
II. Temperance
III. Charity
IV. Diligence
V. Patience
VI. Kindness
VII. Humility

Seven Branches of the Temple Candlestick (Menorah)

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost
I. Wisdom
II. Understanding
III. Counsel
IV. Courage
V. Knowledge
VI. Reverence
VII. Fear of the LORD

The Seven Mysteries of the Holy Ghost
I. The Annunciation (St. Luke 1:35)
II. The Visitation (St. Luke 1:42)
III. The Baptism (St. Luke 3:22)
IV. The Wedding (John 2:1-11)
V.. The Crucifixion (John 19:30)
VI. The Resurrection (St. John 20:19, 22)
VII. The Pentecost (Acts 2:1)


The Future of Seven is now...

The Seven Beliefs of the Apostles Creed
I. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
II. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
III. I believe in the Holy Ghost
IV. I believe in the Holy Catholic Church
V. I believe in the Communion of Saints
VI. I believe in the forgiveness of sins,
VII. I believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.

The Seven Elements of Mankind's Creation
I. Man's flesh from the earth
II. His blood from the dew
III. His eyes from the sun
IV. His bones from stone
V. His intelligence from the swiftness of the angels and from clouds
VI. His veins and his hair from the grass of the earth;
VII. His Soul from the wind. (II Enoch 30:10)

The Seven Elements Used to Create Man
1. Earth
2. Morning Dew
3. the Sun
4. Stone
5. Clouds
6. Grass,
7. Wind (II Enoch 30:10)

The Seven Parts and Sensations of Man
I. The flesh for hearing
II. The eyes for Seeing
III. The soul for smelling,
IV. The veins for touching
V. The blood for taste
VI. The bones for endurance
VII. The intelligence for enjoying (II Enoch 30:11)

The Seven Natures of Man
I. Listening
II. Seeing
III. Smelling
IV. Touching
V. Tasting
VI. Enduring
VII. Enjoying (II Enoch 30:11)

God's Seven Free gifts to the World
I. The Torah (Exodus 31:18)
II. Light (Genesis 1:17)
III. Rain (Leviticus 26:4)
IV. Peace (Leviticus 26:6)
V. Salvation (Psalms 18:36)
VI. Mercy (Psalms 106:46)
VII. Navigation (Talmud, Genesis Rabba 6)

The Seven Woes of Joshua the Messiah (Matthew 23)
I. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. (Matthew 23:13-14)
II. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. (Matthew 23:15)
III. Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? You also say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.' You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it. (Matthew 23:16-22)
IV. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices-mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. (Matthew 23:23-24)
V. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. (Matthew 23:25-26)
VI. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. (Matthew 23:27-28)
VII. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers! (Matthew 23:29-31)

Evolution of the Number Seven

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The Gospels of Seven

The royal official said to Him, 'Sir, come down before my child dies.' Jesus said to him, 'Go; your son lives.' The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off. As he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was living. So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. Then they said to him, 'Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.' So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, 'Your son lives'; and he himself believed and his whole household. (John 4:49-53)

And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-38)

Two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. (Luke 24:13)

The Seven Other Evil, Unclean Spirits

Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came,' and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. That is the way it will also be with this evil generation. (Matthew 12:43-45)

When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order.Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.' (Luke 11:24-26)

Seven Times Seven of Forgiveness

Then Peter came and said to Him, 'LORD, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.' (Matthew 18:21-22)

"Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' forgive him." The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!' (Luke 17:3-5)

The Woman Cured of Seven Demons

He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. She went and reported to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping. (Mark 16:8-10)

The twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means. (Luke 8:1-3)

The Seven Loaves Feeds Four Thousand

His disciples answered Him, 'Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this desolate place to satisfy these people?' And He was asking them, 'How many loaves do you have?' And they said, 'Seven.' And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve to them, and they served them to the people. They also had a few small fish; and after He had blessed them, He ordered these to be served as well. And they ate and were satisfied; and they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces. About four thousand were there; and He sent them away. (Mark 8:4-9)

'When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up?' And they said to Him, 'Seven.' And He was saying to them, 'Do you not yet understand?' (Mark 8:20-21)

Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, 'I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.' The disciples said to Him, 'Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place to satisfy such a large crowd?' And Jesus said to them, 'How many loaves do you have?' And they said, 'Seven, and a few small fish.' And He directed the people to sit down on the ground and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, seven large baskets full. And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. (Matthew 15:32-38)

The Seven Husbands of One Wife

Some Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection) came to Jesus, and began questioning Him, saying, 'Teacher, Moses wrote for us that IF A MAN'S BROTHER DIES and leaves behind a wife AND LEAVES NO CHILD, HIS BROTHER SHOULD MARRY THE WIFE AND RAISE UP CHILDREN TO HIS BROTHER. There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and died leaving no children. The second one married her, and died leaving behind no children; and the third likewise and so all seven left no children. Last of all the woman died also. In the resurrection, when they rise again, which one's wife will she be? For all seven had married her.' Jesus said to them, "Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, and the God of Jacob?' He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken." (Mark 12:18-27)

Now there came to Him some of the Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection), and they questioned Him, saying, 'Teacher, Moses wrote for us that IF A MAN'S BROTHER DIES, having a wife, AND HE IS CHILDLESS, HIS BROTHER SHOULD MARRY THE WIFE AND RAISE UP CHILDREN TO HIS BROTHER. Now there were seven brothers, and the first took a wife and died childless, and the second and the third married her; and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children. Finally the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, which one's wife will she be? For all seven had married her.' Jesus said to them, 'The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, AND THE GOD OF JACOB. Now He is not the God of the dead but of the living; for all live to Him.' Some of the scribes answered and said, "'Teacher, You have spoken well.' (Luke 20:27-39)

On that day some Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came to Jesus and questioned Him, asking, "Teacher, Moses said, 'IF A MAN DIES HAVING NO CHILDREN, HIS BROTHER AS NEXT OF KIN SHALL MARRY HIS WIFE, AND RAISE UP CHILDREN FOR HIS BROTHER.' Now there were seven brothers with us; and the first married and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother; so also the second, and the third, down to the seventh. Last of all, the woman died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had married her." But Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God: 'I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, AND THE GOD OF JACOB'? He is not the God of the dead but of the living." When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. (Matthew 22:23-33)

Others

If (someone) sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him. (Luke 17:4)

(Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples) After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way. Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. (John 21:1-2)

May the LORD God of Israel bless you now and forever....
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Judeo-Christian Ikons of the Number Seven

From 666 to 667 Children of Adonikam

Now these are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken captive to Babylon (they returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to their own town...The list of the men of the people of Israel: the descendants...of Adonikam: 666.

- Ezra 2:1-13

These are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his city...The number of men of the people of Israel...the sons of Adonikam: 667.

- Nehemiah 7:6-18