Date: Sun, 05 Oct 1997 23:19:56 0500
To: Rob Weinberg
From: Frank Grose
Subject: Re: Happy Rosh Hashana
Rob,
Just finished reading your welcomed reply. Actually, I had been worried that I'd been too aggressive and bold. I am glad that neither of us object to hearing hard things presented in a non-threatening, non-accusatory, non-condemning way by a friend.
I am still trying to evaluate where you are in your knowledge of the Bible. Some things you say reflects more knowledge of the NT than I expect. Some questions and comments cause me to wonder about your basic knowledge of the OT. My perception is that (religious) Jews KNOW the OT (or the Jewish version of it), and that this would constitute common ground on which both Jew and Christian would agree. Christians do not venerate the Talmud as "the inspired word of God." When we say "God," are not we both talking about "Jehovah" or "Yahweh?" I think the answer to that is "yes."
I knew you'd ask that. Let's try it this way. In order to be a part of the group I'd need to participate. Otherwise, I'm an outsider. Outsiders may get in, but they're not really welcomed to participate unless they leave their own beliefs at the door. If, and I say if, deals are made or alliances formed on the basis of religious preference, or in the context of religious meetings, then I'm not "in." Being invited is a hollow gesture. "Hey," they say, "we don't intentionally exclude anyone, everyone's invited to attend. But you're a little bit *more* invited and welcomed if you already share our religious beliefs."
This sounds like a "no win" situation! I can identify with what you say. Being an officer in the Army and a Christian caused many similar conflicts with me. I don't drink (because of religious reasons). It is better in the Army now, but at (mandatory) officers calls (a.k.a. happy hour), I was the odd ball because I didn't drink. I've felt the pressure to "participate" to be in the "in crowd." It has been practically forced on me. I didn't go to bars, and I didn't go to the O club otherwise on my own (although I had to pay club dues). I guess I learned to expect it, to muster courage to hold to my convictions during those times when I felt I had to go, and to accept it as a inevitable part of being and officer and being a Christian. I didn't consider their actions as anti-Christian. They just didn't know any better. Thankfully, it got better before I retired, and non alcoholic beverages were then always available, and the pressure was practically all gone.
I suppose anyone from another country, culture, or religious convictions will find themselves in an awkward situation at times. I enjoyed being in Korea, and made some really good friends. It is a beautiful culture, and they are beautiful people. I think I could have lived the rest of my life there and enjoyed it, yet had I stayed, I would have never totally fitted in, and wouldn't have expected to. Neither would I have expected the Koreans to change their ways to accommodate me. It would have never been Korean. It is a historical fact that (for the most part) Christians colonized America. Yes, I know the counter, "But look how they treated the Indians and the slaves." I'm not proud of that part, but the government of America was formed by Christians and those who (at least) respected the teachings of Jesus Christ. The majority of our society is made up of Protestants whose national roots go back to Europe. If feeling like you (or anyone) are not part of a given group is considered racism, I don't believe that racism will ever be eliminated. Another basic question. Is anti-Semitism directed toward one because of his heritage or his religion?
"I'd have an easier time walking into a black juke-joint with my guitar than you would...."
Because you are Jewish? How would they know you are Jewish? Would you announce the fact? Wouldn't that be a form of racism?
This may sound like a testimonial, but it is true. I was not brought up to hate people because of their race. A black pilot became a good friend of mine in Vietnam. He was several years older than I. We could talk about sensitive subjects like you and I do. He asked me one night, "How would you explain to your kids why you can't stop (at a particular place) to get them ice cream?" I've never forgot that. A few months later, he literally saved my life on a mission one night when I got blinded by a flare and nearly flew us into the ground. Without him, my name would be on "The Wall" in Washington. We were very close after that. He was nearly killed in Korea four years later in a crash that left him permanently disabled (and mentally not all there). He taught me much about the evils of racism.
I've had the same problem myself. There's a Jewish couple my wife and I have gotten friendly with. I'd like to invite them over, but they keep kosher in their home.
How would you feel if they called you anti-Semitic because you treat them differently? The point is that like a charge of sexual harassment, the charge of racism (or anti-Semitism) is based on the perception of the one making the claim, not the intent in the heart of the one doing the act. Very awkward situation. Do these friends invite you over for a meal?
It must be a sign of the times. I take it for granted that everyone assumes or knows Weinberg is a Jewish name, but the last 1/2 dozen conversations about religion I've had with people, they've plead ignorance. Frankly, that's a good thing, that people aren't looking for labels.
That tends to corroborate an earlier statement about fewer people than you think are (in their hearts) anti-Semitic. If you were sensitive or even paranoid about such things, you may have then had "grounds" for making that claim. Right?
I've hesitated to describe you as being a part of it (Christian right). We disagree on a number of political issues, but you ain't a whacko.
Thanks.
I think our gods share much in common, but I'm not sure yours is the same as that of the Jews.
That is a disappointing thought! My God is the God of the Torah.
It's safe to say that I'm not sure you and I share the same view of God though.
Perhaps we can explore this further later, okay?
I think this is one of those topics we'd have to "agree to disagree" about. Obviously, a fundamental distinction between our religions is that Jews don't believe that Jesus was the messiah.
Yes, I know. But I've never heard a Jew say why. As I said, it seems so clear to me. Personally, I wonder why. Here is your opportunity to educate me some more.
Consider Romans 11:25 (that blindness in part is happened to Israel). Doesn't this passage contradict the idea that Jews are the chosen people?
No, it doesn't contradict. It is another chapter in the history of Israel. Being "chosen" doesn't speak to obedience. My children were not always obedient. That is when they were punished. Israel has been victim of God's punishment for disobedience. The good news is that God will give the nation of Israel another opportunity to accept the Messiah. The bad news is the nation will have to endure "the time of Jacob's trouble" during which 2/3 of them will be killed. As to the eternal destiny of those that don't make it through, a just God will decide that.
No, not at all. But it strays somewhat from we were discussing, namely:how prevalent is anti-Semitism, and what to do about it.
The relevance was in that what I seemed to be hearing was that Christianity, by its very nature, was anti-Semitic. Speaking only for myself, it isn't. Trying to get you to consider other points of view (in this case, having to do with understanding of the Bible) is just part of our mutual exchange of ideas.
And let me add that it's Christians like you that give Christianity a GOOD name.
There are far more like me than you probably think. Yet, we are all labeled with the whackos.
And "kids will be kids," is not the answer.
Agreed. Neither is it an excuse. I am not condoning what went on in Pike County in any way. I'm just saying that kids are going to be mean to each other over differences. Sometimes hasty litigation over racial (or religious) issues may worsen the problem. It would be a tough call, were I in the shoes of their parents.
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