(1) The ancient Hebrew term for "nations" strictly describes heathens and idol worshippers. Therefore, if a learned Jewish man like Jesus said "baptize all nations", he must have refered to everybody EXCEPT the Jews.
(2) I find it extremely offensive when you suggest that Jesus was at any time in a position to issue `divine commands`. Nobody but God can give out such orders. Your idea smacks of heathendom as it inevitably leads to the worshipping of false gods.
(3) According to mystical Jewish teachings, ALL people are `Children of God`, even though many may find themselves unworthy of the title on an everyday basis. When Jesus, who was definitely a mystic, spoke of `the son of God` he must have refered to EVERY man, not just to himself.
(4) Religions are clubs for people with a rather poor self-understanding. Although certain Jewish religious customs do exist, that is not what made the Jewish people outlast other, much larger and more powerful communities. |
|
