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Monday, January 28, 2013

In Search of Better Terminology (Suggestions are Welcome)

Perhaps you scholars and philologists out there can help me...

It seems to me that it is inaccurate and unhelpful to say that Christians are "antinomian", which is to say anti-Law when in fact they are only partially antinomian.  They are not against Jewish secular law (mishpatim) but they are very much against Jewish religious law (chukim).  So is there a more accurate term than "antinomian"?  Does anyone know?  The only thing I can think of is the term "anti-chukim" but that's a rather confusing term.

Also, the term supersessionism is extremely ambiguous these days since it comes in almost as many varieties as Christianity itself (e.g. punitive supersessionism, economic supersessionism, structural supersessionism, hard superesssionism, soft supersessionism, etc, etc).  Perhaps we could use something like "covenantal supersessionism" so that we at least have a context?

So if anyone has any suggestions for alternate terms to replace "antinomianism" and "supersessionism", I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Shalom,

Peter

9 comments:

  1. "Supersessionism" and "modern holocaust" are power words. They are often used and repeated when people want to intimidate and control others. Much like "racist" or "discrimination" these words are used [and often with great skill] to take control of discussions.

    It reminds me of - Prov 26:4, 5
    "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes."

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    1. Anonymous,

      This is an interesting point. I'll have to consider it and the verse you mentioned.

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  2. From Matthew 24:12
    Psugesetain (made up word from ψυγησεται psugēsetai ψυχω psuchō Verb third singular future passive indicative to cool; grow cold; make dry (Predicate)

    Of course if you try to pick up that "sword" in the heat of a "word battle" you probably won't "land any blows." We need something like a Biblical Meat Thermometer. So that you could just stick it into a discussion, wave it past a blog post, or dip a book into it to determine how hot or cold something is based upon God's standards.
    Of course.... I think that is what Proverbs 1:2-5 sets as the goal of ALL believers in regards to wisdom.

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  3. one other note... Matt 24:12 applies equally to both Jew and Gentile. In regards to scripture, when lawlessness is increased most people's love will grow cold. Universal truth.

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    1. Yes, it's the scary truth. And equally scary: we're all influenced by the spirit of lawlessness. I can only hope for His mercy!

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  4. You should ask Boaz Michael. For someone who invented "Divine invitation" it will be child play to coin another meshugene title....LOL!

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  5. "We need something like a Biblical Meat Thermometer. So that you could just stick it into a discussion, wave it past a blog post, or dip a book into it to determine how hot or cold something is based upon God's standards"

    I am laughing so hard...I can just see it, good one!

    Steven

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  6. My aunt told me that if Yeshua told her not to eat pork, plain and simply...she would not eat it.

    I tried to explain to her how Yeshua DID say not to eat it, but it was way over her head. But, I believe her, while not understanding how one believer can "get it" as another can not.

    Does my understanding make me better than her? Well, not in the context of judgment, but it is better to keep the commandments.

    "if you had not seen you would have no sin, but because you say you see your sin remains with you" Yeshua

    It really seems a miracle to me how the lawless become lawful.

    I thank G-d for the understanding he has given me of his Torah but it humbles me. I hope I do well in the Kingdom, but more than that... I hope every one of my brothers and sisters in Yeshua Messiah do better than me. May you all be blessed today and everyday and find your place at his table!

    Love Steven

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    1. Thank you, brother. I hope to see you at the table too! Just remember that G-d loves us all so much because He sees us as His children. So it's like when I see my daughter and hear her say "Daddy!" My heart melts!! And so it must be even more so with HaShem! He is, after all, the perfect Abba! : )

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