In the early days of Christianity, there are groups of gnostic sects, who do not believe in the crucifixion of Christ. The reason they put it is not based on historical fact but based on sectarian ideas of their own. According to them, the body is bad, it's just a good spirit. If Christ is the logos, then he may not really be human, because it is impossible Logos that is the spirit, in contact with physical objects. So when Jesus seems to be crucified, then it just seems to be, not really crucified. The truth, Jesus actually laugh at the people who crucified him. Therefore, the teachings of this sectarian cult called "docetism" (from the word δοκέω dokeō, "to seem").
At the time later, Islam emerged, with the doctrine that rejected the crucifixion of Isa al-Masih. This doctrine is based on Surah 4 (An-Nisa) verse 157, "And Because Of Their saying (in Boast)," We killed Messiah 'Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allah, "-but They killed him not, nor crucified him, but the resemblance of 'Isa was put over another man (and They killed That man), ... ". Most Muslims interpret this verse by saying that Jesus was not crucified, but replaced with others who likened such as 'Jesus by God, while' God raised Jesus to heaven itself. Opinions like these are teachings which are believed by most Muslims even though there are Muslim leaders who disagree with the doctrine of rejection of the crucifixion 'Isa.
Some Muslim thinkers argue that Jesus was crucified, but only just fainted, and when sober fled to Qumran, living with his mother (Mary) with the Essene sect and died in that place. Ahmadiyya scholars also said the same thing, that Jesus was crucified and collapsed, but after realized he fled to Kashmir, India, where the grave of 'Isa is still there today. It seems Muslim thinkers, and Ahmadiyyah scholars, acknowledging the crucifixion of Isa based verses in the Qur'an: “And Salam (peace) be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, … (Qs Maryam 33), “And (remember) when Allah said: “O ‘Isa (Jesus) I will take you …(”Ya ‘Isa innee mutawaffeeka”)” (Qs Ali Imran 55), “… but when You took me up, You are the Watcher over them, …” (Qs al-Maidah 117). If viewed literally the verses indicate that Jesus would die, so they can receive the death 'of Jesus by crucifixion as recorded in the Gospels and the Jewish and Roman history. While scholars who do not believe typically use Surah an-Nisa 157 above, "... but They killed him not, nor crucified him, ...". This group recognizes that 'Isa raised to heaven, on the basis of the verses: “But Allah raised him [‘Isa (Jesus)] up (with his body and soul) unto Himself, …” (Qs an-Nisa 158), “And (remember) when Allah said: “O ‘Isa (Jesus) I will take you and raise you to Myself …” (Qs Ali Imran 55). But Qs Maryam verse 33, it embraces both, stating after 'Isa died and then resurrected back to life, “And Salam (peace) be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!”
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Jesus in Islamic eschatology
Al-Quran, the Muslim holy book, contains the revelations of God to Muhammad. But besides that, the Qur'an also mention a lot about Jesus. The Qur'an mentions the miraculous birth of Jesus (Sura 3 verse 42-47), about the miracles of Jesus (Sura 3 verse 49), about his work as a messenger of Allah. But at the same time, the Qur'an also narrowed the scope of the ministry of Jesus: He was sent only to the Children of Israel only, not for all humanity (Sura 3 verse 48-49).
We can see about it that the Qur'an sees Jesus in two patterns, positive and negative. On the one hand, the Qur'an had great respect for Jesus to call Him in a few names: Kalimatullah (Sura 4 verse 171), the Spirit of God (Sura 19 verse 17, Sura 21 verse 91), and several other names, which suggests a form of homage to Jesus. On the other hand, the Qur'an rejected Jesus in some respects that it is fundamental to the Christian faith, such as: He is the Son of God, Jesus' death on the cross. The identity of Jesus became a big question mark in the Qur'an. If at first glance, Jesus seems to be glorified among the other prophets by some an honorary degree, the miracle of birth and the miracles he did, but if it is seen more in depth, then all the honors for Jesus as Messiah, God's Word, the Spirit of God has no function as the meaning of these titles. The titles are pinned on Jesus merely honorary title only, honoris causa. Similarly with the miraculous birth and his miracles nor is it something special in the Qur'an. The Qur'an denies that Jesus was born without a father, more special than the other prophets because if Jesus was the only without a father to be special, how about Adam, who was born without a father and mother, Adam's definitely more special than Jesus. Likewise, the miracles of Jesus, not Moses also perform miracles greater than Jesus, that is by splitting the sea?
In Islamic eschatology, the role of Jesus does not stand out when compared with the role of Muhammad himself. Jesus is mentioned as a figure who will come again before the Day of Judgement and kill the Dajjal, but Jesus comes again will only confirm the teachings of Muhammad, to destroy the cross, kill swine, and so on. Jesus would also have a wife and son, reigned for 40 years, then died and was buried in Medina, near the tomb of Muhammad. The role of Jesus in Islamic eschatology is very small even none at all, because he can not provide intercession to save people from punishment (punishment of hell fire), even Jesus himself was tried and examined by God, to account for the deeds of his flock, which has deify Him and His Mother (Sura 5 verse 116.117).
We can see about it that the Qur'an sees Jesus in two patterns, positive and negative. On the one hand, the Qur'an had great respect for Jesus to call Him in a few names: Kalimatullah (Sura 4 verse 171), the Spirit of God (Sura 19 verse 17, Sura 21 verse 91), and several other names, which suggests a form of homage to Jesus. On the other hand, the Qur'an rejected Jesus in some respects that it is fundamental to the Christian faith, such as: He is the Son of God, Jesus' death on the cross. The identity of Jesus became a big question mark in the Qur'an. If at first glance, Jesus seems to be glorified among the other prophets by some an honorary degree, the miracle of birth and the miracles he did, but if it is seen more in depth, then all the honors for Jesus as Messiah, God's Word, the Spirit of God has no function as the meaning of these titles. The titles are pinned on Jesus merely honorary title only, honoris causa. Similarly with the miraculous birth and his miracles nor is it something special in the Qur'an. The Qur'an denies that Jesus was born without a father, more special than the other prophets because if Jesus was the only without a father to be special, how about Adam, who was born without a father and mother, Adam's definitely more special than Jesus. Likewise, the miracles of Jesus, not Moses also perform miracles greater than Jesus, that is by splitting the sea?
In Islamic eschatology, the role of Jesus does not stand out when compared with the role of Muhammad himself. Jesus is mentioned as a figure who will come again before the Day of Judgement and kill the Dajjal, but Jesus comes again will only confirm the teachings of Muhammad, to destroy the cross, kill swine, and so on. Jesus would also have a wife and son, reigned for 40 years, then died and was buried in Medina, near the tomb of Muhammad. The role of Jesus in Islamic eschatology is very small even none at all, because he can not provide intercession to save people from punishment (punishment of hell fire), even Jesus himself was tried and examined by God, to account for the deeds of his flock, which has deify Him and His Mother (Sura 5 verse 116.117).
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Eschatology in the New Testament
In the New Testament eschatology, Jesus had a very important and prominent. Jesus is not just one sign of the coming end of time (as understood by Muslims), but by and in him that the end times happen. Talk of NT eschatology in general is associated with the second coming of Jesus, commonly called the parousia.
Excessive emphasis on the events of Jesus' second coming times, often bringing Christians to a tendency to count and determine when exactly the incident. From the very beginning there are some groups of Christians who try to give the exact date on the day of the second coming of Jesus. Early example of this trend is Montanism movement in Asia Minor, in the second century. Montanus, with two of his female followers: Priscilla and Maximilla, stating that the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus has come in them. To assure this, they began to speak in tongues, even ecstasy. This movement demanded that his followers do the holy life, abstain from worldly pleasures, for Jesus' second coming is near.
In subsequent periods, groups emerged, which emphasizes Jesus' parousia to extremes, such as the Adventist group. The founder of this sect, namely William Miller predicted the second coming of Jesus will occur in 1843, after researching the Book of Daniel and Revelation. What happened was the disappointment of his followers because there is no any event in that year. Similarly, in groups of Pentecost, the tendency to match the events that occurred in the present with biblical prophecy about Jesus' parousia, as practiced by Gordon Lindsay. There are other groups similar, also do the same thing that is predicted the coming of Jesus' second coming, as recently happened.
Human efforts to calculate exactly when Jesus returns the second time, in any form will also end in failure, because contrary to the mandate of the Bible itself, αυτοι γαρ ακριβως οιδατε οτι η ημερα κυριου ως κλεπτης εν νυκτι ουτως ερχεται for you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:2) περι δε της ημερας εκεινης και ωρας ουδεις οιδεν ουδε οι αγγελοι των ουρανων ουδε ο υιος ει μη ο πατηρ μονος "No one knows when that day or hour will come-not the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mat 24:36)
Excessive emphasis on the events of Jesus' second coming times, often bringing Christians to a tendency to count and determine when exactly the incident. From the very beginning there are some groups of Christians who try to give the exact date on the day of the second coming of Jesus. Early example of this trend is Montanism movement in Asia Minor, in the second century. Montanus, with two of his female followers: Priscilla and Maximilla, stating that the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus has come in them. To assure this, they began to speak in tongues, even ecstasy. This movement demanded that his followers do the holy life, abstain from worldly pleasures, for Jesus' second coming is near.
In subsequent periods, groups emerged, which emphasizes Jesus' parousia to extremes, such as the Adventist group. The founder of this sect, namely William Miller predicted the second coming of Jesus will occur in 1843, after researching the Book of Daniel and Revelation. What happened was the disappointment of his followers because there is no any event in that year. Similarly, in groups of Pentecost, the tendency to match the events that occurred in the present with biblical prophecy about Jesus' parousia, as practiced by Gordon Lindsay. There are other groups similar, also do the same thing that is predicted the coming of Jesus' second coming, as recently happened.
Human efforts to calculate exactly when Jesus returns the second time, in any form will also end in failure, because contrary to the mandate of the Bible itself, αυτοι γαρ ακριβως οιδατε οτι η ημερα κυριου ως κλεπτης εν νυκτι ουτως ερχεται for you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:2) περι δε της ημερας εκεινης και ωρας ουδεις οιδεν ουδε οι αγγελοι των ουρανων ουδε ο υιος ει μη ο πατηρ μονος "No one knows when that day or hour will come-not the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mat 24:36)
Monday, June 27, 2011
Feast of Tabernacles in Jesus' time
On the 14th of the seventh month (Tishrei), in the Holy Land, the grape harvest had just ended. Everyone rejoiced even though the body feels tired after work, because at night the Feast of Tabernacles begins. Feast of Tabernacles (Hag hassukot) is held annually on 15-21, the Hebrew calendar month of Tishri (approximately September / October in the Gregorian calendar), to commemorate the Israelites' wanderings in the wilderness, when out of the Land of Egypt (Leviticus 23:34; Numbers 29 :12-38). Spiritual feast lasted for seven days in an atmosphere of the sacrifices of sheep, dancing and singing procession to the temple (not in the temple). During the week everyone has to live outside their homes, by building a simple tents that covered the foliage alone.
The city of Jerusalem became so crowded because so many many people from outside who came to Jerusalem. Hagigah or 3 great celebration was attended not only Jews in the Holy Land, but also the Jewish diaspora communities (overseas) who live in other countries (cf. John 7:35, Acts 2:5). In the Gospels, it is recorded that Jesus had also attended hag hassukot, which is celebrated on a large scale in the Holy City of Jerusalem.
The Gospel of John 7: 37-39 noted that on the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have rivers of living water flowing from his heart. " These words were spoken by Jesus at the height of the feast of Tabernacles, the eighth day, called Shemini Atseret or in the seventh day called Hoshana Rabbah (הוֹשַׁעְנָא רַבָּא Great Hoshana), because in contrast to the previous day's rites on Hoshana Rabbah, in which all the liturgical readings are spoken as much as 7 times while circling the altar. When pilgrims around the altar (Muslims also carry out such a procession during the Haj pilgrimage, called the Tawaaf) as much as seven times, the faithful recites Hoshanot: hoshi'ahna (Aramaic: hoshana) as much as seven times. Each "hoshana" is done in honor of a patriarch (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph and David). The seven circuits correspond to the seven words in the verse Erhatz benikayon kappay, va'asovevah et mizbahakha Hashem "I wash my hands in innocence; And I walk around Your altar, O יהוה," (Psalms 26:6) אֶרְחַץ בְּנִקָּיוֹן כַּפָּי; וַאֲסֹבְבָה אֶת-מִזְבַּחֲךָ יְהוָה -.
Jesus' words, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink!", is pronounced in the context of a series of rites of Nisuh ha-Mayim (outpouring of the water), which is done before the procession around the altar. After the Levites took the water in the pool of Siloam, then they take vases of water to the Temple of God, after all the people enter the courtyard of the temple, the Chief Priest walk to the main altar and then pour the water in the vessel, accompanied by the prayer of the faithful: "May God send His spirit upon us!".
In the Jewish interpretation, ritual Nisuh ha-Mayim, which is actually to commemorate the refreshing stream which had come forth miraculously out of the rock at Meribah, i.e. events when Moses struck the rock with his rod and then the water spurting out from that rock hill, then soteriologicly associated with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Ruah ha-Qodesh). In the description of the Talmud (Sukkah 9), called Nisuh hammayim because "will be poured out upon us the Holy Spirit, as written in the book of the Prophet Isaiah: "And with joy you shall draw water out of the wells of salvation." (Isaiah 12:3)
In the Christian understanding, the outpouring of the water and the hope of the descent of the Holy Spirit has been fulfilled. In the last supper Jesus said, "Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the new covenant that is being poured out for many people for the forgiveness of sins." The water of life that has been poured for the blood of the Redeemer has been shed. The Holy Spirit, went down after the Messiah be glorified (John 7: 30), once through the Via Dolorosa, Crucifixion, death and resurrection, and Ascension to heaven, only then the spirit of God was sent to perfect the work of Messiah (Jn. 16: 7-10), and poured on the day of Pentecost. If we look in the book of Zechariah 14 then shall we find that the rites in the feast of Tabernacles is so filled with the hope of the figure of the outcoming Messiah.
The city of Jerusalem became so crowded because so many many people from outside who came to Jerusalem. Hagigah or 3 great celebration was attended not only Jews in the Holy Land, but also the Jewish diaspora communities (overseas) who live in other countries (cf. John 7:35, Acts 2:5). In the Gospels, it is recorded that Jesus had also attended hag hassukot, which is celebrated on a large scale in the Holy City of Jerusalem.
The Gospel of John 7: 37-39 noted that on the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have rivers of living water flowing from his heart. " These words were spoken by Jesus at the height of the feast of Tabernacles, the eighth day, called Shemini Atseret or in the seventh day called Hoshana Rabbah (הוֹשַׁעְנָא רַבָּא Great Hoshana), because in contrast to the previous day's rites on Hoshana Rabbah, in which all the liturgical readings are spoken as much as 7 times while circling the altar. When pilgrims around the altar (Muslims also carry out such a procession during the Haj pilgrimage, called the Tawaaf) as much as seven times, the faithful recites Hoshanot: hoshi'ahna (Aramaic: hoshana) as much as seven times. Each "hoshana" is done in honor of a patriarch (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph and David). The seven circuits correspond to the seven words in the verse Erhatz benikayon kappay, va'asovevah et mizbahakha Hashem "I wash my hands in innocence; And I walk around Your altar, O יהוה," (Psalms 26:6) אֶרְחַץ בְּנִקָּיוֹן כַּפָּי; וַאֲסֹבְבָה אֶת-מִזְבַּחֲךָ יְהוָה -.
Jesus' words, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink!", is pronounced in the context of a series of rites of Nisuh ha-Mayim (outpouring of the water), which is done before the procession around the altar. After the Levites took the water in the pool of Siloam, then they take vases of water to the Temple of God, after all the people enter the courtyard of the temple, the Chief Priest walk to the main altar and then pour the water in the vessel, accompanied by the prayer of the faithful: "May God send His spirit upon us!".
In the Jewish interpretation, ritual Nisuh ha-Mayim, which is actually to commemorate the refreshing stream which had come forth miraculously out of the rock at Meribah, i.e. events when Moses struck the rock with his rod and then the water spurting out from that rock hill, then soteriologicly associated with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Ruah ha-Qodesh). In the description of the Talmud (Sukkah 9), called Nisuh hammayim because "will be poured out upon us the Holy Spirit, as written in the book of the Prophet Isaiah: "And with joy you shall draw water out of the wells of salvation." (Isaiah 12:3)
In the Christian understanding, the outpouring of the water and the hope of the descent of the Holy Spirit has been fulfilled. In the last supper Jesus said, "Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the new covenant that is being poured out for many people for the forgiveness of sins." The water of life that has been poured for the blood of the Redeemer has been shed. The Holy Spirit, went down after the Messiah be glorified (John 7: 30), once through the Via Dolorosa, Crucifixion, death and resurrection, and Ascension to heaven, only then the spirit of God was sent to perfect the work of Messiah (Jn. 16: 7-10), and poured on the day of Pentecost. If we look in the book of Zechariah 14 then shall we find that the rites in the feast of Tabernacles is so filled with the hope of the figure of the outcoming Messiah.
Monday, June 20, 2011
THE HAG
Advanced
Hag ha-Shavuot or the Feast of Pentecost which was held 50 days after Passover, which the people of Israel is commemorated as the day of harvest and thanksgiving to God, Christianity interpreted as the day grateful for the descent of the Holy Spirit to the apostles that marks the harvest of God for the salvation of Jesus Christ with the establishment of the early church in Jerusalem. (Acts 2:1-2)
If all hope of Jews through the feasts have been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, is there any meaning Christians to make pilgrimages to the Holy Land (especially Jerusalem)? Did not Jesus also explicitly says to the Samaritan woman whom he met, “believe Me that the hour cometh when neither in this mountain, nor at Urishlem, you shall worship the Father”?
Everything is true, have all been fulfilled. Only, make pilgrimages to the Holy Land of Palestine-Israel is not the same as the pilgrimage at other places. For those of you who have visited the Vatican, Lourdes, Mount Athos, or other places of pilgrimage, you may feel the spiritual experiences, but you will feel something different when it comes to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, especially if the pilgrimage at Easter. 'Aliyah to the Holy Land, especially with the ritual of the Cross (Tariq al-'Alam) stations for the stations, we would feel like to walk with the Messiah, retrace one by one, step by step of the great salvation of God, in misery the World Savior (Mukhalish al-'Alam).
Through a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, we are invited to enter and immerse yourself in the Bible times. We see close cultural treasures of a people that through this people, God acts to save mankind. Like the words of Jesus, “for salvation is from the Jihudoyee (the Jews)”. Our hearts will be touched when heard the Psalmist sang שִׁיר הַֽמַּעֲלֹות shiyr hammaaloth (Song of Pilgrimage) filled with a yearning for the divine salvation that will come, once commonly sung at the 'aliyah to the Holy City of Yerushalayim.
Psalm 122:1-4
שִׁיר הַֽמַּעֲלֹות לְדָוִד מַחְתִּי בְּאֹמְרִים לִי בֵּית יְהוָה נֵלֵֽךְ׃
עֹמְדֹות הָיוּ רַגְלֵינוּ בִּשְׁעָרַיִךְ יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃
יְרוּשָׁלִַם הַבְּנוּיָה כְּעִיר שֶׁחֻבְּרָה־לָּהּ יַחְדָּֽו׃
שֶׁשָּׁם עָלוּ שְׁבָטִים שִׁבְטֵי־יָהּ עֵדוּת לְיִשְׂרָאֵל לְהֹדֹות לְשֵׁם יְהוָֽה׃
From the Holy City of Jerusalem, feel how melodious ballad 'Id al-Fashha in joy:
المسيح قام من بين الاموات. ووطظيء الاموت با لموت وهب لحياة للذين في القبور
Al-Masih qama min bainal amwat. Wa wathi’ al-mauta bil maut, wa wahabal hayyata lilladzina fil qubuur.
Christ is risen from the dead. By His death He has trampled death and given life for everyone who was in the grave.
Hag ha-Shavuot or the Feast of Pentecost which was held 50 days after Passover, which the people of Israel is commemorated as the day of harvest and thanksgiving to God, Christianity interpreted as the day grateful for the descent of the Holy Spirit to the apostles that marks the harvest of God for the salvation of Jesus Christ with the establishment of the early church in Jerusalem. (Acts 2:1-2)
If all hope of Jews through the feasts have been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, is there any meaning Christians to make pilgrimages to the Holy Land (especially Jerusalem)? Did not Jesus also explicitly says to the Samaritan woman whom he met, “believe Me that the hour cometh when neither in this mountain, nor at Urishlem, you shall worship the Father”?
Everything is true, have all been fulfilled. Only, make pilgrimages to the Holy Land of Palestine-Israel is not the same as the pilgrimage at other places. For those of you who have visited the Vatican, Lourdes, Mount Athos, or other places of pilgrimage, you may feel the spiritual experiences, but you will feel something different when it comes to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, especially if the pilgrimage at Easter. 'Aliyah to the Holy Land, especially with the ritual of the Cross (Tariq al-'Alam) stations for the stations, we would feel like to walk with the Messiah, retrace one by one, step by step of the great salvation of God, in misery the World Savior (Mukhalish al-'Alam).
Through a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, we are invited to enter and immerse yourself in the Bible times. We see close cultural treasures of a people that through this people, God acts to save mankind. Like the words of Jesus, “for salvation is from the Jihudoyee (the Jews)”. Our hearts will be touched when heard the Psalmist sang שִׁיר הַֽמַּעֲלֹות shiyr hammaaloth (Song of Pilgrimage) filled with a yearning for the divine salvation that will come, once commonly sung at the 'aliyah to the Holy City of Yerushalayim.
Psalm 122:1-4
שִׁיר הַֽמַּעֲלֹות לְדָוִד מַחְתִּי בְּאֹמְרִים לִי בֵּית יְהוָה נֵלֵֽךְ׃
עֹמְדֹות הָיוּ רַגְלֵינוּ בִּשְׁעָרַיִךְ יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃
יְרוּשָׁלִַם הַבְּנוּיָה כְּעִיר שֶׁחֻבְּרָה־לָּהּ יַחְדָּֽו׃
שֶׁשָּׁם עָלוּ שְׁבָטִים שִׁבְטֵי־יָהּ עֵדוּת לְיִשְׂרָאֵל לְהֹדֹות לְשֵׁם יְהוָֽה׃
From the Holy City of Jerusalem, feel how melodious ballad 'Id al-Fashha in joy:
المسيح قام من بين الاموات. ووطظيء الاموت با لموت وهب لحياة للذين في القبور
Al-Masih qama min bainal amwat. Wa wathi’ al-mauta bil maut, wa wahabal hayyata lilladzina fil qubuur.
Christ is risen from the dead. By His death He has trampled death and given life for everyone who was in the grave.
Monday, June 13, 2011
THE HAG
Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. (John 4::21, NIV)
A pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the verb in Hebrew is called with עליה 'aliyah, meaning "ascension" (from the base עלה 'alah: to ascend or mount upwards). By Muslims, a phrase like this also arise when they say "go up pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Mecca and Medina)." In the Bible the pilgrims are called מעלה mă'alah (plural: מעלות ma'ăloth).
In the Book of Exodus 23:14 states that God's people are commanded to carry out the celebration / Hags to the Lord three times a year, ie hag ha-Pesah, hag ha-Shavuot, hag ha-Sukkot. שָׁלֹ֣שׁ רְגָלִ֔ים תָּחֹ֥ג לִ֖י בַּשָּׁנָֽה׃ shalosh regalim ta chog li bashanah Three times in the year you shall make a feast to Me.
From the standpoint of Christianity, the rite of Hags has been fulfilled with the coming of Jesus Christ as the Messiah promised by God. For Christians it has become clear, “Therefore, let no one judge you in matters of food and drink or with respect to a festival, a new moon, or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the reality belongs to Christ.” (Col 2:16-17, ISV) Christ is the fulfillment of all Jewish rites they perform in the context of the coming of the Messiah will hold.
Because Christ is the fulfillment of all Jewish expectation, based on the Bible and Jewish tradition, the framework of Christian worship was still built on the foundation of Jewish terminology. As a ritual meal in the "sacrifice of the Passover lamb" (Exodus 12:23-28, 43-51), in which the people of Israel to commemorate the event "passed the houses of Israel" so that escape from the death of firstborn children, because there are signs of sheep blood on the doors of the house of Israel.
Christianity interpret the blood of "The Great Sacrifice" that has been spilled already missed, not only of Israel (בני ישׂראל bene Yisra’el) but all of humanity (בני ובאדם bene Adam), from eternal destruction. The Jewish Passover meal taken by Christianity in the form of Qidmat al-Quddus, the Lord's Supper which brings the mystery of God's presence.
To be continued ....
A pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the verb in Hebrew is called with עליה 'aliyah, meaning "ascension" (from the base עלה 'alah: to ascend or mount upwards). By Muslims, a phrase like this also arise when they say "go up pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Mecca and Medina)." In the Bible the pilgrims are called מעלה mă'alah (plural: מעלות ma'ăloth).
In the Book of Exodus 23:14 states that God's people are commanded to carry out the celebration / Hags to the Lord three times a year, ie hag ha-Pesah, hag ha-Shavuot, hag ha-Sukkot. שָׁלֹ֣שׁ רְגָלִ֔ים תָּחֹ֥ג לִ֖י בַּשָּׁנָֽה׃ shalosh regalim ta chog li bashanah Three times in the year you shall make a feast to Me.
From the standpoint of Christianity, the rite of Hags has been fulfilled with the coming of Jesus Christ as the Messiah promised by God. For Christians it has become clear, “Therefore, let no one judge you in matters of food and drink or with respect to a festival, a new moon, or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the reality belongs to Christ.” (Col 2:16-17, ISV) Christ is the fulfillment of all Jewish rites they perform in the context of the coming of the Messiah will hold.
Because Christ is the fulfillment of all Jewish expectation, based on the Bible and Jewish tradition, the framework of Christian worship was still built on the foundation of Jewish terminology. As a ritual meal in the "sacrifice of the Passover lamb" (Exodus 12:23-28, 43-51), in which the people of Israel to commemorate the event "passed the houses of Israel" so that escape from the death of firstborn children, because there are signs of sheep blood on the doors of the house of Israel.
Christianity interpret the blood of "The Great Sacrifice" that has been spilled already missed, not only of Israel (בני ישׂראל bene Yisra’el) but all of humanity (בני ובאדם bene Adam), from eternal destruction. The Jewish Passover meal taken by Christianity in the form of Qidmat al-Quddus, the Lord's Supper which brings the mystery of God's presence.
To be continued ....
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The claimant of the Paraclete
The words of Jesus in John's Gospel about the coming of another comforter (αλλον παρακλητον allon paraklēton) seems to be an interesting thing for people to claim themselves as "The Another comforter", over time. From the writing and circulation of the Gospel of John for the early Christians, have emerged of people claiming to be another Helper that has been prophesied by Jesus. Let us look at some people who claim to (or believed by his followers) as allon paraklēton promised by Jesus Christ.
- MONTANUS
Montanus was a forerunner of Montanism movement, which is a charismatic and apocalyptic movements at the end of the 2nd century. He is a former priest of pagan religion in Phrygia in Asia Minor who later embraced Christianity. Montanism movement in terms of dogmatic quite difficult for disabled, since it is a movement based on mystical inspiration to revolt against the existing authorities like the Bible and the Church hierarchy. Montanus claimed was inspired by the Holy Spirit, he regards himself as the Paraclete promised by Jesus to renew the Church, as he announced the end of the world and the need to prepare ourselves for the end times with a pure moral practices.
According to Montanus, the Comforter demanded holy behavior, that is not doing a second marriage, even as a marriage was considered a low thing; fasting; set of dry food without meat (xerophagia), may not escape in times of persecution, and ask ourselves offerings to God in martyrdom.
In its development, two women (prophetess), Maximilla and Priscilla, joined Montanus. The two of them is called Montanus as the first fruits of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28-32). According to their testimony, the blood of martyrdom is the key of the Kingdom of Heaven. They refuse to forgive major sins such as murder, apostasy, adultery. They reject any form of ecclesiastical authority by stating that churches and their leaders that are spiritually dead and surrendered unconditionally to the new prophets, that through these new prophets, the Spirit speaks. He declared himself as the spokesman of God to bring "New Revelation" and "New Prophecy", he is "The Mouth of the Holy Spirit.”
Montanism fragmented into many small sects, then in the 4th century began to be fought by the Roman Empire (although criticism of the doctrine of Montanus has started since the beginning of its existence) and was successfully removed in the 7th century. But the character and spirit Montanism never really disappear until these modern times. Charismatic-apocalyptic movements like Montanism become a common sight today.
- MANICHAEUS
Manichaeus, born in the village Mardinû, in the desert Nahr Kuta, Southern Babylonia, 14 April 216. At the age of 24 years, Manichaeus received a mission from the Angel al-Taum, to proclaim the peak of the divine revelation of Zoroaster, Buddha and Jesus. Manichaeus teachings that are syncretic and dualistic, then called Manichaeism. According Manichaeus, the Church has misunderstood the teachings of Jesus who promised to send the Holy Comforter. Because the Holy Comforter was not the Holy Spirit, but is Manichaeus.
Manichaeus has the objective to establish a new religion, where all other religions must base themselves at him. He says that all holy books, wisdom, revelation, metaphor and Psalms of previous religions, gathered in the teachings Manichaeus and in policies which he revealed.
Manichaeus recognize Zoroaster, Buddha and Jesus; they are "brothers" of Manichaeus, the interpreter of the same wisdom. But there are drawbacks to all three figures by Manichaeus, that although all three preached and spread the teachings, but none of those who wrote scripture. This is why religion Manichaeism consider superior to the religions of the three figures because Manichaeus wrote his book himself (he produced a book, called Artang, which he said had been sent down to him from heaven and contained the final revelation to men). The strange, in each of the letters he wrote, Manichaeus always referred to himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ.
Manichaeus occupy important positions in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Shapur I (240-273). At the time of King Shapur I declare war against Rome in 241, the teachings Manichaeism also spread to the West. His teachings spread to the East to China and to the west to Spain. Manichaeus asserted, “I have come from the land of Babel to make my cry heard throughout the whole world.” He claimed to be the last and greatest of the prophets "the Ambassador of Light," which he identified with the Deity. He was impaled by the command of Bahram I, of Persia, about 276 A. D. In 302, Emperor Diocletian declared war against the teachings of Manichaeism. And in the period and other regions, Manichaeism also combated by the Buddhists and Muslims.
- MUHAMMAD
Muhammad ibn Abdullah born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in the year 570, although there were some disagreements over the actual date. His father was Abdullah, while his mother was Aminah. Muhammad came from the Quraysh tribe, an influential tribe in Mecca, being the Custodians of the Ka'ba, but Muhammad's family was poor. Tradition asserts that Muhammad's father died a couple of weeks before he was born and his mother died when he was six. After Aminah's death when he was six, he was taken care of by his grandfather, `Abdul Muttalib. After `Abdul Muttalib's death when Muhammad was eight years old, his uncle, Abu Talib, became his guardian.
Muhammad later entered the services of a widow called Khadija. After a successful mercantile trip to Syria, Khadija proposed to Muhammad, and he accepted the marriage proposal. Muhammad was 25 while Khadija was 40. At the age of 40, Muhammad claimed that he was receiving revelations from the angel Gabriel when he was in the Hira cave. Angel Gabriel told him to recite in the name of the Lord. This is the first verse of the Qur’an received by Muhammad (Surah al-‘Alaq). Khadija was the first to believe in him.
Muhammad started preaching in the family and its close relatives in the city of Mecca. Nevertheless these early efforts seem less bring significant results even begin to get resistance from the people of Quraysh, including his uncles such as Abu Lahab and Abu Jahl, even the uncle who guards him when he was a child, Abu Talib, was not a adherents of Islam. Muhammad then moved to the city of Yathrib (later called Medina), where he gained the trust of the population of the city to settle disputes between tribes. Muhammad began to receive widespread support and then after a series of battles with the leaders of Quraysh, Muhammad managed to go back to the city of Mecca in triumph. And since then, the doctrine that brought by Muhammad then spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula, extending to India, China, and North Africa, Spain and all over the world to become the second largest religion in the world today.
What do Muhammad with 'another comforter' (αλλον παρακλητον allon paraklēton)? Muhammad did not like Montanus and Manichaeus who admitted openly as another comforter that Jesus promised. Only one verse in the Qur'an that are associated with this matter, namely Surah as-Saff verse 6, “And remember Jesus the son of Mary, said: “O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah (sent) to you confirming the Law (which came) before me, and giving glad Tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad.” But when he came to them with Clear Signs they said “This is evident sorcery!” This is the only verse that says that the coming of Muhammad was prophesied by Jesus, although not specifically lead to allon paraklēton that Jesus promised in John's Gospel. Almost certain that Muhammad never read the Gospel of John, either because he was illiterate or because it was translation of the Gospel of John in Arabic is not available at that time. The story that Jesus prophesied the coming of a prophet after him is very likely derived from the stories of the people around him who have heard or received little teaching of Christian monks in the Arabian Peninsula. The picture of Christianity which the Qur'an presents to us shows us what conception of it Muhammad had formed from his own limited experience. Stories about Waraqa, monk Bahira, Mary the Copt, Zaid and Bilal (a former slave who was born in Christian homes) make us better understand how Muhammad got a description of Christianity which is too faint, so Muhammad was never linked him as another Comforter, but the new prophet sent after Jesus’ prophethood.
The attempts to link the prophecy of Jesus about allon paraklēton with the prophet promised, only done by the interpreters of Islam after the era of the Caliph. Ibn Ishaq was the first to associate the word Paraclete in the Gospel of John with Muhammad by taking the similarity of the word Paraclete in the Syriac translation of Munahhemana with the word Muhammad. Interpreters of Islam after Ibn Ishaq despite using the same idea about the prophecy of Jesus in the Gospel of John 14 and 16, they charged that the word for Comforter should not be Paraclete (or Paracletos), but have been changed from the original Periklutos, meaning "Praised One". This is because the word “Ahmad” said in Surah As-Saff verse 6 means "Praised One" instead of "Comforter or Advocate". However, it is only after the middle of the 2nd century AH that Muslims begin to say that the word "Paracletos" should be "Periklutos", and this has been the favorite argument since then.
In these modern times, some followers of Muhammad even claimed that the coming of Muhammad was also predicted by Zarathustra (Zoroastrianism) and Gautama Buddha as the Buddha Maitreya.
There are many other people who claim to be allon paraklēton that Jesus promised (many people like Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, Sathya Sai Baba, Imam Ahmed al-Hassan of the Shia Islam sect, etc.), there is a direct claim to be new Paraclete, there also taking the term as a prophet after Jesus, there are even claiming to be Jesus Christ who came for the second time (second coming of Jesus Christ). You believe one of them?
- MONTANUS
Montanus was a forerunner of Montanism movement, which is a charismatic and apocalyptic movements at the end of the 2nd century. He is a former priest of pagan religion in Phrygia in Asia Minor who later embraced Christianity. Montanism movement in terms of dogmatic quite difficult for disabled, since it is a movement based on mystical inspiration to revolt against the existing authorities like the Bible and the Church hierarchy. Montanus claimed was inspired by the Holy Spirit, he regards himself as the Paraclete promised by Jesus to renew the Church, as he announced the end of the world and the need to prepare ourselves for the end times with a pure moral practices.
According to Montanus, the Comforter demanded holy behavior, that is not doing a second marriage, even as a marriage was considered a low thing; fasting; set of dry food without meat (xerophagia), may not escape in times of persecution, and ask ourselves offerings to God in martyrdom.
In its development, two women (prophetess), Maximilla and Priscilla, joined Montanus. The two of them is called Montanus as the first fruits of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28-32). According to their testimony, the blood of martyrdom is the key of the Kingdom of Heaven. They refuse to forgive major sins such as murder, apostasy, adultery. They reject any form of ecclesiastical authority by stating that churches and their leaders that are spiritually dead and surrendered unconditionally to the new prophets, that through these new prophets, the Spirit speaks. He declared himself as the spokesman of God to bring "New Revelation" and "New Prophecy", he is "The Mouth of the Holy Spirit.”
Montanism fragmented into many small sects, then in the 4th century began to be fought by the Roman Empire (although criticism of the doctrine of Montanus has started since the beginning of its existence) and was successfully removed in the 7th century. But the character and spirit Montanism never really disappear until these modern times. Charismatic-apocalyptic movements like Montanism become a common sight today.
- MANICHAEUS
Manichaeus, born in the village Mardinû, in the desert Nahr Kuta, Southern Babylonia, 14 April 216. At the age of 24 years, Manichaeus received a mission from the Angel al-Taum, to proclaim the peak of the divine revelation of Zoroaster, Buddha and Jesus. Manichaeus teachings that are syncretic and dualistic, then called Manichaeism. According Manichaeus, the Church has misunderstood the teachings of Jesus who promised to send the Holy Comforter. Because the Holy Comforter was not the Holy Spirit, but is Manichaeus.
Manichaeus has the objective to establish a new religion, where all other religions must base themselves at him. He says that all holy books, wisdom, revelation, metaphor and Psalms of previous religions, gathered in the teachings Manichaeus and in policies which he revealed.
Manichaeus recognize Zoroaster, Buddha and Jesus; they are "brothers" of Manichaeus, the interpreter of the same wisdom. But there are drawbacks to all three figures by Manichaeus, that although all three preached and spread the teachings, but none of those who wrote scripture. This is why religion Manichaeism consider superior to the religions of the three figures because Manichaeus wrote his book himself (he produced a book, called Artang, which he said had been sent down to him from heaven and contained the final revelation to men). The strange, in each of the letters he wrote, Manichaeus always referred to himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ.
Manichaeus occupy important positions in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Shapur I (240-273). At the time of King Shapur I declare war against Rome in 241, the teachings Manichaeism also spread to the West. His teachings spread to the East to China and to the west to Spain. Manichaeus asserted, “I have come from the land of Babel to make my cry heard throughout the whole world.” He claimed to be the last and greatest of the prophets "the Ambassador of Light," which he identified with the Deity. He was impaled by the command of Bahram I, of Persia, about 276 A. D. In 302, Emperor Diocletian declared war against the teachings of Manichaeism. And in the period and other regions, Manichaeism also combated by the Buddhists and Muslims.
- MUHAMMAD
Muhammad ibn Abdullah born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in the year 570, although there were some disagreements over the actual date. His father was Abdullah, while his mother was Aminah. Muhammad came from the Quraysh tribe, an influential tribe in Mecca, being the Custodians of the Ka'ba, but Muhammad's family was poor. Tradition asserts that Muhammad's father died a couple of weeks before he was born and his mother died when he was six. After Aminah's death when he was six, he was taken care of by his grandfather, `Abdul Muttalib. After `Abdul Muttalib's death when Muhammad was eight years old, his uncle, Abu Talib, became his guardian.
Muhammad later entered the services of a widow called Khadija. After a successful mercantile trip to Syria, Khadija proposed to Muhammad, and he accepted the marriage proposal. Muhammad was 25 while Khadija was 40. At the age of 40, Muhammad claimed that he was receiving revelations from the angel Gabriel when he was in the Hira cave. Angel Gabriel told him to recite in the name of the Lord. This is the first verse of the Qur’an received by Muhammad (Surah al-‘Alaq). Khadija was the first to believe in him.
Muhammad started preaching in the family and its close relatives in the city of Mecca. Nevertheless these early efforts seem less bring significant results even begin to get resistance from the people of Quraysh, including his uncles such as Abu Lahab and Abu Jahl, even the uncle who guards him when he was a child, Abu Talib, was not a adherents of Islam. Muhammad then moved to the city of Yathrib (later called Medina), where he gained the trust of the population of the city to settle disputes between tribes. Muhammad began to receive widespread support and then after a series of battles with the leaders of Quraysh, Muhammad managed to go back to the city of Mecca in triumph. And since then, the doctrine that brought by Muhammad then spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula, extending to India, China, and North Africa, Spain and all over the world to become the second largest religion in the world today.
What do Muhammad with 'another comforter' (αλλον παρακλητον allon paraklēton)? Muhammad did not like Montanus and Manichaeus who admitted openly as another comforter that Jesus promised. Only one verse in the Qur'an that are associated with this matter, namely Surah as-Saff verse 6, “And remember Jesus the son of Mary, said: “O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah (sent) to you confirming the Law (which came) before me, and giving glad Tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad.” But when he came to them with Clear Signs they said “This is evident sorcery!” This is the only verse that says that the coming of Muhammad was prophesied by Jesus, although not specifically lead to allon paraklēton that Jesus promised in John's Gospel. Almost certain that Muhammad never read the Gospel of John, either because he was illiterate or because it was translation of the Gospel of John in Arabic is not available at that time. The story that Jesus prophesied the coming of a prophet after him is very likely derived from the stories of the people around him who have heard or received little teaching of Christian monks in the Arabian Peninsula. The picture of Christianity which the Qur'an presents to us shows us what conception of it Muhammad had formed from his own limited experience. Stories about Waraqa, monk Bahira, Mary the Copt, Zaid and Bilal (a former slave who was born in Christian homes) make us better understand how Muhammad got a description of Christianity which is too faint, so Muhammad was never linked him as another Comforter, but the new prophet sent after Jesus’ prophethood.
The attempts to link the prophecy of Jesus about allon paraklēton with the prophet promised, only done by the interpreters of Islam after the era of the Caliph. Ibn Ishaq was the first to associate the word Paraclete in the Gospel of John with Muhammad by taking the similarity of the word Paraclete in the Syriac translation of Munahhemana with the word Muhammad. Interpreters of Islam after Ibn Ishaq despite using the same idea about the prophecy of Jesus in the Gospel of John 14 and 16, they charged that the word for Comforter should not be Paraclete (or Paracletos), but have been changed from the original Periklutos, meaning "Praised One". This is because the word “Ahmad” said in Surah As-Saff verse 6 means "Praised One" instead of "Comforter or Advocate". However, it is only after the middle of the 2nd century AH that Muslims begin to say that the word "Paracletos" should be "Periklutos", and this has been the favorite argument since then.
In these modern times, some followers of Muhammad even claimed that the coming of Muhammad was also predicted by Zarathustra (Zoroastrianism) and Gautama Buddha as the Buddha Maitreya.
There are many other people who claim to be allon paraklēton that Jesus promised (many people like Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, Sathya Sai Baba, Imam Ahmed al-Hassan of the Shia Islam sect, etc.), there is a direct claim to be new Paraclete, there also taking the term as a prophet after Jesus, there are even claiming to be Jesus Christ who came for the second time (second coming of Jesus Christ). You believe one of them?
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