Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Kevin Riley" <klriley AT alphalink.com.au>]

 A similar observation could be made regarding the various sects within
Christianity [and I suspect also Judaism, but I have no practical knowledge
of that].  What is interesting is that if you begin by assuming that the
underlying assumptions of any group is correct, you almost always end up
where they end up, but we rarely actually discuss the assumptions because we
take it for granted that our assumptions are more than that - that they are
actual reflections/expressions of reality.  It also goes somewhat against
human nature to admit that those who disagree with us may in fact have as
much logic and reasonable exegesis on their side as we do on ours.  And, as
Peter Kirk points out, who agrees with whom depends very much on what is
being discussed and how aware we are of what exactly the other means by the
words being used.  Many groups within denominations exist in peace only
because they do not realise the other is using the same words with different
meanings.  Of course, history is littered with bitter disputes between
groups saying the same thing in different words.  That is one of the things
that makes the study of religion so fascinating.  It can also, when one is
in the right mood, provide some amusement simply by asking "what do you mean
by X" and watching the reactions.

Kevin Riley
 
-------Original Message-------
 
From: Lisbeth S. Fried
Date: 09/06/06 23:28:54
 
 
Dear All,
 
It is very interesting to observe in these discussions just how far apart in
their thinking are Jews and Christians. Jews tend to think that Christians
are just Jews, only with Jesus, and Christians tend to think that Jews are
just Christians only without Jesus (which is a big without). The average Jew
and the average Christian does not realize just how different the total
world view is, the total understanding of God, of nature, of mankind, of
everything.
 
Interesting to watch.
 
Liz Fried