Religious Revolution - Research Paper Example

? Religious Revolution: How Paul the Apostle Gave Distinction to Christianity within the Foundations of Judaism The issue on the relationship between the foundation of Judaism and the teaching of the Paul the Apostle has continued to raise endless and controversial debates among religious thinkers and other legal professionals. In his teaching, Paul the Apostle attempted to offer detailed and expansive distinction of Christianity within the foundation of Judaism. The proponent of his argument claims that Paul the Apostle had a clear knowledge and understanding on Christianity teachings and Judaism religious beliefs and teachings. On their side, the opponents of Paul the Apostle distinction between Christianity and Judaism claim that there is not distinction between the two teachings. According to the opponents of Paul the Apostle teachings, Christianity beliefs and teachings are relatively different from Judaism expectations and beliefs (Dunn, & Paul, 2003). However, according to the available information, to some extent, Paul the Apostle was accurate in his distinction between Christianity and the foundation of Judaism. Based on the presented information, Paul the Apostle played a critical role in identifying the relationship between Judaism and Christianity. Due to his expansive knowledge and experience on Judaism and Christianity, Paul the Apostle demonstrated his capability of offering detailed information on the relationship between the two denominations. Paul the Apostle contribution in the distinction between Christianity and Judaism was incredibly helpful in increasing the number of Christian followers in all parts of the world. Although there was resistance in some countries, Paul the Apostle teachings were very critical in solving prominent social and administrative challenges between the two dominions. Paul contribution in identifying some of the factors and traits that are similar in the two dominions increased Paul the Apostle influence in facilitating the spread of Christianity in all parts of the world. A good number modern researchers therefore claims that Paul the Apostle influence on the spread of Christianity teaching is more significant and vital than any other new testament author of his times. The Paul the Apostle distinction of Christianity within the foundation of Judaism is clear described in the book of Act. The book of Act offers detailed account on Paul the Apostle deeds and travels in various parts of the world. The book has also described some of the conflict that Paul encountered with Jews and Pagans in various parts of the world. His interaction with apostles in various religions is also discussed in details in this book. Although the value of his travel, teaching, and interaction with other apostle have been challenged by various religious thinkers, his experience played a vital role in offering a linkage between Christianity beliefs and Judaism traditional practices. Although his teachings aimed at bringing unity and reconciliation between Christianity and Judaism believers, Paul the Apostle teaching was also appropriate and timely in shaping the spread of Christianity in various parts of the world. At its initial development stage, Judaism was movement that aimed at bringing people together to form a manageable society. The movement started its operations at Holy Land and in Jewish Diaspora. The aim of the movement was also to come up with a religious tradition commonly known as Hebraic-Jewish religious tradition. The movement used the language and culture of Hellenism. The main literary product of the Hellenistic culture and Judaism culture was Septuagint. For that reason, in his teaching Paul the Apostle observed that just like the Christianity teaching, Judaism was a movement that aimed at bringing peace and togetherness among members of different societies. The core aim of the two teaching was similar as its aimed at ensuring that there is harmony and unity despite the exiting differences in their teachings and beliefs (Paula, 1989). On the other hand, just like in the case of Christianity that has their own bible that guides the activities and operations, Judaism had a Septuagint that contained most of their teachings and beliefs. Therefore, as stated by Paul the Apostle, the two teaching had the same goal of ensuring that there is peace and harmony in the society. Recent scholars and religious thinkers including Talmudic scholar Daniel Boyarin also believes that Paul the Apostle teachings and thoughts on spirit is rooted on Judaism beliefs as opposed the existing Christian teachings. Individual who hold the teaching of Judaism has strong belief on spirit more than any other religion in the world. The same case applied to Paul the Apostle teachings that emphasises on the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit as indicated in the bible. According to Paul, Jesus Christ left the people of the world and most specifically the Christian believers with the spirit to guide them in their activities and beliefs. On their side, Judaism believer strongly value the presence of spirit in their daily activities and practices. Paul the Apostle also integrated the teachings and life of Jesus to the beliefs of other renowned philosophers among the Judaism society. This act therefore attracted huge number of Judaism believers into Christianity teachings. In interpreting the Hebrews Bible, Paul the Apostle relied on Judaism teaching in defining various concepts and scriptures. For instance, in his effort to differentiate between ideal and material world, Paul the Apostle stated that the ideal world is the real world while the material world is non-existence world. Judaism believes that the ideal world is the world that righteous people are supposed to be living while the material world is the kind of live that is lived by sinners and pagans. Paul the Apostle late perception on circumcision was also useful in bridging the huge gap that existed between Christianity and Judaism. At his initial teaching stages, Paul the Apostle who referred to himself as the leader and apostle of gentile attacked and criticised the practice of religious male circumcision. His act of resisting this holy act created huge differences between Christianity and Judaism. At this stage, Paul the Apostle did not understand the cultural and spiritual meaning of male circumcision both at Christian perspective and in Judaism teaching. However, as Paul got experienced in his teaching, he understood the meaning of male circumcision on Christian teaching and on Judaism beliefs and practices. As a result, in the case of Timothy, whose father was Greek and his mother a Jewish; Paul took an initiative of circumcising him in accordance to Jewish belief. The act of embracing circumcision therefore played a vital role in understanding the meaning and role of circumcision among Christian and Judaism believers. In another situation, Paul the Apostle praises the value and meaning of circumcision in the book of Romans 3: 1-2. However, in the book of 1st Corinthians 9:20-23, Paul the Apostle disputes the meaning and importance of circumcision thus creating confusion on his stand in regards to this holy act. Despite the controversy that surrounded Paul the Apostle belief on male circumcision, Paul made his case clear to the Christians at Rome. In confirming his position concerning the act, Paul the Apostle stated that circumcision is not only a physical sign of maturity but also a spiritual practice that should be embraced by all Christian believers. In the book of 1st Corinthians 7: 23, Paul the Apostle stated that it is accurate and accordance to Christian teaching that every man must be physically and mentally circumcised. In this case, most Judaism believers believed that in praising circumcision in Rome, Paul the Apostle was referring to epispasm. To confirm his position of the controversial issue of circumcision Paul the Apostle was circumcised in accordance to Christian teaching and Jewish believes. On the other hand, contrary to Paul the Apostle initial teaching Judaism had high value for circumcision. This act brought colossal differences between Judaism and other believers in the society. There were also various reported cases on the conflict between Judaism believers and Christian believers. However, the act of embracing circumcision by Christian believers and most specifically their leaders including Paul the Apostle was very instrumental in solving the existing differences between Christians and Judaism followers. Paul the Apostle also used the Judaism believes and practices to teach Christian on the importance of sharing material and spiritual things. As stated in Judaism practices and teaching, sharing of the available resources among the poor and rich people in the society is vital in bring social togetherness and harmony. Judaism followers had set aside specific time in their calendar for sharing their properties with poor people. Paul the Apostle therefore used this act in describing the similarity and relationship between Judaism and Christianity. Paul believed that everyone should share their properties and food with all members of the society irrespective of their racial and cultural background. For instance, in on situation, Paul the Apostle entered into a heated debate and confrontation with Peter for being reluctant to share food with Gentile Christians in Antioch (Ferdinand, 2009). In his writing, Paul stated that he engaged in confrontation with Peter because he believed on the importance of sharing material resources with everyone in the society with limited consideration of the religious and cultural background. Although some religious believer condemned the act of engaging in conflict with peter, Paul was certain that sharing of food was importance not only as a religious practice but also as a mean of bringing harmony and unity among society members. Paul the Apostle support for food sharing did not only attract more Judaism followers into Christian teachings but it also played a vital role in bringing togetherness and harmony in the society. Just like in the cases of Judaism teachings that do not allow their leaders to be tied on specific practices and believes, Paul the Apostle was reluctant in allowing other leaders to micro-manage their activities and operations. In his teaching, Paul the Apostle emphasised on the importance of abiding by existing rules and regulations with limited consideration of people views and perception on his acts. Although his behaviours of being strong in his beliefs and stand was criticised by various religious leaders and believers, Paul was not at all tired in specific pattern of practices and behaviours in his teaching exercise (Harris,1985). Paul also failed to engage in dispute and confrontation with Corinthians as it was the cases with other Christian teachers. Instead, Paul advocated for teamwork and consultation with an aim of searching for a detailed and holistic solution on some of the differences that were apparent between the two antagonists. Since a good number of Judaism followers were Corinthians, Paul the Apostle gained the supports of Judaism thus making it easy for him to execute his teachings. In his teaching, Paul the Apostle was also reluctant in criticising or mentioning the Jerusalem council. The Jerusalem council was an exceptionally influential body that determined the operations and activities of all religious and political leaders in the region. With an aim of avoiding their influence while executing his activities and teaching, Paul the Apostle failed to mention their contribution in the spread of Christian teaching and practices. Although Paul in his writing has admitted to hold several meeting with council of Jerusalem, he has completely failed to disclose their discussion and the impact of their involvement in his teachings. As opposed to recognising the pillar of the church, Paul gave himself the right hand of fellowship. Paul the Apostle observed that everyone has a direct contact with God. Players and abiding by the existing rule of law was therefore the only mean that linked human being with God. In the light of the above analysis, it is clear and factual to conclude that Paul the Apostle was successful in giving distinction to Christianity within the foundation of Judaism. Despite the existence of huge differences and endless conflict between Christian and Judaism followers, Paul the Apostle was able to use his skills and competence in integrating Christianity with Judaism. This act did not only help in bring peace and harmony in the region, but also assisted in advancing Christian followers and popularity in various parts of the world. Although his stand brought mistrust and conflict among religious believers, Paul the Apostle was able to support his acts and beliefs on various conflicting issues. Therefore, modern religious leaders should learn from Paul the Apostle teaching on the importance of bringing togetherness and integrating people from various religious and cultural backgrounds. References Dunn, J., & Paul, T. (2003). The theology of Paul the Apostle. London : T & T Clark. Ferdinand C., (2009). Paul, the Apostle of Jesus Christ: His Life and Work, His Epistles and His Doctrine. A Contribution to the Critical History of Primitive Christianity. London: Williams and Norgate Harris, S., (1985). Understanding the Bible. Mayfield: Palo Alto Paula, F., (1989).The contribution of the Apostle Paul. London: Williams and Norgate Read More