Abstract

MEYFARTH, Leonie  and  NEL, Marius. Christians taking up Jewish Customs: The Hebrew Roots doctrines evaluated from Acts 10:9-29, Acts 15:1-35, Galatians 2, and Pentecostalist hermeneutics. Verbum Eccles. (Online) [online]. 2024, vol.45, n.1, pp.1-9. ISSN 2074-7705.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ve.v45i1.2976.

Numerous Pentecostal and Christian adherents are encountering Hebrew Roots teachings, with a significant global presence, notably in the USA, Israel, Europe, South America, and South Africa. In 2012, the South had a substantial number of adherents. A prominent ministry, 119 ministries, offers an interactive map listing Hebrew Roots ministries worldwide. In South Africa, over 120 such ministries are listed, primarily in Gauteng and the Western Cape. Hebrew Roots proponents claim authenticity by reverting to Jewish and Mosaic roots, advocating adherence to Old Testament precepts, including rituals and customs. This article critically assesses these claims, focusing on key texts such as Acts 10:9-29, Acts 15:1-35, and Galatians 2, in the context of the Mosaic-Hebrew roots movement. This movement argues that non-Jewish Christians should observe the Mosaic laws integral to God's covenant with Israel. Employing a comparative literature analysis and grammatical-historical exegesis, the study contrasts Pentecostal beliefs with those of the Hebrew Roots movement concerning non-Jewish Christians' ethical responsibilities regarding the Mosaic laws. The article first outlines the historical evolution of the Hebrew Roots movement, emphasizing its theological foundations. Subsequent sections systematically analyse the scriptural passages, examining their influence on these movements' doctrines through a Pentecostal hermeneutical lens. One central concern highlighted is the potential for Hebrew Roots teachings to challenge the exclusive role of Christ in salvation by emphasizing adherence to the Old Testament's legal framework, raising questions about Christ's divinity. INTRADISCIPLINARY/INTRADISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS: This research seeks to prompt a critical examination within the field of Dogmatics, specifically with regard to the precise delineation of a Christian's obligations concerning the Mosaic Law, particularly in the context of the Decalogue.

Keywords : Hebrew Roots Movement; Torah observant Christians; Messianic Christians; Jewish roots; Hellenistic influences; Mosaic law.

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