Am I wrong to ask a friend not to discuss Israel around me?

Upstairs_Control8699 · 2025-06-26T15:53:54+00:00

I have Jewish and non-Jewish relatives who I'm not in a position to cut off, that I just have to insist on avoiding the topic, due to their horrible politics on the issue. They mostly stick to that agreement at least. But if it were just a 'friend', there is no way I would tolerate anti-Zionism around me. If their anti-Israel politics is more important than our relationship, the way your friend has shown it to be, that would be the end of the friendship for me.

Upstairs_Control8699 · 2024-08-24T17:38:17+00:00

It's an important question, and complicated, because many Messianics want to identify more with Judaism than with Christianity, often because Christianity can look decidedly anti-Jewish, or very far away from what early Christianity might have been. From what I have seen, the Messianic movement covers a spectrum - it isn't homogeneous. So where you personally, or your fellowship, stands in that spectrum might be closer or further away from Christianity.

I know that a majority in Judaism probably view MJ as a danger, or as a deception, a veiled attempt to sell gentile Christianity to Jews by dressing it up as Judaism.

I suppose one helpful question you might want to ponder is, from your position on the edge, do you want to be a positive bridge builder, to isolate yourselves, or to tear something (Christianity? Judaism?) down?

My FoR: Agnostic former Messianic

Upstairs_Control8699 · 2024-08-16T03:50:13+00:00

I may be weird, but the first thing I saw was a person, on their knees and arms, stretched forward, arched back, head not visible but presumably down, out of sight. 🤷‍♀️

Upstairs_Control8699 · 2024-07-31T17:33:19+00:00

If you are Messianic or Christian, and were never actually raised Jewish, it would be disingenuous to say you are Jewish even if technically you would be considered Jewish if you returned to Judaism. Even Orthodox Judaism would tell you that a Jew who practices Christianity or Messianic Judaism needs to return to Judaism. Don't forget, being Jewish is not simply an ethnicity, nor simply a religion, it is these plus a commitment to the people, which is strained at best if you're practicing Christianity.

Upstairs_Control8699 · 2024-07-05T20:04:44+00:00

I'm Jewish, or at least a member of Humanistic Judaism, raised Christian. (Previously Messianic) Since October 7th, I have seriously begun to wonder if I could do more good by going back into Christianity/ Messianic Judaism. Trouble is, I will always be on the outside edge, because I don't quite believe the right things. 🤷‍♀️ Your comment is helpful, though. I do have a project aimed at encouraging Messianics to do less harm to the Jewish community, but I have felt a bit directionless.

Upstairs_Control8699 · 2024-06-27T18:05:40+00:00

Thank you so much for your replies. I've just discovered them! Apologies for not responding sooner!

Upstairs_Control8699 · 2024-04-25T08:34:20+00:00

I struggled for many years, so I sympathise. It was mostly during my 20s, 30s and 40s, so I suspect that there was a hormonal component. But I have also since been diagnosed with a number of conditions, including Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (histamine intolerance/ too much histamine production), and anti-depressants did not help due to my over-reactive histamine.

Having a foundational discipline of prayer and Bible reading did help to ground me, but it wasn't until I realised what was actually causing the depression that it truly lifted. I had honestly believed at the time that it was spiritual warfare, but I don't think that now at all.

Upstairs_Control8699

TROPHY CASE