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	HIDDEN LDS/JEWISH INSIGHTS #40 New Testament Gospel Doctrine Supplement by Daniel Rona Weekly E-mail Reminder << I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST >> Philippians; Collosians; Philemon ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1.) IDENTITY OR UNITY? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Israel, several cultures can be observed with their varying forms of unity (or disunity). THE BAHAI RELIGION: Headquarters in Haifa, Israel, they maintain a concept of unity believing that all people are brothers and should even speak the same language. ISLAM, A MAJOR ARAB RELIGION: The Arabs, on the other hand, have a much less unified identity. Although families are important and many memorize generations of their family genealogy, they have not been able to carry major unity as communities or countries. "Arab countries have never been able to settle their own differences and unite." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (2.) IS "JEWISH" JUST A RELIGION? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A popular anecdote in Israel says, "Two Jews in a conversation always come up with three opinions." It is Jewish nature to discuss and even make up opposite points of view so that the contrasts or opposing ideas of view can become a learning experience. Yet, in the Jewish culture there is an underlying unity of "a people" or a "community of Israel." The rabbis declared that "all Israel are responsible one for another" and sinners must be rebuked because the entire community is ultimately responsible for the sinner's wrongdoings. The unity of the Jewish nation was considered an historic and spiritual concept, in addition to being a social reality. All generations of Jews (including converts to Judaism) . . .(share) in the responsibilities of the covenant with God. Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (3.) FAMILY – UNIFYING ELEMENT OF THE COMMUNITY OF ISRAEL: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Judaism considers the establishment of a family a holy task. Children are a gift from God and childlessness the greatest misfortune that could befall a marriage . . . the home has been the center of religious practice and ceremony, has greatly helped the survival of Judaism and preserved the moral integrity of the Jews." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (4.) SCRIPTURAL UNITY CENTERED ON THE LORD: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The valuable lesson that we can learn is that unity represented in the scriptures is always connected with a central belief and faith in the Lord. That focus assures a unity because His directive powers are the same for everyone. "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:6) ". . . our Father, and . . . Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you." (1 Thessalonians 3:11) "Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good . . ." (Alma 37:37) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (5.) JEWISH UNITY IN A "PRAYER CIRCLE" (MINYAN): ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The request for forgiveness includes all. ". . . Almost all prayer . . . was written in the first person plural --- "Forgive us," "Teach us," "Bring us to our Land." Although private prayer was certainly permitted, the individual was urged to join a congregation (minyan) when he prays and to incorporate the needs of the minyan in his prayers." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (6.) JEWISH VIEWS RELATING TO AN LDS STANDARD OF UNITY: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Statements from the Encyclopedia Judaica Jr. aligning with principles of the LDS thirteenth Article of Faith reflect a unified lifestyle reaching back to God’s initial biblical instructions to all mankind. HONEST: ". . . It is recognized that in a ruthless business world of mixed peoples, honest dealings are difficult, but the Jew should know and retain his ideals." TRUE: ". . . Prayer is a way to master what is inferior in us . . . it helps us discover our true aspirations . . ." CHASTE: "Judaism encourages modesty as one of the means to chastity . . . a man is forbidden to be alone with a woman with whom he is not permitted to have sexual relations from considerations of both chastity and modesty." BENEVOLENT: "In the Bible . . . the image of God's hands has been used to show benevolence and loving-kindness . . . (Psalms 145). VIRTUOUS: "Righteous gentiles . . . rabbinic term for those non-Jews who, because of their moral character or virtuous acts, rank equally in merit and grace with Jews." DOING GOOD: "Ethics are the principles by which man can live a good life in relation to his fellow man. The ethical life is basic to Jewish religious observance . . ." "Hospitality is considered by Judaism to be one of the most important virtues that a person can develop. The biblical customs of welcoming the weary traveler and receiving the stranger . . . developed into an important Jewish virtue.’" "The simplest advice in combating evil: "Turn from evil and do good" is from the Book of Psalms (34:15)." Each part of the House of Israel has a common unified goal of turning from evil and in doing good. Focusing on the God of Israel makes all good things possible through Him.
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