Jewish Roots of Christianity for beginners

If you are reading this page it is probably because you discovered that the Bible teaches a different religion than the one you thought it did.  It is obvious to anyone who really takes the time to read the New Testament that it was written by Torah observant Jews. 

The first followers of Rabbi Joshua ben Joseph (a.k.a. Jesus Christ) were called Nazarenes or Ebionites.  The Nazarenes were a sect of Judaism, and for the first nine years after the crucifixion of Rabbi Joshua ben Joseph (until c. 39 CE) they did not include any Gentiles in their fellowship.  At the Jerusalem conference (c. 50 CE) it was decided that the gentiles did not have to become full converts to Judaism to fellowship with the Nazarenes.

Christianity, as we know it today, began in Rome nearly a hundred years after the events recorded in the New Testament.  Most of the early "church fathers" were very knowledgeable in the philosophy of Plato, but not very knowledgeable in the Jewish scriptures.

Many bizarre doctrines have come about because of ignorance, but other "Christian" customs come directly from Judaism.  If you know what the Jewish customs and practices are, you can easily see how we arrived at some of our Christian customs. There are no uniquely "Christian" doctrines or customs written in the New Testament.  Here are some examples:

• Ritual Immersion.  When someone converts to Judaism he/she must be immersed (baptized) in the mikvah (baptismal pool).  There are many other occasions for which one is immersed in the mikvah: 1) Prior to a wedding.  2) After menstrual cycle.  3) After touching a dead body or carcass.  4) Prior to Yom Kippur.  5) etc.

• Communion or Eucharist.  The bread and the wine of the communion service are not Christian symbols.  Observant Jews have a ritual service with wine and bread every Friday evening which pre-dates Christianity.

What about the Sabbath?  Aren't we supposed to go to church on Sunday?  The New Testament mentions the seventh day Sabbath fifty-nine times and it does not mention Sunday once. [See articles: The First Day of the Week & Remember the Sabbath]

Rabbi Joshua (Jesus) taught strict Torah observance [See article: The Teachings of Jesus].  If you don't believe this, get yourself a "red letter" Bible and just read the red letters.

What about Gentiles?  Aren't they exempt from keeping the Torah?  Well yes, that is correct -- but please notice that Gentiles are not included in the new covenant [Hebrews 8:8-10]. Paul, in fact, taught the Gentiles that they did not need to keep the Torah, but he insisted that Timothy be circumcised because his mother was Jewish.

Did Christianity spring out of an earlier Jewish movement? What did Jesus mean when he said, "I have been sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel?  [Matthew 15:24] Who are the "lost sheep of the House of Israel"? What is the role of Christianity in the prophesied "redemption of Israel"?   Origins of Our Faith - The Hebrew Roots of Christianity by Rick Richardson is an eye opening book that shows the true destiny of Christians.  It explodes the myths and reveals the awesome and inspiring truth about the Christian faith. Now this incredible book can be read online for FREE!!  Just click on the book cover to get started.   You may purchase the book at: Click here to purchase the book.

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