I think my problem with the language of "appropriation" is that it implies outsiders coming in and taking stuff from a culture that isn't their own -- which, yes, is in some ways what happened as the Jesus Movement spread to the Gentiles, but the NT writers were Jews, and they understood Jesus in a Jewish context.
Okay. I don't think the anger I read in those posts was directed at NT writers or even at Jesus because as you say here, they *were* all Jews and their audience was Jewish, etc. I think the anger is at current Christians who are not aware of the historical roots of their faith and who use language that denies the Jewish experience. But again, maybe I'm really wrong and again not speaking for anyone who is Jewish.
I wish I could plop you into First Church Somerville UCC or something. I'll try to think of some books I can recommend to you.
*hugs you back*
This is why I am so consistently grateful for having you on my flist (and now Ari and LadyCat who both consistently post about religious issues) because you force me to reflect on my spirituality where I otherwise would not.
no subject
Okay. I don't think the anger I read in those posts was directed at NT writers or even at Jesus because as you say here, they *were* all Jews and their audience was Jewish, etc. I think the anger is at current Christians who are not aware of the historical roots of their faith and who use language that denies the Jewish experience. But again, maybe I'm really wrong and again not speaking for anyone who is Jewish.
I wish I could plop you into First Church Somerville UCC or something. I'll try to think of some books I can recommend to you.
*hugs you back*
This is why I am so consistently grateful for having you on my flist (and now Ari and LadyCat who both consistently post about religious issues) because you force me to reflect on my spirituality where I otherwise would not.