Journal 8 Judaism and Christianity

1. Main Thesis of The Thirteen Foundations Of Jewish Belief.

In the Thirteen Foundations Of Jewish Belief I believe that the original writer, Rabbi Moshe ben
Malmon was passing down the fundamental tenets of Jewish belief. He brought them out of the Jewish
bible, or Torah which is so sacred not all men are allowed to read or even touch it. Since these tenets
are to be followed completely and without reservation. He and those people of Faith believe that these
are the true requirements that God has declared. The translator Eleizer C. Abrahamson supplie us with
references or citings for where each one is found in the Torah as further confirmation that these are the
true Foundations for spiritual enlightenment.
In The Laws Concerning Mashiach Maimonides, as the Rabbi was known in Greek, reveals what
needs to happen and what will happen when the anointed one rises to lead the Jews. Also taken from
the Mishneh Torah, it is basically a guideline to distinguish when the one and true Holy One comes to
lead the faithful who have followed the 13 basic foundations. While he also cautions not to think about
this too much and not to try to predict this coming time, for it is not for man to know, Maimonides
stresses the fact that only the faithful and those who follow the 13 tenets will know when that time
comes. All of his philosophies are backed by ancient writings, he refers to the Torah and old testament ,
which many do not realize are very similar.
I believe that Rabbi Moshe ben Malmon did as he was expected by conveying and teaching to as many
people as he could reach with his works, just the fact his work is still being read and used as a teaching
tool in the twentieth century means it is still taking Gods word to more and more people.
2. The Messiahs Requirements
1. Must be a male descendent of King DavidLuke 2.4, And Joseph also went up from Galillea, out
of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, into the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: ( because he was
of the house and lineage of David ) Which along with a more detailed lineage in Luke 3.23- 3.31, seems
to confirm that Jesus is indeed a male descendent of King David.
2. Temple must be rebuilt--- Luke 1.9, According to the custom of the priests office, his lot was to
burn incense when he went to the temple of the Lord, speaking of Zacharias. Later in Luke 2.46 it also
states that Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple after looking for him for three days. Both
statements seem to verify that the rebuilding of the temple was indeed already finished.
3. Gather dispersed Jews to Judah--- Apostles 2.3, And there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout
men, out of every nation under heaven. Although this did take place after Jesus was crucified they
were gathered in his name. This is not a clear fulfillment of the requirement but I believe it is.
This part of the assignment was a surprise. I found it very hard to find three requirements met. But I am
not an expert and did not even have a my actual Bible available. I do plan to do research when I get
home. All and all I would have to say that the requirements were not completely met or there would not
still be the division between the Jewish faith and Christianity.
3. Ghibertis Panel From the Gates of Paradise
What incredible work !! This panel is titled The Story of Abraham, and is a dramatic bronze relief
that was done by Lorenzo Ghiberti in 1401 for the doors of the Babtistry Florence. The artist shows
great dramatic flourish depicting both the angel telling Sarah she will have a son and of Abrahams
sacrifice of his son Issaac, two very dramatic events and the cornerstone for many biblical teachings. In
both it shows the giving side of God to those who heed his word with total and unerring obedience. The
artist uses the metal to bring both light and dark to the picture, I am sure that as it ages it becomes even
more moving. The angels faces seem in shadow and dark, as if we are not meant to look upon them and
like many of panels and art work of this type and era there is use of fire and knives. The sword in
Abraham is very visible and your eye is drawn to it. I would like to know what is going on in the lower
left corner and plan on reading up on the life of Abraham as soon as possible.
Also the fact that this is on the door of the babtistry seems to bring more meaning then if it were simply
on a wall somewhere, it shows that those who go through those doors, is babtised and goes on to
follow the Lords word fully and without question will see His mercy forever.