Descent into Hellenism
by YeriYah
On one beautiful day in may my otherwise simply troublesome monitor displayed an E-mail of disturbing proportions. It, in itself, seemed innocent enough but hidden in its simple question was an earth and heaven moving, complex and pertinent, implied demand. This was asked in response to a comment I had made on our e-mail list
My comment:
AAs to Tanach proof vs NT proof, the whole of the Xtian world sees truth through distorted, Greek colored glasses. It is sad when our brother Hebrews also seem happy to be fitted with this second rate eye wear when a distortion free, Hebrew prescription has been fashioned for their needs.@Her Question:
AAs to the "Greek colored glasses:'" could you recommend a source dissecting the relationship of xtianity to Hellenistic philosophies. I am unclear as to how xtianity follows Greek thought. Not disputing or disagreeing, on the contrary, I need a better understanding so my own arguments on that topic are more coherent.@Needed is a concise, delineated and well formulated answer. We may come to see this as the quintessential factor in understanding Torah. For those who seek to be Torah obedient this may explain
why their comprehension conflicts so greatly with today=s common rabbinical interpretation. I hope to show clearly that trying to understanding Torah with a Hellenistic mind set should be equated to playing a drum solo....on a violin.Let us look at some of the contrasts between the two schools of thought as to their understandings of,
1) humanity
2) G-d
3) government
#1)
The Hellenized view of mans world is optimistic. He sees it as perfectible and all would be at peace if human kind learned reason and compromise. This is the inclusionary stance. The Hebrew outlook on the other hand is exclusionary. The realistic, faithful Hebrew sees the world as lost except for the hope that he and his become subject and reverence HaShem alone.
2#)
The Hellenist sees the human mind as the center of his universe and his ability to reason as the measure of his worth. The Hebrew sees YHVH as center and himself as relevant only in his ability to reflect the perfection of His Mighty One, YHWH.
3#)
To the Greek thinking person law is fluid and created of, for and by man. The test of it, is whether it serves him well. It is derived through compromise and is subject to change as man progressively changes. Conversely Law to the Hebrew is a gift of G-d. Man has no power to alter, adapt or nullify this wonderful gift from on High. Law to him is solid rock and can be the only foundation for a worthwhile life.
Faced with this clear dichotomy, compatibility must be seen as non existent. Iron and clay come to mind here. What alloy of good use could result from this union? The ancient Hebrew leaders who were overwhelmed by the power of Alexander
=s forces and sought to mollify him with a form of strategic surrender (they became a protectorate) made a foolish error and the kingdom of Israel or Judah has never recovered. The lure of Hellenism is more potent than any siren=s song. It lifts man to equality with the powers of Heavens and earth. It challenges him to touch the stars, gives him reverence for the wonder of love and passion and the satiation of all desire. What a contrast to what must seem anally restrictive subjection offered by faithful Torah observance. Is there any wonder the Holy Temple was converted into a sports arena? Or why the leading men of the day drank deeply of this newly found freedom?Into this political, spiritual and theological quagmire, during the rule of Herod, a teacher arose who many believed to be the promised HaMashiyach. This leader was prophesied to lead the nation back to the righteousness of Torah observance and free them from the grip of foreign occupation. His teachings were distorted by the self proclaimed apostle Paul who proclaimed him the ransom sacrifice for sin and redeemer of those who would follow the new order of ascetic Hellenism he, Paul, espoused. The ideas of reasoning together to find eternal truths, the concept of flesh being in conflict with the higher order or YHWH being the
>unknown God= of Mars hill are all out of this same Greek stew.Today, these 2000 years later, is it understandable that most of our core doctrine is westernized to some extent or another? If you set your twelve year old daughter down and told her you had found her a proper mate who would support her and your grandchildren lovingly and in the faith of our fathers, how long would it be until the department of child welfare came knocking? If you demanded that your children not be in the company of infidels or if you preferred seclusive communities and rejected secular humanism would you be praised by the people of your Church or Synagogue? We have all taken the path that is opposed to the true path outlined in Torah that leads to a fully approved life. The road back to compliance is not an easy or a popular one but only those on that road need apply for citizenship in His Kingdom.
This Beast of Hellenism now sits as an honored guest within our midst.
Alexander go home and take your government, your humanity and your false god with you.