Can you give me some examples of the "Hebrew mindset?"
Some examples of the Hebrew mindset are found in what we have seen expressed by Lance and Slade here in this forum.
1. Monism - man is a single entity and unified whole which cannot be understood by breaking him down into body (flesh), soul and spirit. The Sadducees held to this and were the dominant ruling class of the Hebrews, so this view is often presented as being "the Hebrew mindset" even though there were always Hebrews who held to a different viewpoint which was expressed best by Jesus. In science a similar view is called the mechanist viewpoint as opposed to the vitalist viewpoint which posits there is another ethereal element called the spirit.
2. In eschatology, there is the idea that there is no heaven we inherit, but that this earth and what is here and observable with the physical senses is all there is to reality. The promises of God are all viewed as belonging to earth and only the literal earthly fulfillment is in view, much like the Jehovah's Witnesses share in their eschatology. Of course, as with monism, not all Hebrews viewed it this way. The Pharisees are an example of a sect of Hebrews who were more like the Greeks in their way of thinking. As you know, the Greeks got their views about the immortality of the soul and the existence of angels and monotheism (One God) from Plato. Rather than the seen world being what is real, it is the unseen world. Remember Plato's talk of "forms"? Early church fathers like Justin Martyr argued that Plato got his views from Moses.
The interesting thing here is that the early Hebrews often considered their culture to be superior to that of others. They had pride in the fact that they were descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We see similar tendencies expressed here from various members on this list who think that anything other than the ancient Hebrew mindset is sure to fall into deception and gross misunderstanding. The feeling that the Hebrew mindset is superior becomes so strong that it often becomes a basis for fellowship and for discernment of right and wrong. It even leads to the rejection of Greek words, so that "Peter" as a name is rejected and replaced with "Cephas" instead. The name "Paul" is rejected and replaced with "Sha'ul." The name "Jesus" is rejected and replaced with "Yeshua" or "Yahshua." The general idea is that if it is Hebrew it is good and of God, but if it is from Greek origin it is bad. Therefore, start thinking and talking like a Hebrew and you will find godliness. :-) Get the idea?
Peace be with you.
David Miller.
---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org
If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
