Source: “The Parting Of The Gods: Paul And The Redefinition Of Judaism**”**, By David Allen Brondos, 2021
Redefining Gods Purpose For Israel And The World.wav
This podcast explores the complex purpose behind God's election of Israel and the giving of the Torah, questioning whether these acts were for God's self-interest, Israel's exclusive benefit, or ultimately for the blessing of all nations. It delves into the concept of "shalom" in Jewish thought, defining it as comprehensive well-being and justice, which the Torah was intended to promote, emphasizing distributive justice over mere retribution. Finally, the text introduces Paul's perspective, arguing that his ministry aimed to establish inclusive communities (ekklesia) characterized by love and ethical conduct, where both Jews and Gentiles could experience salvation and wholeness in the present, fundamentally different from the traditional Jewish understanding of the Torah's purpose or the exclusive nature of Israel's chosen status.
Topic 1: God's Purpose in Electing Israel and Creating the World
The sources explore the fundamental question of God's purpose in creating the world and choosing Israel as a special people. One perspective suggests that if God's actions were self-centered, meaning he needed or desired something from humanity or Israel, then his motivation would be self-interest rather than love for human beings. Conversely, if God elected Israel for the sake of others, not for his own, then his purpose could have been to bless Israel alone or to bless all nations alongside Israel. The sources point out that Jewish thought widely held that God chose Israel to bless them. However, since other nations were also created, it implies a purpose for them too. If this purpose included blessing other nations, then Israel's election would serve not only Israel's sake but also that of other nations, acting as a means to accomplish something on their behalf. An alternative view suggests that other nations were created primarily for Israel's benefit, meaning their purpose was to serve as a means for God to bless Israel. In this view, God's love for other nations would be conditional on their treatment of Israel, who remained his primary love. Another possibility considered is that God wished to bless Israel and the nations equally, implying each nation might be unique and special, and objects of the same divine love, with distinct tasks. However, this idea of all nations being equally elected was generally seen by most Jews as a denial of Israel's special status. Ultimately, if Israel was elected uniquely, it was either to bless Israel more than other nations, or for Israel to fulfill a special purpose enabling other nations to be equally blessed through Israel's election. This second possibility posits that Israel's blessing was a means for other nations to attain the same blessing. The source highlights that Israel's own scriptures could support either interpretation of its role: either that the blessings other nations received through Abraham ultimately served to provide greater blessing to Abraham and his descendants, or that Abraham and his descendants were to be God's instrument for blessing all families of the earth.
Topic 2: The Purpose and Nature of the Torah (Law of Moses)
The sources detail that God provided Israel with the Torah as guidance and instruction, essential for them to achieve the blessings he desired. This divine instruction was necessary because people could misuse blessings, leading to injustice and suffering, which would impede collective well-being. The Torah's precepts were designed to promote justice, equity, and the well-being (shalom) of all. It mandated not only refraining from harm but also loving and caring for one another, especially the needy like widows, orphans, the poor, foreigners, and the underprivileged. It emphasized respect for parents, the elderly, and those with disabilities. The Torah also aimed to preserve marriage integrity, ensure fair treatment of workers, regulate harvesting for the hungry, and ensure just and equitable judgments that did not favor the rich. It prohibited dishonesty, mandated generosity, and discouraged oppression, hatred, revenge, and grudges, instead commanding love for neighbors and even enemies. Laws concerning debt cancellation, slave liberation, and property return every seven years were designed to promote equity and prevent wealth accumulation and poverty. The Torah also prescribed rest, food regulations, sanitation, and illness treatments to promote overall health and well-being, and even commanded joyfulness. This focus is primarily on distributive justice, ensuring needs are met and resources are evenly distributed, with retributive justice serving to correct injustices and restore balance, not as an end in itself.
Topic 3: The Concept of "Shalom"
The sources explain that "shalom" is a concept far broader than its common translation as "peace." Its verbal root conveys the idea of being whole, complete, or sound. As such, "shalom" encompasses total well-being in body, mind, and spirit, alongside abundance, prosperity, material security, contentment, harmony, fullness of life, and peaceful, constructive, and satisfying relationships with others. It is noted that a close Greek equivalent is "soteria," also derived from the word for "whole." Both "shalom" and "soteria" can therefore be understood as "wholeness," "completeness," or "well-being," applicable to both individuals and communities. The sources stress that justice was understood to exist when everyone enjoyed this "shalom" as much as possible, making it the ultimate goal of the Torah. The goodness and righteousness of God and his commandments were attributed to their promotion of shalom for all, emphasizing distributive over retributive justice. This understanding suggests that in Hebrew thought, justice is often synonymous with grace, mercy, and kindness.
Topic 4: The Purpose of Purity Laws and Sacrificial Worship
The sources explain that purity laws and sacrificial offerings were generally not understood as being for God's sake, as if he needed or desired them for his own benefit. Instead, they were primarily for the sake of the people. Sacrificial rites had a didactic purpose, teaching and reinforcing fundamental truths about God and humanity's relationship with him, such as acknowledging God as the source of all things and the need to live innocent lives free from moral defilement. Beyond instruction, these practices were intended to cultivate and strengthen a spirit of love, obedience, and dedication to God among the participants for their own good. The difficulties and costs associated with travel to Jerusalem for sacrifices, for example, were seen as demanding and generating greater devotion. Sacrifices for sin aimed to promote repentance and renewed obedience, encouraging reflection on behavior and curbing appetites for pleasure to achieve moral purity. Thus, sacrificial worship was meant to induce a life dedicated to justice and righteousness in accordance with God's will.
Moreover, when people offered sacrifices and gifts, it was understood as an offering of themselves to God. Only heartfelt and sincere self-offerings, accompanied by a commitment to doing God's will, were considered acceptable. The intention was for this spirit of self-offering to manifest in visible gifts. It was also expected that the desire to share with God would be accompanied by a desire to share with others, particularly the needy. Sacrifices from those not committed to justice and equity were not acceptable, regardless of their lavishness. By commanding sacrificial offerings, God was understood to reinforce the people's commitment to seeking the well-being of all. Additionally, sacrificial offerings provided an opportunity for people to experience and express their communion with God and one another, serving as a concrete means to convey petitions, gratitude, or remorse, complementing prayers. The purity laws, similarly, reinforced Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people, helping to curb sin and discouraging the adoption of other nations' beliefs and practices that did not contribute to shalom. They promoted attitudes and sentiments that reminded the people of their identity and God's desires for them, strengthening their obedience and indirectly fostering moral and ethical purity.
Topic 5: The Nature of Israel's God Compared to Other Ancient Deities