Jews for Jesus - a cult? (America, church, gospel, quote)

[Magnolia Bloom]

Many years ago I had a foster child who attended a Jews for Jesus congregation. I took him to a service and it was creepy to me. The religious leader was preaching about not questioning their religious leaders. They seemed very legalistic and controlling. I would not take my son to the service, but took my foster child, as he was a teen and it meant a lot to him to attend. I didn't feel it was my place to try to convert him to my beliefs.

Today I learned the Jews for Jesus was going to be presenting a praise presentation at next Sunday's service. Mine is a United Methodist church. Since we traditionally hold a love offering from groups that come and make presentations at our church, this bothers me, as I see it as a way for them to get funds to go about trying to convert Jews to Chrisitianity.

Because of this, I will not be attending church next week and I am going to call the church to see if any of them will be speaking to the youth. If so, I will keep my children home, as well.

I would like to hear others opinions about this group. If you have been faced with this, how did you react/respond?

[Bellinghamite]

Originally Posted by HIF

Since we traditionally hold a love offering from groups that come and make presentations at our church, this bothers me, as I see it as a way for them to get funds to go about trying to convert Jews to Chrisitianity.

Because of this, I will not be attending church next week and I am going to call the church to see if any of them will be speaking to the youth. If so, I will keep my children home, as well.

Isn't it the mission of the church to try to convert everyone to Christianity?

[Padgett2]

I did a google search to read what I could, there was one interesting site titled. "Ex-Jews for Jesus" You might like to take a look.

[MissLizzie85]

My father is a minister, and I have met several Jews for Jesus who visited our congregation. Their mission statement is "to make the Messiahship of Jesus an unavoidable issue to our Jewish people worldwide." Essentially, they appeal to some Jews because they retain many Jewish traditions and religious celebrations while saying that the Messiah of the Torah was actually Jesus Christ. As far as being a cult, sociologists define a cult as a social group devoted to beliefs or practices that are outside the mainstream culture, so in that sense they are. However, I think they're more of an evangelical Christian denomination specifically targeted at people of Jewish heritage.

[liliblu]

Jews for Jesus has a website. Why not visit it and see what they say about their beliefs?
Jews for Jesus - http://www.jewsforjesus.org/

I looked them up after reading posts on the ask a Jew thread.

[kawgpz550]

Originally Posted by MissLizzie85

My father is a minister, and I have met several Jews for Jesus who visited our congregation. Their mission statement is "to make the Messiahship of Jesus an unavoidable issue to our Jewish people worldwide." Essentially, they appeal to some Jews because they retain many Jewish traditions and religious celebrations while saying that the Messiah of the Torah was actually Jesus Christ. As far as being a cult, sociologists define a cult as a social group devoted to beliefs or practices that are outside the mainstream culture, so in that sense they are. However, I think they're more of an evangelical Christian denomination specifically targeted at people of Jewish heritage.

I have to agree here.

Also, I really don't think you have anything to worry about. We had an honorary visitor to our church a couple of years ago that was also a "Jews for Jesus" member. He was actually quite interesting. He hosted a Sadr service for us, which was wonderful, and he spoke shortly.
I would also check out their website. They are not really a "cult" necessarily...they are only Jews that have accepted Christ as the Messiah.
Of course, as with any religion or non-religion, there are always the extremists...but I really wouldn't worry to much. It's really no worse than any other evangelical ministry .

[Magnolia Bloom]

I want to thank everyone for their input. I wasn't as worried about being exposed to them as much as not wanting to contribute money to their efforts. As for my kids, I wanted to send a message to my church that this is not something that I want my kids exposed to, as well as teach my kids to act on our beliefs, not just take everything that is put before them as gospel (pun intended!) I don't want to make a big deal about it as much as let the church know that I don't find it in keeping with our denomination.

Again, thanks for the productive input.

[shibainu]

Originally Posted by HIF

I want to thank everyone for their input. I wasn't as worried about being exposed to them as much as not wanting to contribute money to their efforts. As for my kids, I wanted to send a message to my church that this is not something that I want my kids exposed to, as well as teach my kids to act on our beliefs, not just take everything that is put before them as gospel (pun intended!) I don't want to make a big deal about it as much as let the church know that I don't find it in keeping with our denomination.

Again, thanks for the productive input.

Why do you hide your kids from some one elses view point? I find that they will eventually learn about this topic. I would say let them listen to all view point and then have discussion and learn what the truth is? Well if your children are not at the age of understanding I can understand why you don't what them to get confused.

[Padgett2]

It would seem to me that witnessing to others is something that all denominations should favor.

Who can say that this particular group is not witnessing? We may not think much of how they go about it, but if they are sincere, then why is it not like witnessing to the Asians or the South Americans?

[kawgpz550]

Originally Posted by shibainu

Why do you hide your kids from some one elses view point? I find that they will eventually learn about this topic. I would say let them listen to all view point and then have discussion and learn what the truth is? Well if your children are not at the age of understanding I can understand why you don't what them to get confused.

Yes, I agree! Anyone that is firm in their beliefs are not going to convert anyway. But I also think it is wise to let them hear what's out there and make their own well informed choices.