Why don't Christians observe Passover and other biblical holidays?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

I would. In all seriousness, as long as you were respectful during the process. I believe that God calls us to do things, so who would I be to say that God did not call you to receive communion?

Are there not rules as to who can receive communion?

I mean, my mom was told she couldn’t receive communion because she married my Dad (a Jew). But I can receive communion?

I think it's a bit of a faux pas to go through the motions of receiving communion if you are ineligible, whether by not being Catholic or for some other reason, but I think it would be unlikely to offend most Catholics.

IIRC, it isn't "the body of Christ" if you are not in the fit state to receive communion. I mean, there is no transubstantiation for you -- it's just bread and wine. So you can't receive communion if you can't receive communion, if that makes sense. It's a little weird to go through the motions for no purpose, but I wouldn't critique you for it.

And we think it’s a little weird to go through the motions of having a Passover Seder. Glad we’re on the same page!

NP. Are there prohibitions in Jewish law that declare who may and may not participate in a Seder? That a rabbi attends our parish’s (or we attend his, as was stated above), does that not lend some sort of legitimacy? Granted for us it will never mean what it means for Jewish people but that should not mean that it cannot draw us closer to God and lead to a greater appreciation of our religious heritage. Peace to you!

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you all just call it Easter, rather than Passover, so we can end this thread?

You’re not celebrating Passover; you’re celebrating Easter.

Our Passover has nothing to do with Jesus. Not even a tiny bit.

Not everything to do with Christianity has to do with Jesus.

Christians believe in and look to the wisdom of Moses, Elijah, Noah, Jacob, David, Solomon. You are really uneducated about Christianity if you do not know that.

So you all want to celebrate Shavuot, which is about the Torah?

You realize your religion is different than Judaism right?

How about we celebrate what we want, and you celebrate what you want, and maybe sometimes we can find ways to celebrate together?

I’m so glad that is how it is with the many Jewish friends, colleagues and community members that I have connected with over the years.

I mean, celebrating with Jews is different than literally appropriating our religion.

Show me how a Bible reading followed by a soup kitchen meal is appropriation. I’ll wait.

So you celebrate the liberation of Jews from slavery in Egypt with a Bible reading and a soup kitchen visit? Why?

I’ve already linked to resources, including a joint Jewish and Catholic event in Massachusetts. Be well. You don’t want to understand; you want to argue.

A joint event with Jews isn’t the same thing as you all deciding you want to celebrate a Jewish holiday. How do you not get that?

Would you like it if Jews celebrated all the Christian holidays? There’s always people giving shit to Jews on this forum if they deign to celebrate Christmas.

Dp. Honestly, if you wanted to celebrate Christmas that wouldnt bother me at all. Go for it! Christmas tree, wreath, lights and Santa!

Enjoy!

The things you mentioned are part of secular traditions. Would you like it if I set up a nativity scene and went to Mass? What if I decided to receive communion while I’m at it?

NP: Christianity is an open religion that actively tries to convert others, unlike Judaism...so in general, Christians would be thrilled that a Jewish person was showing interest in Christianity and would happily help you set up the nativity and drive you to church.

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

I would. In all seriousness, as long as you were respectful during the process. I believe that God calls us to do things, so who would I be to say that God did not call you to receive communion?

Are there not rules as to who can receive communion?

I mean, my mom was told she couldn’t receive communion because she married my Dad (a Jew). But I can receive communion?

It totally depends on the denomination. Catholics are strict about it. Other denominations are not.

So then there’s literally nothing I, as a non-Christian, can’t do at your Church?

So then what *are* the rules?

Are you sure you understand how many Christian denominations they are, and how different they are?

At my church, my pastor opens each service with...and I quote..."Come as you are, you are welcome as you are. We welcome all here, and all means all!"

If you sat or stood at the "wrong" time, no one would care. If you respectfully came up to receive communion, it would be given to you. If you spoke out of turn to ask a question or challenge a point, you would be listened to and my pastor would do her best to answer your question or address your concern.

It's OK if that's different from how things are done in your place of worship. I'm just answering what I hope was a sincere question on your part.

All of this, right here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

I would. In all seriousness, as long as you were respectful during the process. I believe that God calls us to do things, so who would I be to say that God did not call you to receive communion?

Are there not rules as to who can receive communion?

I mean, my mom was told she couldn’t receive communion because she married my Dad (a Jew). But I can receive communion?

I think it's a bit of a faux pas to go through the motions of receiving communion if you are ineligible, whether by not being Catholic or for some other reason, but I think it would be unlikely to offend most Catholics.

IIRC, it isn't "the body of Christ" if you are not in the fit state to receive communion. I mean, there is no transubstantiation for you -- it's just bread and wine. So you can't receive communion if you can't receive communion, if that makes sense. It's a little weird to go through the motions for no purpose, but I wouldn't critique you for it.

And we think it’s a little weird to go through the motions of having a Passover Seder. Glad we’re on the same page!

NP. Are there prohibitions in Jewish law that declare who may and may not participate in a Seder? That a rabbi attends our parish’s (or we attend his, as was stated above), does that not lend some sort of legitimacy? Granted for us it will never mean what it means for Jewish people but that should not mean that it cannot draw us closer to God and lead to a greater appreciation of our religious heritage. Peace to you!

If the Rabbi is there, then you’re at the Rabbi’s Seder. That’s very different than you all deciding on your own to go and have a Seder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

I would. In all seriousness, as long as you were respectful during the process. I believe that God calls us to do things, so who would I be to say that God did not call you to receive communion?

Are there not rules as to who can receive communion?

I mean, my mom was told she couldn’t receive communion because she married my Dad (a Jew). But I can receive communion?

I think it's a bit of a faux pas to go through the motions of receiving communion if you are ineligible, whether by not being Catholic or for some other reason, but I think it would be unlikely to offend most Catholics.

IIRC, it isn't "the body of Christ" if you are not in the fit state to receive communion. I mean, there is no transubstantiation for you -- it's just bread and wine. So you can't receive communion if you can't receive communion, if that makes sense. It's a little weird to go through the motions for no purpose, but I wouldn't critique you for it.

And we think it’s a little weird to go through the motions of having a Passover Seder. Glad we’re on the same page!

NP. Are there prohibitions in Jewish law that declare who may and may not participate in a Seder? That a rabbi attends our parish’s (or we attend his, as was stated above), does that not lend some sort of legitimacy? Granted for us it will never mean what it means for Jewish people but that should not mean that it cannot draw us closer to God and lead to a greater appreciation of our religious heritage. Peace to you!

If the Rabbi is there, then you’re at the Rabbi’s Seder. That’s very different than you all deciding on your own to go and have a Seder.

And yes, actually there are rules. You can’t pray without a minion — that means a certain number of Jews.

So really, the Rabbi is fudging the rules, to give you a lesson in Judaism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

I would. In all seriousness, as long as you were respectful during the process. I believe that God calls us to do things, so who would I be to say that God did not call you to receive communion?

Are there not rules as to who can receive communion?

I mean, my mom was told she couldn’t receive communion because she married my Dad (a Jew). But I can receive communion?

I think it's a bit of a faux pas to go through the motions of receiving communion if you are ineligible, whether by not being Catholic or for some other reason, but I think it would be unlikely to offend most Catholics.

IIRC, it isn't "the body of Christ" if you are not in the fit state to receive communion. I mean, there is no transubstantiation for you -- it's just bread and wine. So you can't receive communion if you can't receive communion, if that makes sense. It's a little weird to go through the motions for no purpose, but I wouldn't critique you for it.

And we think it’s a little weird to go through the motions of having a Passover Seder. Glad we’re on the same page!

NP. Are there prohibitions in Jewish law that declare who may and may not participate in a Seder? That a rabbi attends our parish’s (or we attend his, as was stated above), does that not lend some sort of legitimacy? Granted for us it will never mean what it means for Jewish people but that should not mean that it cannot draw us closer to God and lead to a greater appreciation of our religious heritage. Peace to you!

If the Rabbi is there, then you’re at the Rabbi’s Seder. That’s very different than you all deciding on your own to go and have a Seder.

And yes, actually there are rules. You can’t pray without a minion — that means a certain number of Jews.

So really, the Rabbi is fudging the rules, to give you a lesson in Judaism.

Ugh, I’m typing too fast — clearly “minion” should be “minyan.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

I would. In all seriousness, as long as you were respectful during the process. I believe that God calls us to do things, so who would I be to say that God did not call you to receive communion?

Are there not rules as to who can receive communion?

I mean, my mom was told she couldn’t receive communion because she married my Dad (a Jew). But I can receive communion?

I think it's a bit of a faux pas to go through the motions of receiving communion if you are ineligible, whether by not being Catholic or for some other reason, but I think it would be unlikely to offend most Catholics.

IIRC, it isn't "the body of Christ" if you are not in the fit state to receive communion. I mean, there is no transubstantiation for you -- it's just bread and wine. So you can't receive communion if you can't receive communion, if that makes sense. It's a little weird to go through the motions for no purpose, but I wouldn't critique you for it.

And we think it’s a little weird to go through the motions of having a Passover Seder. Glad we’re on the same page!

NP. Are there prohibitions in Jewish law that declare who may and may not participate in a Seder? That a rabbi attends our parish’s (or we attend his, as was stated above), does that not lend some sort of legitimacy? Granted for us it will never mean what it means for Jewish people but that should not mean that it cannot draw us closer to God and lead to a greater appreciation of our religious heritage. Peace to you!

If the Rabbi is there, then you’re at the Rabbi’s Seder. That’s very different than you all deciding on your own to go and have a Seder.

Do you get that most of us are not claiming we "had a Seder" when we simply...heard a reading and had soup with neighbors in need?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

I would. In all seriousness, as long as you were respectful during the process. I believe that God calls us to do things, so who would I be to say that God did not call you to receive communion?

Are there not rules as to who can receive communion?

I mean, my mom was told she couldn’t receive communion because she married my Dad (a Jew). But I can receive communion?

I think it's a bit of a faux pas to go through the motions of receiving communion if you are ineligible, whether by not being Catholic or for some other reason, but I think it would be unlikely to offend most Catholics.

IIRC, it isn't "the body of Christ" if you are not in the fit state to receive communion. I mean, there is no transubstantiation for you -- it's just bread and wine. So you can't receive communion if you can't receive communion, if that makes sense. It's a little weird to go through the motions for no purpose, but I wouldn't critique you for it.

And we think it’s a little weird to go through the motions of having a Passover Seder. Glad we’re on the same page!

NP. Are there prohibitions in Jewish law that declare who may and may not participate in a Seder? That a rabbi attends our parish’s (or we attend his, as was stated above), does that not lend some sort of legitimacy? Granted for us it will never mean what it means for Jewish people but that should not mean that it cannot draw us closer to God and lead to a greater appreciation of our religious heritage. Peace to you!

If the Rabbi is there, then you’re at the Rabbi’s Seder. That’s very different than you all deciding on your own to go and have a Seder.

Do you get that most of us are not claiming we "had a Seder" when we simply...heard a reading and had soup with neighbors in need?

Then don’t call it a Seder. It’s a sacred thing for us. Don’t devalue it.

[Anonymous]

The lack of respect for Jewish traditions on this thread is appalling.

Seders are sacred. Most sacred rituals require a minyan.

Please be respectful.

[Anonymous]

So then there’s literally nothing I, as a non-Christian, can’t do at your Church?

So then what *are* the rules?

NP, but this is correct. There is literally nothing that you, as a non-Christian, can't do at my church.

The protestant church is open to all who may enter. It is meant to be an instrument of God, reaching out into the world to spread the Good News to ALL people about the way to salvation. It is not a religion that is meant to be kept unto ourselves but to share because that is the entire point. And, as far as we are concerned, the establishment of the church is a direct command from Jesus to "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." It's literally a way to share the Gospel with believers and non-believers so that they become believers and accept the gift of salvation. No hidden agenda. That IS the agenda.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

I would. In all seriousness, as long as you were respectful during the process. I believe that God calls us to do things, so who would I be to say that God did not call you to receive communion?

Are there not rules as to who can receive communion?

I mean, my mom was told she couldn’t receive communion because she married my Dad (a Jew). But I can receive communion?

I think it's a bit of a faux pas to go through the motions of receiving communion if you are ineligible, whether by not being Catholic or for some other reason, but I think it would be unlikely to offend most Catholics.

IIRC, it isn't "the body of Christ" if you are not in the fit state to receive communion. I mean, there is no transubstantiation for you -- it's just bread and wine. So you can't receive communion if you can't receive communion, if that makes sense. It's a little weird to go through the motions for no purpose, but I wouldn't critique you for it.

And we think it’s a little weird to go through the motions of having a Passover Seder. Glad we’re on the same page!

NP. Are there prohibitions in Jewish law that declare who may and may not participate in a Seder? That a rabbi attends our parish’s (or we attend his, as was stated above), does that not lend some sort of legitimacy? Granted for us it will never mean what it means for Jewish people but that should not mean that it cannot draw us closer to God and lead to a greater appreciation of our religious heritage. Peace to you!

If the Rabbi is there, then you’re at the Rabbi’s Seder. That’s very different than you all deciding on your own to go and have a Seder.

Do you get that most of us are not claiming we "had a Seder" when we simply...heard a reading and had soup with neighbors in need?

Then don’t call it a Seder. It’s a sacred thing for us. Don’t devalue it.

I. Never. Called. It. A. Seder. And neither did many posters here, maybe some did, OK. Go get upset with them. But realize that for many of us--I would venture to say most of us--you are arguing against things we didn't say, claim, think, or believe.

Is that fair?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

So then there’s literally nothing I, as a non-Christian, can’t do at your Church?

So then what *are* the rules?

NP, but this is correct. There is literally nothing that you, as a non-Christian, can't do at my church.

The protestant church is open to all who may enter. It is meant to be an instrument of God, reaching out into the world to spread the Good News to ALL people about the way to salvation. It is not a religion that is meant to be kept unto ourselves but to share because that is the entire point. And, as far as we are concerned, the establishment of the church is a direct command from Jesus to "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." It's literally a way to share the Gospel with believers and non-believers so that they become believers and accept the gift of salvation. No hidden agenda. That IS the agenda.


Right — that’s because it’s a proselytizing religion. Judaism is not.

If you want to acknowledge Passover, fine, but don’t call what you’re doing a Seder. Don’t claim you’re doing something that’s the same as Jews do.

If you want to experience Passover, we’d be happy to invite you to our Seder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

I would. In all seriousness, as long as you were respectful during the process. I believe that God calls us to do things, so who would I be to say that God did not call you to receive communion?

Are there not rules as to who can receive communion?

I mean, my mom was told she couldn’t receive communion because she married my Dad (a Jew). But I can receive communion?

I think it's a bit of a faux pas to go through the motions of receiving communion if you are ineligible, whether by not being Catholic or for some other reason, but I think it would be unlikely to offend most Catholics.

IIRC, it isn't "the body of Christ" if you are not in the fit state to receive communion. I mean, there is no transubstantiation for you -- it's just bread and wine. So you can't receive communion if you can't receive communion, if that makes sense. It's a little weird to go through the motions for no purpose, but I wouldn't critique you for it.

And we think it’s a little weird to go through the motions of having a Passover Seder. Glad we’re on the same page!

NP. Are there prohibitions in Jewish law that declare who may and may not participate in a Seder? That a rabbi attends our parish’s (or we attend his, as was stated above), does that not lend some sort of legitimacy? Granted for us it will never mean what it means for Jewish people but that should not mean that it cannot draw us closer to God and lead to a greater appreciation of our religious heritage. Peace to you!

If the Rabbi is there, then you’re at the Rabbi’s Seder. That’s very different than you all deciding on your own to go and have a Seder.

Do you get that most of us are not claiming we "had a Seder" when we simply...heard a reading and had soup with neighbors in need?

Then don’t call it a Seder. It’s a sacred thing for us. Don’t devalue it.

I. Never. Called. It. A. Seder. And neither did many posters here, maybe some did, OK. Go get upset with them. But realize that for many of us--I would venture to say most of us--you are arguing against things we didn't say, claim, think, or believe.

Is that fair?

I’m not directing my comment at you. I’m directing my comment at those who claimed they can simply have a Seder because “Jesus was a Jew.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The lack of respect for Jewish traditions on this thread is appalling.

Seders are sacred. Most sacred rituals require a minyan.

Please be respectful.

Please don't put words in people's mouths. Please don't argue against points that haven't been made. Someone is claiming I called the gathering at my church a "Seder" when I never said any such thing. Please be respectful by not lumping posters together, and by not putting words in people's mouths so that you can argue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The lack of respect for Jewish traditions on this thread is appalling.

Seders are sacred. Most sacred rituals require a minyan.

Please be respectful.

Please don't put words in people's mouths. Please don't argue against points that haven't been made. Someone is claiming I called the gathering at my church a "Seder" when I never said any such thing. Please be respectful by not lumping posters together, and by not putting words in people's mouths so that you can argue.

I’m directing my comment at those who *did* call what they did at Church a Seder. If you didn’t, then great!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

I would. In all seriousness, as long as you were respectful during the process. I believe that God calls us to do things, so who would I be to say that God did not call you to receive communion?

Are there not rules as to who can receive communion?

I mean, my mom was told she couldn’t receive communion because she married my Dad (a Jew). But I can receive communion?

I think it's a bit of a faux pas to go through the motions of receiving communion if you are ineligible, whether by not being Catholic or for some other reason, but I think it would be unlikely to offend most Catholics.

IIRC, it isn't "the body of Christ" if you are not in the fit state to receive communion. I mean, there is no transubstantiation for you -- it's just bread and wine. So you can't receive communion if you can't receive communion, if that makes sense. It's a little weird to go through the motions for no purpose, but I wouldn't critique you for it.

And we think it’s a little weird to go through the motions of having a Passover Seder. Glad we’re on the same page!

NP. Are there prohibitions in Jewish law that declare who may and may not participate in a Seder? That a rabbi attends our parish’s (or we attend his, as was stated above), does that not lend some sort of legitimacy? Granted for us it will never mean what it means for Jewish people but that should not mean that it cannot draw us closer to God and lead to a greater appreciation of our religious heritage. Peace to you!

If the Rabbi is there, then you’re at the Rabbi’s Seder. That’s very different than you all deciding on your own to go and have a Seder.

Do you get that most of us are not claiming we "had a Seder" when we simply...heard a reading and had soup with neighbors in need?

Then don’t call it a Seder. It’s a sacred thing for us. Don’t devalue it.

I. Never. Called. It. A. Seder. And neither did many posters here, maybe some did, OK. Go get upset with them. But realize that for many of us--I would venture to say most of us--you are arguing against things we didn't say, claim, think, or believe.

Is that fair?

I’m not directing my comment at you. I’m directing my comment at those who claimed they can simply have a Seder because “Jesus was a Jew.”

I literally just said we don't call it a Seder; you told me not to call it a Seder. How were you not responding to me?