Ask the Rabbi - Basic Concepts

Reading “Christian” texts

I see a big difference between the Christian Scriptures (I do not want to use the term “New Testament” except to clarify that it is a misleading title for the collection of books I am refering to) and what the majority of churches teach. In addition I see major differences between the Aramaic Christian texts and the Greek (just as differences in the Tanak when comparing the Hebrew with the Septuagint). My questions are these? First, is it acceptable for a Noahide to read, study, and even use these texts for guidance and teaching if one does not accept or practice the idolatrous aspects of Christianity? Second, is there value in studying these texts for academic study? Are there specific prohibitions relative to these questions? Thank you.

–Details:In practice I am a Noachide. I regularly attend classes with Orthodox Rabbis at a local Torah Center. The classes at the Torah Center range from Biblical Hebrew, Jewish History, Maimonides (Guide to the Perplexed) and a course on the book on Righteous Gentiles that they included at my request. I also teach classes to Christians from a layperson level through Masters and Doctoral levels at a seminary and graduate school. I have not and do not intend to agree to Christian statements of faith and I do not have intentions to convert to Judaism. My objective is to live as a righteous gentile and also be a light to Christians and others. I see much value in Scriptures beyond the Tanak (including the NT) and regularly read Jewish sources and take online course as time permits. I sincerely appreciate your insights.

Noahide World Center

In response to the spiritual and value-driven demand for the word of God to be disseminated by the nation of Israel to all of mankind, we have established “Brit Olam – the Noahide World Center” in Jerusalem. We are in constant contact with many people all over the world who have a strong desire to learn the words of God.

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