Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Steven Carr · 09-12-2005, 11:34 PM

Matthew 23:15 'Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are'

Is 'son of hell' the most accurate term to describe somebody who has converted to Judaism?

Toto · 09-13-2005, 12:33 AM

It is claimed here

Quote:

It is a convert to Pharisaism rather than Judaism that is meant by "one proselyte" (hena prosˆluton), from prosercomai, newcomers, aliens. There were two kinds of convert: of the gate (not actual Jews, but God-fearers and well-wishers of Judaism, like Cornelius), of righteousness who received circumcision and became actual Jews. But a very small per cent of the latter became Pharisees.

That whole section of Matt is noted for its anti-Jewish vituperation. There is an attempt to salvage Jesus' words here as just an intramural Jewish dispute with other Jews.

Steven Carr · 09-13-2005, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toto

That whole section of Matt is noted for its anti-Jewish vituperation. There is an attempt to salvage Jesus' words here as just an intramural Jewish dispute with other Jews.

Why do you regard that an attempt to salvage the words of Jesus and not an attempt to paint Jesus as just as vitriolic and bile-filled as other Jews of the period?

Remember that one cause of Jews losing the revolt against Rome were their 'intramural Jewish disputes with other Jews.'

They were too busy settling scores, and Matthew 23 indicates it was normal for Jews to slag each other off.

Toto · 09-13-2005, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steven Carr

Why do you regard that an attempt to salvage the words of Jesus and not an attempt to paint Jesus as just as vitriolic and bile-filled as other Jews of the period?

. . . .

At least it saves him from the charge of anti-Semitism.

09-12-2005, 11:34 PM	#1
Steven Carr Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: England Posts: 5,629	The most accurate word for converts to Judaism Matthew 23:15 'Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are' Is 'son of hell' the most accurate term to describe somebody who has converted to Judaism?

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