Where to start? There are ancient traditions that state that Matthew was originally written in ARAMAIC. Some are confused about these traditions and claim it was written in Hebrew. They are not the same language. Maybe someone can point me to a book or a library or museum that has a copy of an ancient Hebrew manuscript of Matthew. Till then, we have the Greek, and translations from the Greek into Aramaic and other languages.

As for the name of Meshiakh, the scriptures in the original languages nowhere call him “Yehoshua.” They call him “IESOUS”.

Further, God himself brought the religious system he ordained to an end in 70 AD. It had served its purpose and it was no longer needed. It is over, never to be resumed. And today’s “Orthodox Judaism” resembles the religion of TANAKH about as much as Roman Catholicism does. It is largely human traditions mixed with paganism.

Sam

He lived the life we should have lived.
He died the death we should have died.

I agree with everything you said. But I think you missed one minor detail about Ribi Yehoshua.

He is risen.

Grace and Peace,
Raffi

Did you know that the original “Matthew” was written in Hebrew and it’s called Hebrew Matityahu. It speaks about an Orthodox Jewish leader.
The historical Ribi Yehoshua were a Pharisee.

I am a follower of Ribi Yehoshua – Mashiakh – who practiced Torah including Halakhah with all his heart.
He was born in Betlehem 7 B.C.E . His faher name was Yoseiph and mother’s name was Mir′ yâm. He had twelve followers. He tought in the Jewish batei-haknesset (synagogues). Thousands of Jews were interested in His Torah-teachings. The “Temple” Sadducees (non-priests who bought their priest-ship in the “Temple” from the Romans, because they were assimilated Hellenist and genealogically non-priests acting as priests in the “Temple”; they were known by most 1st-century Jews as “Wicked Priests.” decided to crucify him. So they did – together with the Romans. His followers were called Netzarim (meaning offshoots [of a olive tree]) and they continued to pray with the other Jews in the synagogues.

Christianity does not teach the teachings of Ribi Yehoshua. Ribi Yehoshuas teachings were pro-Torah.

If you want to learn more click at our website http://www.netzarim.co.il — than click at the lick “Christians”; click at my photo to read about what made my switch religion from Christianity to Orthodox Judaism.

Anders Branderud
Follower of Ribi Yehoshua in Orthodox Judaism

Haven’t read the book, but I would scarcely argue the premise that Americans tend to remake Jesus in our own image. I wonder, however, whether that is a human tendency rather than an American one.

But from the one passage you site:

“Too often his deity has been eclipsed by his humanity, and occasionally the reverse is true.”

Really? I’ve noticed it the other way around. Maybe its just me. And…

“Too often devotion to Jesus has eclipsed theologizing about Jesus.”

Ahh, if that were actually true…

Sounds like an interesting read, though. Thanks for the review.

Grace and Peace,
Raffi Shahinian
Parables of a Prodigal World