Like all groups of people, especially within religions, there are aspects of Christianity that Christians disagree on, even though we have the same main beliefs in common. It’s the same within the Hebraic Community. Although we all hold the same main beliefs, there are differences within those beliefs that vary among those in our faith.
There are such varying beliefs among Hebraic Believers because there isn’t one organization called the Hebrew Roots Movement or a statement of faith for Believers who lean more Hebraic in their practices. These individuals may or may not be part of a group that holds the common belief that our faith should include the Biblical roots of our faith as well. For some, this includes observing the Biblical Holy Days, and for others, it means they attend a more traditional Messianic Jewish synagogue.
But when Believers hold differing beliefs, we can still live in peace with one another as we’re one in our Messiah, Yeshua. What we believe differently shouldn’t separate us. Mature adults, especially Christians, can disagree and still get along!
I highlight these differences to clarify where confusion may arise when those new to this way of practicing faith explore it.
Requirement to Keep the Law
All Hebraic Believers I’ve met or talked to believe we’re saved by grace and that the Law isn’t what saves us. I have to repeat this because it’s the most common misconception about the beliefs of those in this faith. It is an important reason traditional Christians disagree with and even have animosity toward Hebraic Believers.
But just to be clear:
None of us believe we’re saved by adhering to the Law.
Traditional Christians believe there are things we should do out of obedience to God, and so do Hebraic Believers. So, if we don’t believe obedience is what saves us, what’s debated here is what life should look like after we’re saved. Some believe God wants us to keep all of the commands in the Old Testament as the God-designed best way to live. Others believe similarly to those in traditional Christianity, in which the Law no longer applies to us post-Jesus.
Among the debated topics are the dietary laws, which those in our faith may adhere to to differing degrees or not at all. Some disagree on kosher diets, eating Biblically Clean, and whether to mix meat and milk.
Exchanging money on the Sabbath is another point of varying views. Although all Hebraic Believers keep the Sabbath, many don’t exchange money on the Sabbath to prevent themselves from working and allow others to take the day off.
Celebration of Christian Holidays
Many Hebraic Believers have given up the main Christian holidays, Christmas and Easter, due to the pagan origin and customs included in them. But others still celebrate, under the context of them being holidays of their culture or family.
All Hebraic Believers observe the Biblical Holy Days to some degree, even if they disagree on whether we’re under the command to do so. We all agree that there are benefits to observing these days, whether spiritual or educational.
Sacred Names
Hebraic Believers treat God’s name with respect, but some consider the more authentic names of God the only ones we can use. They’re opposed to using other terms to refer to God or replace His name and prefer Biblically accurate names instead.
Whether to Include Jewish Traditions
This question often comes into play when Christians interested in the roots of their faith attend a Messianic Jewish Synagogue or are otherwise introduced to Jewish customs. Which of these are the “traditions of man” that we’re not to adopt, and which draw us closer to God and His Word?
Many refuse to include any traditions in the practice of their faith that aren’t explicitly mentioned or commanded in the Bible to ensure they follow God and not man. For example, some say that Believers need to cover their heads, but others regard this as merely a custom and deem it irrelevant.
The Star of David
Traditionally used as a symbol for the Jewish people or the nation of Israel, the Star, also known as the Magen David, is a highly debated subject among Hebraic Believers. While some see its use as an expression of unity with Israel or the Jewish people, others view it as a pagan symbol or the Star of Molech, from Amos 5:25 and Acts 7:43.
Wearing of Tzitzits
While we’re on the subject of clothing, wearing tzitzits is also a debated topic. Wearing them is commanded in Numbers 15:37-41 and Deuteronomy 22:12, but whether to wear them, who is to wear them, and where on one’s person they’re to be worn are all topics of discussion.
Roles of Men & Women
The roles of men and women in the church and family are also sometimes disagreed upon. The Bible uses the words “men” and “sons” literally sometimes but at other times to mean all “mankind,” which would include women as well. This confusion can arise regarding subjects like who should wear tzitzits (above) or who should lead a Passover Seder.
What they DO agree on
Although the Hebraic Community disagrees on a few things, it agrees on many more important ones.
- Grace — We’re all saved by grace given through Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross. Adhering to the Torah (Law) does not save us.
- Biblical Authority – The New and Old Testaments are directly relevant and applicable.
- Importance of Holy Days – Whether we’re under a command to observe them or celebrate them to learn and deepen their faith, we all observe them to some degree.
- Significance of the Hebrew Language in Bible Study—Almost everyone in this faith is either a beginner Hebrew student or a full-fledged Hebraist, and their love for this ancient Biblical language is unmistakable.
- The Church did not replace Israel. We’re grafted in to the promises given to Israel, but we do not take their place.
- Politics – This may seem irrelevant to this list, but I find it interesting. All the Hebraic groups I’m in may or may not disagree on many things, but they almost always agree on politics. I haven’t yet figured out why, but it’s very different from the traditional Christian groups I’m in, where there are varying political opinions.
I hope this has clarified these differences in beliefs, which may be confusing to Christians exploring this way of practicing their faith. Our differences make for rich discussion and spiritual growth, both of which benefit us mutually.
