Jesus – Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar https://eitan.bar Eitan Bar is a Theologian & Author Bringing a Jewish Perspective to the Christian Faith Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:58:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://eitan.bar/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/icon-logo-eb-eitan-bar-scaled.webp Jesus – Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar https://eitan.bar 32 32 Thoughts on NDEs (Near-Death Experiences) https://eitan.bar/articles/ndes-near-death-experiences/ Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:45:22 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=5178 Scripture, Not Sensation: Why Theology Cannot Be Built on Visions Healthy theology cannot be built on private visions. It must be grounded in the text—its language, its context, and its coherent witness. My conclusions do not arise from what someone claims to have seen in a vision, during a coma,…

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]]> The True Meaning of Daniel 12:2 and John 5:28–29 (Everlasting Life vs. Everlasting Contempt) https://eitan.bar/articles/the-true-meaning-of-daniel-122-and-john-528-29-everlasting-life-vs-everlasting-contempt/ Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:38:46 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=5141 In another article, I already addressed the meaning of the Hebrew word olam, so often translated as “everlasting” in English, and demonstrated that it does not mean endless time. That mistranslation imports later theological assumptions into the text and obscures the original biblical sense, where olam speaks of an age,…

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]]> “They Sit on Moses’ Seat”: What Jesus Did—and Did Not—Authorize https://eitan.bar/articles/they-sit-on-moses-seat-what-jesus-did-and-did-not-authorize/ Sat, 17 Jan 2026 09:31:02 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=5129 Matthew 23:2–3 in Context, History, and Theology One verse, lifted from its setting, can be made to carry far more weight than it was ever meant to bear. Matthew 23:2–3—“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you”—has often been invoked to…

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]]> Biblical Repentance and the Day of Atonement https://eitan.bar/articles/biblical-repentance-and-the-day-of-atonement/ Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:59:41 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=5121 Every year in Israel, life comes to a complete halt for one day. Shops close. Roads empty. Even the noise of ordinary existence falls silent. For twenty-four hours, an entire nation stops—not as individuals in isolation, but together. Whether religious Jew or secular, citizen or outsider, everyone is caught up…

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]]> What Is Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit? Understanding “the Unforgivable Sin” in Its Historical Context https://eitan.bar/articles/what-is-blasphemy-against-the-holy-spirit-understanding-the-unforgivable-sin-in-its-historical-context/ Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:58:17 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=5090 “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven” (Mark 3:29) Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (“the Unforgivable Sin”) was not a general sin that anyone in any generation could accidentally commit — it referred to a very specific historical situation. Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders of…

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]]> Is Allah the Same as the God of the Bible? https://eitan.bar/articles/is-allah-the-same-as-the-god-of-the-bible/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:00:12 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4932 When you look at the fruit of a tree, you can tell what kind of tree it is. That was Jesus’ simple but profound test for truth: “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). If we apply this same test to Islam, the results are sobering. The fruit…

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]]> Did Jesus Actually Practice Non-Violent Pacifism? https://eitan.bar/articles/did-jesus-actually-practice-non-violent-pacifism/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 06:41:53 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4909 While I disagree on certain points, there are aspects of liberal Christians that I deeply admire, particularly their profound grasp of God’s mercy and compassion for all and their emphasis on loving our enemies more fully. That said, I think there’s a blind spot. War may not be the morally…

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]]> What Every Christian Must Know About Israel and the Jewish People https://eitan.bar/articles/what-every-christian-must-know-about-israel-and-the-jewish-people/ Wed, 17 Sep 2025 07:34:03 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4782 The story of Israel begins not with a nation, but with a man who would not let go of God. In the midnight struggle by the Jabbok River, Jacob wrestled with the divine until daybreak, and there received a new name: Israel — “the one who strives with God” (Genesis…

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]]> Romans 11 (Olive Tree) — Israel’s Rejection of Christ Is Not Final https://eitan.bar/articles/romans-11-olive-tree-israels-rejection-of-christ-is-not-final/ Wed, 17 Sep 2025 06:30:48 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4779 The Olive Tree: Grafting, Not Replacing Grafting an olive tree is an ancient agricultural skill used to preserve and strengthen trees. The process involves carefully cutting a branch from one tree and inserting it into a slit in the bark of another. The farmer then binds it tightly so that…

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]]> Is Jesus Just a Copy of Eastern Religions? https://eitan.bar/articles/is-jesus-just-a-copy-of-eastern-religions/ Tue, 09 Sep 2025 06:28:34 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4736 It is tempting to solve Yeshua by analogy. Put him beside Krishna, Horus, Attis, Dionysus, or Mithras, list a handful of alleged similarities, and conclude that his story is a late remix of older myths. The move feels tidy—and it spares us the scandal of Israel’s Messiah entering history. But…

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]]> Was Jesus an Anti-Semite? https://eitan.bar/articles/was-jesus-an-anti-semite/ Tue, 09 Sep 2025 06:25:48 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4735 Jesus was a Jew from the tribe of Judah who lived, worshiped, taught, and died in the heart of Israel. Calling Him “anti-Semitic” only works if “anti-Semitic” now means “a Jewish prophet who confronted corrupt leaders the way Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Elijah did.” That’s the whole point: His sharpest words…

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]]> Inquisition, Crusades & Pogroms … In the Name of Jesus? https://eitan.bar/articles/inquisition-crusades-pogroms-in-the-name-of-jesus/ Tue, 09 Sep 2025 06:25:31 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4734 The Crusades, pogroms, the Inquisition, blood libels, expulsions, and the Holocaust — so much Jewish suffering has occurred under banners displaying the cross, in Jesus’s name, or by individuals identifying as “Christians.” How can such horrors possibly square with Yeshua? They don’t. These acts were not obedience to Yeshua but…

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]]> What Does it Mean that Jesus is “The Son of God”? https://eitan.bar/articles/what-does-it-mean-that-jesus-is-the-son-of-god/ Wed, 03 Sep 2025 07:56:49 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4691 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the…

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]]> The Virgin Birth Prophecy (Isaiah 7:14) https://eitan.bar/articles/the-virgin-birth-prophecy-isaiah-714/ https://eitan.bar/articles/the-virgin-birth-prophecy-isaiah-714/#comments Mon, 01 Sep 2025 15:18:39 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4676 The New Testament tells us that, according to the Old Testament prophecy, Jesus was born through a supernatural birth – his mother was a virgin. This is based on the verse Isaiah 7:14 where it says: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/the-virgin-birth-prophecy-isaiah-714/feed/ 1 Is Jesus Truely From the Line of David? https://eitan.bar/articles/is-jesus-truely-from-the-line-of-david/ Mon, 01 Sep 2025 13:07:36 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4674 According to the prophecies in Old Testament, the Messiah must be a descendant of David. In the New Testament the apostle Paul starts his letter to the church in Rome: “Jesus the Messiah, our Lord, who was descended from David according to the flesh.” (Romans 1:3) In the past, nobody questioned that Jesus was a descendant of David, neither historians nor the Sages.This was because the…

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]]> Jeremiah 31: The New Covenant Prophecy https://eitan.bar/articles/jeremiah-31-the-new-covenant-prophecy/ Mon, 01 Sep 2025 13:05:12 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4669 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of…

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]]> The Crucifixion Foretold by Zechariah 12 https://eitan.bar/articles/the-crucifixion-foretold-by-zechariah-12/ Mon, 01 Sep 2025 13:03:32 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4667 We are all very familiar with the famous icon of “the Crucified Jesus”, probably mostly recognized as the symbol of Christianity. But what if we told you that this image of the pierced Messiah is actually a biblical Jewish concept? And what if we told you that there is a…

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]]> What Does It Mean That God Has a Son? Isn’t That a Pagan Concept? https://eitan.bar/articles/what-does-it-mean-that-god-has-a-son-isnt-that-a-pagan-concept/ Mon, 01 Sep 2025 13:02:07 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4666 What does it mean that God has a son? Did God have intercourse, go into labor and deliver the son of God? Of course not! In the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament), the angels, who partake in the heavenly and spiritual nature of God (in contrast to the fleshly and…

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]]> Psalm 22 – The Prophecy About The Crucified Messiah https://eitan.bar/articles/psalm-22-the-prophecy-about-the-crucified-messiah/ Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:54:24 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4663 Psalm 22: Possibly the most famous prophetic psalm about the Messiah! Much like Isaiah 53, it describes the Messiah’s torment, rejection and death: “To the choirmaster: according to The Doe of the Dawn. A Psalm of David.My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?Why are you so far from saving me, from…

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]]> Isaiah 53 – The Forbidden Chapter https://eitan.bar/articles/isaiah-53-the-forbidden-chapter/ https://eitan.bar/articles/isaiah-53-the-forbidden-chapter/#comments Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:52:00 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4660 Long ago, the rabbis used to read Isaiah 53 in synagogues, but after the chapter caused arguments and great confusion, the rabbis decided that the simplest thing would be to just take that prophecy out of the Haftarah readings in synagogues.1 That’s why today when we read Isaiah 52, we stop…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/isaiah-53-the-forbidden-chapter/feed/ 1 How Will Humanity’s Story End? https://eitan.bar/articles/how-will-humanitys-story-end/ Sat, 09 Aug 2025 08:08:03 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4621 There are two very different ways Christians have told the story of how everything ends.In the first version, the one that’s especially popular in many modern Western churches, the tale begins with Jesus returning in glory. At last, everyone sees the truth and admits He is Lord. The next scene…

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]]> No Condemnation in Christ? What Paul Really Meant in Romans 8:1 https://eitan.bar/articles/no-condemnation-in-christ-meaning-romans-8-1/ Sun, 03 Aug 2025 09:59:45 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4603 When Paul wrote to believers in Rome, he began chapter 8 with one of the most profound declarations in Scripture: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1) Paul begins Romans 8:1 with the word “Therefore,” signaling that his declaration is the logical…

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]]> Islamic Dilemma Explained: How to Debunk Islam/Quran https://eitan.bar/articles/islamic-dilemma-explained-islams-self-destructive-doctrine/ Mon, 28 Jul 2025 12:20:16 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4583 Islam claims to be the final and most complete revelation from God, affirming the prophets who came before Muhammad and acknowledging the Scriptures they brought—the Torah (Tawrat), the Psalms (Zabur), and the Gospel (Injil). Yet this affirmation is only alleged, because at the same time Islam insists that Jews and…

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]]> A Jewish Reflection on the Eucharist https://eitan.bar/articles/jewish-reflection-eucharist/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 12:42:38 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4521 In the Gospels, healing is a central sign of God’s kingdom. Jesus does not merely forgive sins or mend bodies—He restores SHALOM (peace, oneness, wholeness). When He says, “Your faith has made you whole,” there is more to it than a mere physical cure. Becoming whole means restoration: body, mind,…

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]]> What’s the Point in Evangelizing If Salvation is Universal? https://eitan.bar/articles/whats-the-point-in-evangelizing-if-salvation-is-universal/ Thu, 19 Jun 2025 08:32:49 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4510 An objection frequently raised is, “If everyone will eventually be redeemed, then why evangelize?” During one of the Iranian missile attacks here in Israel (June 2025), a siren sounded and chaos erupted. Everyone scrambled for shelter. People who happened to be on the street rushed into the nearest bomb shelter—just…

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]]> Guilt Offering (ASHAM) & Purification/Sin Offering (HATA’AT): What You Must Know https://eitan.bar/articles/what-guilt-offering-sin-offering/ Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:57:15 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4296 The rich variety of sacrifices described in the Torah reveals a far more beautiful and relational pattern — a way for humanity to draw near to God in gratitude, worship, restoration, and communion. Each category of sacrifice served a different purpose, and remarkably, each finds its ultimate fulfillment in the…

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]]> Life is in the Blood (Leviticus 17:11) https://eitan.bar/articles/life-is-in-the-blood-leviticus-1711/ Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:17:46 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4258 We live in a world where the sight of blood rarely brings comfort. In fact, it’s usually the opposite. News broadcasts spill it across our screens in stories of war and terrorism. Video games glorify it. Movies drench it across battlefields, back alleys, and broken bodies. Blood, in modern consciousness,…

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]]> How Should the Book of Revelation Be Read? https://eitan.bar/articles/how-should-the-book-of-revelation-be-read/ https://eitan.bar/articles/how-should-the-book-of-revelation-be-read/#comments Tue, 25 Mar 2025 08:56:40 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4228 The Book of Revelation is rooted in a worldview where the physical and spiritual are deeply interconnected, Jewish apocalyptic literature is highly abstract, often operates on multiple levels of meaning. This multidimensionality allows for nuanced interpretations that go beyond the literal. It makes apocalyptic literature—like the Book of Revelation—especially powerful for conveying deep theological truths.

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/how-should-the-book-of-revelation-be-read/feed/ 3 Does “All” Really Mean All? “Universal Atonement” vs. “Limited Atonement” https://eitan.bar/articles/all-mean-all-universal-atonement-vs-limited-atonement/ Tue, 11 Mar 2025 14:25:23 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4194 The gospel, especially in Protestant and Catholic conservative circles, is often presented as an offer limited to a select group. For instance, “Limited Atonement“ in Calvinism is the belief that Jesus’ sacrifice was only for the elect—those predestined by God to be saved (from hellfire, in their paradigm). It teaches…

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]]> What Are We Saved From? https://eitan.bar/articles/what-are-we-saved-from/ https://eitan.bar/articles/what-are-we-saved-from/#comments Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:12:04 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4163 If you are a fundamentalist Protestant or a conservative Catholic, you have likely been taught that salvation means being saved from the Augustinian-Calvinist version of hell – a sadistic eternal torment in hellfire. However, the Bible consistently teaches that salvation is tangible, and that we are saved not from eternal…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/what-are-we-saved-from/feed/ 1 Why Did Jesus Die? https://eitan.bar/articles/why-did-jesus-die/ https://eitan.bar/articles/why-did-jesus-die/#comments Thu, 06 Mar 2025 13:04:46 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4149 “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” (Leviticus 17:11) Life is in the Blood Some things in life are inseparable. You can’t…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/why-did-jesus-die/feed/ 1 This Is Why the Doctrine of Hellfire Is Logically Pro-Abortion https://eitan.bar/articles/this-is-why-the-doctrine-of-hellfire-is-logically-pro-abortion/ Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:08:06 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4143 Hellfire, or Eternal Conscious Torment (ECT) in theological terms, is the doctrine held by most Catholics and Protestants (who adopted it from the Catholics) that teaches most people in the world will be tormented in hell forever. Ironically, this doctrine creates a severe moral contradiction because for most people, it’s…

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]]> The Meaning of ‘Salvation’ in the Hebrew Bible & New Testament https://eitan.bar/articles/the-meaning-of-salvation-in-the-hebrew-bible-new-testament/ https://eitan.bar/articles/the-meaning-of-salvation-in-the-hebrew-bible-new-testament/#comments Sun, 02 Mar 2025 11:07:04 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4123 The meaning of Salvation in the New Testament is the same as the meaning of Salvation in Judaism. In Jewish thought, ‘salvation’ encompasses broader concepts than the Catholic-Protestant view of it as a means to avoid eternal torture in hell. For Jews, salvation primarily means enjoying God’s blessings and protection. In Jewish…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/the-meaning-of-salvation-in-the-hebrew-bible-new-testament/feed/ 2 Did Jesus Really Say the Criminal Would Be in Paradise ‘Today’? (Luke 23:43) https://eitan.bar/articles/jesus-criminal-paradise-today-luke-23-43/ Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:51:18 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4119 No, Jesus did not say the criminal would be in Paradise with him “Today” in Luke 23:43… One of the most debated topics in the New Testament is what happens once we die. As part of this debate, people often quote Luke 23:43, where Jesus speaks to the repentant criminal…

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]]> What “Perish” and “Eternal Life” Really Means (John 3:16)? https://eitan.bar/articles/john-316-does-perish-support-eternal-torment-in-hellfire/ Mon, 10 Feb 2025 17:53:09 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4082 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) John 3:16 is one of the most quoted Bible verses—often seen on soda cups and burger wrappers—but it’s also among the most…

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]]> Does a ‘Too Merciful’ God Weaken His Justice? https://eitan.bar/articles/does-a-too-merciful-god-weaken-his-justice/ Thu, 30 Jan 2025 14:08:35 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4059 One of the most common concerns among Christians is whether emphasizing God’s love, grace, and mercy somehow diminishes His justice. When someone suggests that we should focus more on God’s kindness, an almost reflexive reaction follows: “Don’t go too far!” as if we might accidentally make God too good. But…

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]]> Don’t Worship Religion: The “Religion Leads to God” Oxymoron https://eitan.bar/articles/stop-worship-religion/ Thu, 30 Jan 2025 12:23:49 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4049 You’ve heard the argument, “Do all religions lead to God?” But what if the real question is—what if no religion leads to Him at all? The idea that religion is the way to reach God is, in many ways, an oxymoron—a contradiction in terms. Religion, at its core, consists of…

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]]> Why ‘Free Will’ is a Terrible Excuse to Send People to Hell https://eitan.bar/articles/why-free-will-is-a-terrible-excuse-to-send-people-to-hell/ Wed, 29 Jan 2025 10:23:24 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=4034 For centuries, the Augustinian-Calvinist interpretation of hell, known as Eternal Conscious Torment (a place where, allegedly, God sadistically tortures people forever), has been defended on the grounds of free will. The popular argument of many fundamentalist evangelists goes something like this: “God doesn’t send people to hell; they choose it…

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]]> How 1st-Century Jews Understood Jesus’ Teachings on “Hellfire” https://eitan.bar/articles/jews-jesus-teachings-hell/ Mon, 27 Jan 2025 13:59:20 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3994 When you hear phrases like “financial meltdown,” do you picture Wall Street skyscrapers literally dissolving into puddles? Or consider a “political battlefield” — does it bring to mind politicians wearing armor and dueling with swords? How about the “corporate jungle”? Perhaps you visualize business managers hunting junior employees as if…

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]]> 10 Beliefs Most Christians Think Are True But Are Not https://eitan.bar/articles/10-beliefs-most-christians-think-are-true-but-are-not/ Sun, 26 Jan 2025 14:53:48 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3968 1. “The Word of God” is not the Bible; it’s Jesus (John 1:1; Revelation 19:13) Spending 20 years with fundamentalists, I’ve probably heard the term “the Word of God” being used to refer to the Bible at least 9,340,589 times. However, the term “Word of God” in Scripture refers only…

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]]> What If Christians Deconstruct Fundamentalism, Not Jesus? https://eitan.bar/articles/christians-deconstruct-fundamentalism/ Tue, 21 Jan 2025 20:01:39 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3947 In recent years, a significant wave of Christians has begun to “deconstruct” their faith. While some observers dismiss this trend as abandoning faith or pursuing worldly pleasures, a closer look reveals a more nuanced reality. Most individuals undergoing this process are not rejecting Christianity itself but are instead deconstructing Fundamentalism.…

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]]> This is What “Every Knee Will Bow, Every Tongue Confess” Means https://eitan.bar/articles/this-is-what-every-knee-will-bow-every-tongue-confess-means/ https://eitan.bar/articles/this-is-what-every-knee-will-bow-every-tongue-confess-means/#comments Sun, 03 Nov 2024 13:49:14 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3617 In the narrative of Christian theology, Satan represents the principal adversary, actively working to lead humanity away from God by trying to convince us He can’t be trusted. Yet, if we accept that God’s attributes surpass any of His creations, including Satan, then the Devil’s power to deceive and corrupt…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/this-is-what-every-knee-will-bow-every-tongue-confess-means/feed/ 1 Justice in the Ancient Near East https://eitan.bar/articles/justice-in-the-ancient-near-east/ https://eitan.bar/articles/justice-in-the-ancient-near-east/#comments Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:19:04 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3596 As humans, we have the tendency to be overly judgmental due to a combination of psychological, religious, and social factors. However, the ability to quickly assess situations and people was always crucial for survival and social cohesion. Psychologically, judgment helps simplify the complexity of human behavior and social interactions, providing…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/justice-in-the-ancient-near-east/feed/ 1 The Doctrine of Hellfire: The Devastating Psychological Effects https://eitan.bar/articles/the-doctrine-of-hellfire-the-devastating-psychological-effects/ Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:07:14 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3593 This is a short testimony I came across on YouTube from a woman who grew up in what seems a conservative, fundamental Christian home: When I was 6 or 7, I burned my hand and it was excruciating. My mother took the opportunity to say, “Imagine if that feeling was…

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]]> What is the Lake of Fire, Sulfur and Smoke in the Book of Revelation? https://eitan.bar/articles/what-is-the-lake-of-fire-sulfur-and-smoke-in-the-book-of-revelation/ Wed, 30 Oct 2024 09:23:32 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3589 Very little in the book of Revelation could be interpreted literally. While it is crucial to read and study the book thoroughly, appreciating its language, imagery, and themes, it is equally important to recognize the book’s genre and that almost every element in Revelation is steeped in references to Hebrew…

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]]> To Be Blotted Out of the Book of Life? (Revelation 3:5) https://eitan.bar/articles/being-blotted-out-of-the-book-of-life-revelation-35/ Wed, 30 Oct 2024 09:04:52 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3585 The Book of Revelation is a book steeped in symbolism and metaphor, written in the apocalyptic genre. It features descriptions of beasts, dragons, flying horses, and other imagery that first-century readers would not have interpreted literally. The apocalyptic genre is characterized by vivid imagery and symbolic language meant to convey…

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]]> Fear God Who Could Throw You Into Hell?! (Matthew 10:28) https://eitan.bar/articles/fear-god-who-could-throw-you-into-hell-matthew-1028/ Wed, 30 Oct 2024 08:04:38 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3573 “Then Jesus took the teenage girl and threw her into the fire. As he watched her scream in the flames, he said unto her, ‘Your parents warned you, but you did not listen!'” (Matthew 10:28, according to Calvinism) Sounds too harsh? Sadly, this is exactly how many Christians today read…

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]]> What are the “Gates of Hell” (Matthew 16:18)? https://eitan.bar/articles/what-are-the-gates-of-hell-matthew-1618/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 14:18:48 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3568 Matthew 16 is where Jesus finally introduces the concept of his death and resurrection to his disciples. In verse 18, Jesus declares something that confused many: And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not…

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]]> “Lord Lord….”, “I Never Knew You. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:21-23) https://eitan.bar/articles/lord-lord-i-never-knew-you-away-from-me-you-evildoers-matthew-721-23/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:54:05 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3565 There are two kinds of “Christianity.” One is a religion that, on paper, intellectually adheres to all the correct theological recipes and doctrines about Jesus’ Lordship and Divinity. The other is a way of life—represented by the kingdom of heaven—embodied by Christ-like individuals who live out the values Jesus taught…

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]]> Aren’t we “Born Again” to Avoid Hellfire? https://eitan.bar/articles/arent-we-born-again-to-avoid-hellfire/ https://eitan.bar/articles/arent-we-born-again-to-avoid-hellfire/#comments Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:35:05 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3562 Evangelicals, commonly self-identified as “Born-again Evangelicals,” generally interpret “born again” as a profound experience of repentance and faith in Jesus’s sacrifice for sins. This experience is often specific, memorable, and pivotal to their personal testimony. These experiences, usually emotionally charged, can look like reciting a “salvation prayer” from a pamphlet…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/arent-we-born-again-to-avoid-hellfire/feed/ 2 What Are the “Unquenchable Fire” and “Wheat and Chaff”? https://eitan.bar/articles/what-is-the-unquenchable-fire/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:00:04 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3559 When the Western mind encounters the word “fire,” it often conjures images of witches being burned at the stake, nuclear bombs, or Dante’s depictions of individuals tormented by flames, which has significantly influenced Western Christian theology. However, in the Bible, Judaism, and other ancient civilizations, fire, though potentially painful, primarily…

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]]> What are “Outer Darkness” and “Gnashing of Teeth”? https://eitan.bar/articles/what-is-outer-darkness-weeping-and-gnashing-of-teeth/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:42:25 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3555 When these metaphors are taken literally and out of context, their imagery might appear quite terrifying, akin to a vivid depiction of the Augustinian-Calvinist hellfire: But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 8:12 They…

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]]> Is the Parable of the Sheep & Goats About Hell? (Matthew 25:31-46) https://eitan.bar/articles/is-the-parable-of-the-sheep-and-the-goats-about-hell-matthew-2531-46/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:27:17 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3551 Jesus presents three parables in Matthew 25: The Parable of the Ten Virgins (verses 1-13), The Parable of the Bags of Gold (verses 14-28), and the one we focus on today, The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (verses 31-46). Some, Augustine himself included, interpret a section of this parable…

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]]> Does a Sin Against an Infinite God Merit Infinite Punishment? https://eitan.bar/articles/does-a-sin-against-an-infinite-god-merit-infinite-punishment/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 10:30:43 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3536 Once upon a time, a naïve couple lived in blissful ignorance, unaware of their own lack of knowledge. Then, a cunning, malevolent figure exploited their innocence, convincing them they could become all-knowing, just like God. Seduced by this idea, they ate from the Tree of Knowledge, which opened their eyes…

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]]> Calvinism’s “God Can’t Stand You” Theology Debunked https://eitan.bar/articles/calvinisms-god-cant-stand-you-theology-debunked/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:49:50 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3530 An article titled, “Why do I face the consequences of Adam’s sin when I did not eat the fruit?” on the popular Reformed website “GotQuestions” reads: The Bible says, “Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because…

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]]> The Doctrine of ‘Hell’ in Early Christianity https://eitan.bar/articles/the-doctrine-of-hell-in-early-christianity/ https://eitan.bar/articles/the-doctrine-of-hell-in-early-christianity/#comments Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:27:59 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3519 The understanding of hell has varied significantly throughout Christian history, reflecting differing theological frameworks across the early church. While views on the afterlife, especially hell, appear to have been underdeveloped during the early days of the church, below are some noteworthy statements from key figures in early Christianity that merit…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/the-doctrine-of-hell-in-early-christianity/feed/ 1 ‘Repentance,’ ‘Salvation,’ and ‘Hell’ from a Jewish Perspective https://eitan.bar/articles/repentance-salvation-and-hell-from-a-jewish-perspective/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:00:07 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3516 This article will explore the concepts of ‘repentance,’ ‘salvation,’ and ‘hell,’ examining their interconnections from the perspective of the Hebrew Scriptures and Jewish thought. Repentance In certain conservative Christian traditions, such as Calvinism, Evangelicalism, Pentecostalism, Messianic Judaism (a small Evangelical Fundamentalist group I used to be associated with), and several…

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]]> The Hisorical Meaning of the Word ‘Hell’ https://eitan.bar/articles/the-hisorical-meaning-of-the-word-hell/ https://eitan.bar/articles/the-hisorical-meaning-of-the-word-hell/#comments Tue, 29 Oct 2024 08:37:23 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3512 The English word “hell” originates from the Old English “Hel” or “Helle,” which was derived from the Proto-Germanic term “haljō.” This term generally referred to an underworld or a hidden place. “Haljō” is also related to the Old Norse word “Hel,” which referred both to the underworld—a realm of the…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/the-hisorical-meaning-of-the-word-hell/feed/ 1 How Can One Atone for All? https://eitan.bar/articles/how-can-one-atone-for-all/ Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:22:03 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3486 A significant misconception within Calvinistic theology is the idea that Jesus’ power to atone for sins must lay in the extent of cosmic suffering, pain, and abuse he endured from God. This concept suggests that the magnitude of human sin necessitated Jesus’ extreme suffering. Calvinist preacher and former president of…

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]]> What Most Christians Get Wrong About “Worship” https://eitan.bar/articles/what-most-christians-get-wrong-about-worship/ Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:05:26 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3483 What images come to your mind when you hear the term “worship night”? Regrettably, contemporary Western Christian thought frequently equates “worship” with amplified music and congregational singing in a venue bathed in vibrant lights. While this is undoubtedly fun, it is a far cry from the scriptural understanding of “worship.”…

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]]> John 1:1 from a Jewish Perspective https://eitan.bar/articles/john-11-from-a-jewish-perspective/ Fri, 25 Oct 2024 08:37:47 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3455 John 1:1 is a profound verse that has sparked considerable theological discussion, especially around the identity of the “Word” (Greek: Logos) and its relationship with God. Here’s a detailed look at what John may be communicating… Text of John 1:1 The verse reads: “In the beginning was the Word, and…

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]]> Is the Story of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16) Really About Hell? https://eitan.bar/articles/lazarus-and-the-rich-man-luke-16-jewish-perspective/ Fri, 25 Oct 2024 07:33:40 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3452 In the Bible, the term "Abraham's Bosom" (sometimes translated as "Abraham's side") is a unique expression found only once. In Jewish tradition, however, "Abraham's Bosom" is a well-known metaphor (e.g., Apocalypse of Zephaniah 11:1-2;  Kiddushin 72b; Genesis Rabba 67), not regarded as a literal place or as a historical account of events but a metaphor for being in a state of peace and blessing.

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]]> Was Adam’s Relationship With God Broken? https://eitan.bar/articles/was-adams-relationship-with-god-broken/ https://eitan.bar/articles/was-adams-relationship-with-god-broken/#comments Fri, 30 Aug 2024 14:58:55 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3442 If God cannot even look at sinners, it implies that He cannot be near them. If God is unable to be near sinners, it suggests that He hates them. If this is true, then the argument that God must send all sinners—all of humanity—to hellfire is validated. As the renowned…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/was-adams-relationship-with-god-broken/feed/ 1 This Is (part of) My Story https://eitan.bar/articles/eitan-bar-testimony-story-part1/ Thu, 04 Jul 2024 09:55:06 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3380 If you have followed me long enough, you have probably noticed two things. First, I emphasize love and grace in a way that really annoys some types of religious people. Second, I have developed the same “Matthew 23 style” of antagonistic chutzpah against religious legalism. This is because, ever since…

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]]> What Watching Seinfeld Taught Me About Reading the Bible https://eitan.bar/articles/what-watching-seinfeld-taught-me-about-reading-the-bible/ Thu, 13 Jun 2024 07:19:01 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3354 I admit, I have watched each Seinfeld episode a million times already; it’s something weird some of us Jews like to do. I guess it helps calm down our cynical view of the world. But as I continue to watch it repeatedly, I slowly start to notice motifs and themes…

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]]> Because He First Loved Us? https://eitan.bar/articles/we-love-because-he-first-loved-us/ Mon, 10 Jun 2024 08:55:42 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3347 According to 1 John 4:19, “We love because God first loved us.” So, if you wait for your enemy to love on you first before you are willing to love on them, and the same goes for them, when will you ever meet? The Gentiles were well aware of the…

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]]> “Love Always Hopes and Perseveres” https://eitan.bar/articles/love-always-hopes-and-perseveres/ Mon, 10 Jun 2024 07:15:28 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3343 Jesus met individuals often viewed by society as irredeemable or beyond help, such as the woman caught in adultery, the tax collector Zacchaeus, or the Samaritan woman at the well. In each encounter, Jesus looked beyond their current situation and envisioned what they could become, instilling hope and offering a…

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]]> “Love Always Trusts” https://eitan.bar/articles/love-always-trusts/ Mon, 10 Jun 2024 07:08:59 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3339 The Greek term translated as “trusts” is “pisteuō,” often used in the New Testament to denote belief or faith. In the context of Paul’s message, this concept emphasizes not a naive or blind trust but a choice to always see at least some potential for good in others and to…

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]]> “Love Always Protects” https://eitan.bar/articles/love-always-protects/ Mon, 10 Jun 2024 06:55:03 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3336 Here, Paul emphasizes love’s protective nature. The Greek word translated as “protects” literally means to cover, suggesting that love provides a protective barrier, holding up under pressures and difficulties and keeping out negative influences that might undermine relationships. Love’s protection means it is willing to suffer for others, regardless of…

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]]> “Love Rejoices With the Truth” https://eitan.bar/articles/love-rejoices-with-the-truth/ Mon, 10 Jun 2024 06:43:17 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3323 From the outset, justice has been a prominent recurring motif. Discussions on justice appear early in the Torah (e.g., Leviticus 19:15) and are also emphasized by the prophets (e.g., Micah 6:8). In the intricate dance of human interactions, love and justice are often seen as partners whose steps occasionally misalign.…

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]]> “Love Does Not Delight in Evil” https://eitan.bar/articles/love-does-not-delight-in-evil/ Mon, 10 Jun 2024 06:26:36 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3320 To delight in evil—or schadenfreude—is the pleasure of seeing others fall, sin, suffer, or get in trouble. In the original context of Paul’s writing, this message would have resonated deeply in a community like Corinth, where social and moral discord has tempted some to find satisfaction in the failures of…

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]]> “Love Does Not Keep a Record of Wrongs” https://eitan.bar/articles/love-does-not-keep-a-record-of-wrongs/ Mon, 10 Jun 2024 06:19:18 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3317 Gossip and “keeping a record of wrongs” are closely intertwined, reflecting a failure to grasp the grace of God fully. When people gossip, they often do so from a place of insecurity and fear. This is particularly prevalent among religious individuals who are constantly anxious about their afterlife and their…

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]]> “Love Is Not Selfish and Is Not Provoked” https://eitan.bar/articles/love-selfish-provoked-corinthians/ Mon, 10 Jun 2024 06:09:21 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3301 This directive challenges the natural human inclination towards selfishness, self-preservation, and self-promotion, urging a shift towards altruism and collective well-being. Jesus reminded us to “seek first his kingdom” (Matthew 6:33), suggesting a hierarchy of priorities. Just as our bodies urgently signal hunger or thirst, we should feel an intense spiritual…

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]]> “Love Does Not Act Rudely” https://eitan.bar/articles/love-does-not-act-rudely-a-short-commentary-on-1-corinthians-135a/ Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:38:38 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3298 Rudeness, often characterized by abrupt, harsh, or unconsidered behaviors, disrupts the fabric of community and personal relationships. It reflects a disregard for the feelings of others, operating against the grain of social harmony and mutual respect. In this verse’s original context, Paul addresses a community riddled with conflicts, boasting, and…

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]]> “Love Is Not Envious, Boastful, or Prideful” https://eitan.bar/articles/love-is-not-envious-boastful-or-prideful-1-corinthians-13-4/ Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:02:21 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3293 A Short Commentary On 1 Corinthians 13:4 [c-e]

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]]> “Love Is Kind” https://eitan.bar/articles/love-is-kind-1-corinthians-13-4/ Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:23:11 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3290 Kindness is the act of showing compassion, generosity, and consideration towards others, often involving selfless actions and a genuine concern for their well-being. It encompasses gestures of goodwill, such as offering help, expressing empathy, and treating people with respect and understanding. At its core, kindness reflects an inner attitude of…

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]]> “Love Is Patient” https://eitan.bar/articles/love-is-patient-1-corinthians-13-4/ Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:12:56 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3287 The Hebrew Bible frequently discusses the theme of patience, particularly highlighting God’s forbearance with Israel (e.g., Exodus 34:6; Proverbs 19:11; Hosea 3:1; Psalm 103:8). The Hebrew word for patience is conceptualized in two primary ways. The first uses the imagery of a “long nose,” suggesting that it takes a longer…

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]]> “If I Am Magnificent But Have Not Love” https://eitan.bar/articles/1-corinthians-13-1-3-commentary/ Wed, 05 Jun 2024 12:57:23 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3282 The deeper our understanding of God’s love as expressed through Christ, the more effectively we can love others. Indeed, before we can extend love outwardly, we must first internalize and experience it. In chapter 13, Paul anchors his definition of love on the perfect embodiment and demonstration of love: the…

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]]> The Parable of the Good Samaritan From a Jewish Perspective https://eitan.bar/articles/parable-good-samaritan/ Tue, 04 Jun 2024 14:44:49 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3276 Long before it became embedded in legal frameworks, Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan in response to a question from a Torah scholar—a Jewish lawyer—seeking to understand how to gain God’s favor. This story has transcended its biblical origins to become synonymous with selflessly aiding strangers and even…

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]]> Love as Evidence of God’s Existence https://eitan.bar/articles/sacrificial-love-prove-the-existence-of-god/ Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:16:06 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3272 Does the universal regard for sacrificial love as the highest moral value suggest the existence of God? Love, a concept often portrayed through various art forms, including literature, songs, and films, presents a compelling argument for the existence of the God of Christianity. I believe the universality of sacrificial love…

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]]> The Wounded Raise Higher: Broken People’s Potential for Greatness https://eitan.bar/articles/broken-peoples-potential-to-succeed/ Sun, 02 Jun 2024 13:05:59 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3259 To those who feel broken and defeated, know that your journey is far from over. No matter how badly you've messed up, God's love, grace, and redemption are powerful enough to transform your life. Your failures do not define you; instead, they are opportunities for God's purposes to shine through you. In your brokenness, God sees the potential for growth, purification, and profound spiritual success that goes beyond human strength.

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]]> The Tabernacle: Essentials, Symbolism, Fulfillment in Jesus https://eitan.bar/articles/tabernacle-fulfillment-jesus/ Sun, 02 Jun 2024 10:04:52 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3252 The Tabernacle, a divine structure outlined in the book of Exodus, served as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. During the Exodus and the wandering in the desert, the Tabernacle was portable, symbolizing the closeness of Emmanual—God with us. The Tabernacle’s detailed construction and the…

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]]> What is Atonement (Propitiation)? https://eitan.bar/articles/what-is-atonement-propitiation/ https://eitan.bar/articles/what-is-atonement-propitiation/#comments Tue, 28 May 2024 12:52:25 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3248 Atonement is a central concept in the Hebrew Scriptures, intricately tied to the relationship between humanity and God. The Hebrew term for atonement, “כפר” (kipper), appears over a hundred times in the Old Testament, most notably in the context of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Understanding the nuances of…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/what-is-atonement-propitiation/feed/ 1 Understanding the Bible’s Message Through Its Narrative https://eitan.bar/articles/bible-narrative/ https://eitan.bar/articles/bible-narrative/#comments Tue, 28 May 2024 12:08:45 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3241 At their core, biblical narratives are far from simplistic or rudimentary recountings of historical events. They are intricate literary creations that employ sophisticated narrative techniques to convey their messages. The Bible’s narrative structure, with its interweaving of plotlines and meticulous character development, serves more than just a storytelling function—it embeds…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/bible-narrative/feed/ 1 9 Reasons Not to Trust Only One Bible Translation https://eitan.bar/articles/trusting-bible-translations/ https://eitan.bar/articles/trusting-bible-translations/#comments Fri, 24 May 2024 09:12:30 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3207 As a native Hebrew speaker, I recall the first time I read an English translation of the Hebrew Bible and noticed significant differences in some sections. This experience was echoed during my Koine Greek classes, where I saw how translations could diverge greatly from the original text and each other.…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/trusting-bible-translations/feed/ 1 Justice: Why Love Can’t Survive Without It https://eitan.bar/articles/justice-bible-love/ Mon, 13 May 2024 08:50:05 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3168 From the outset, justice has been a prominent recurring motif. Discussions on justice appear early in the Torah (e.g., Leviticus 19:15) and are also emphasized by the prophets (e.g., Micah 6:8). In the intricate dance of human interactions, love and justice are often seen as partners whose steps occasionally misalign.…

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]]> Why Sacrifice is the Highest of Virtues https://eitan.bar/articles/sacrifice-highest-virtues/ Sun, 12 May 2024 13:39:42 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3153 Sacrifice, a virtue deeply embedded in human culture and spiritual consciousness, stands out as a profound expression of altruism and selflessness. Throughout history, it has shaped the contours of morality and ethics, guiding individuals and communities toward higher ideals. The essence of sacrifice involves giving up something valued for the…

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]]> What Language did Jesus Speak—Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic? https://eitan.bar/articles/what-language-did-jesus-speak-greek-hebrew-aramaic/ Sat, 11 May 2024 07:47:50 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3144 It is ubiquitous that Jesus spoke Aramaic, the common language in Israel at the time, and spoke its sister language,1 Hebrew, as all other religiously educated Jews. But what about Greek? Historically: Jesus’s Linguistic Abilities The linguistic environment of first-century Israel was notably diverse, primarily featuring Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek.…

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]]> What Most Christians Overlook Regarding Sacrifice in the Bible and Jesus’ Atonement https://eitan.bar/articles/sacrifice-atonement-jesus-bible/ Fri, 10 May 2024 12:43:16 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3135 Well, perhaps not “most Christians,” but certainly most Protestants (Calvinists, Baptists, Evangelicals, Pentecostals, etc.) and most Catholics. Historically, this overlook made them develop their Theories of Atonement pretty late in the game, disregarding the earlier teachings of the Church Fathers.1 The Models of Atonement held by both the Catholic and…

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]]> Why Forgiveness is the Highest of Virtues https://eitan.bar/articles/why-forgiveness/ Thu, 09 May 2024 14:26:21 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3131 Forgiveness, a profound virtue embedded in the fabric of human morality, stands out as a beacon of transformative power, both for the individual soul and the broader society. Its universal value crosses all cultural and religious landscapes, acting as a pivotal element in fostering healthy relationships and robust communities. At…

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]]> Every Knee Shall Bow: Putting God’s Wisdom & Power to the Test https://eitan.bar/articles/every-knee-shall-bow/ Sun, 28 Apr 2024 09:41:48 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3098 Can we truly trust that God is the wisest, strongest, and most loving? Or was the serpent correct in suggesting otherwise? All of us, along with the rest of creation, bear witness to the ongoing vast cosmic theological debate surrounding the nature of God. One way to interpret Genesis 3…

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]]> “Ask,” “Seek,” “Knock.” https://eitan.bar/articles/ask-seek-knock/ Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:50:03 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3049 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for…

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]]> “Do Not Judge” – What Did Jesus Mean? (Matthew 7:1-6) https://eitan.bar/articles/do-not-judge-matthew-7/ Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:21:18 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3042 Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention…

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]]> This Is Why God Created Us Limited and Finite and Allows Evil https://eitan.bar/articles/adam-eve-not-perfect/ https://eitan.bar/articles/adam-eve-not-perfect/#comments Wed, 17 Apr 2024 07:46:25 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3034 “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”. Genesis 1:31 In our quest to comprehend the intricate subtleties of religious texts, we often grapple with abstract concepts that defy easy understanding. One such notion is the distinction between “good” and “perfect,” especially when considered within the realm…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/adam-eve-not-perfect/feed/ 1 Jesus’ Definition of True Spirituality in the Lord’s Prayer https://eitan.bar/articles/the-lords-prayer/ Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:30:04 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3029 Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and…

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]]> “Eye for an Eye” Will Turn Us All Blind! https://eitan.bar/articles/eye-for-an-eye-meaning/ https://eitan.bar/articles/eye-for-an-eye-meaning/#comments Mon, 15 Apr 2024 12:04:39 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3024 You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/eye-for-an-eye-meaning/feed/ 1 The Meaning of “Love Your Enemies” (Matthew 5:43)? https://eitan.bar/articles/love-your-enemies-matthew-5-43/ Mon, 15 Apr 2024 11:35:22 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3021 You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on…

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]]> Why Are The Merciful Blessed? (Matthew 5:7) https://eitan.bar/articles/blessed-merciful-matthew-5-7/ Wed, 10 Apr 2024 13:53:32 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3015 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7) Some Christians like to emphasize God’s justice as often as possible, but they often fail to remember that with God’s judgment comes mercy. This concise yet deeply meaningful statement about mercy from Rabbi Yeshua serves as a cornerstone of…

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]]> Beauty for Ashes: This is Why the Gospel is Good News https://eitan.bar/articles/beauty-for-ashes-isaiah-61/ Sun, 07 Apr 2024 10:51:04 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=3001 Yeshua, visiting Nazareth, attended the synagogue on the Sabbath. There, He stood and read the first verses of Isaiah 61 (Luke 4:16-19). Isaiah 61, a messianic prophecy, is divided into four parts. The first part of the prophecy (Isaiah 61:1-3) is a beautiful reflection of Rabbi Yeshua’s beatitudes and sheds…

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]]> Fear, “the one who has authority to throw you into hell” (Luke 12:5) – A Jewish perspective https://eitan.bar/articles/fear-him-hell-luke-12-5/ Fri, 05 Apr 2024 10:54:52 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2976 Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not…

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]]> Who or What is the “Word” of God? https://eitan.bar/articles/what-is-the-word-of-god-bible-or-jesus/ https://eitan.bar/articles/what-is-the-word-of-god-bible-or-jesus/#comments Sun, 10 Mar 2024 10:44:39 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2940 What is the Word of God? Is it the New International Version (NIV), a modern English translation based on the Critical Text, or perhaps the King James Version (KJV), an older translation also in English but based on the Textus Receptus? If, instead, we consider the original Hebrew and Greek…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/what-is-the-word-of-god-bible-or-jesus/feed/ 1 Kindness as Evangelism (Matthew 7:12) https://eitan.bar/articles/kindness-as-evangelism-matthew-7-12/ Tue, 05 Mar 2024 11:14:50 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2934 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 Rabbi Yeshua’s teachings might sound like a tenet of Eastern religions like Buddhism or Hinduism. However, while concepts such as “karma” are impersonal laws of…

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]]> Death and Life: The Power of Our Tongue https://eitan.bar/articles/death-life-power-of-tongue/ Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:26:34 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2900 Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.” But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the…

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]]> Your Anger Can Destroy You (Matthew 5:21-22) https://eitan.bar/articles/your-anger-can-destroy-you-matthew-521-22/ Thu, 29 Feb 2024 09:15:01 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2889 You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.” But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a…

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]]> What “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness” (Matthew 5:10) means? https://eitan.bar/articles/blessed-are-those-who-are-persecuted-because-of-righteousness-matthew-5-10/ Wed, 28 Feb 2024 14:16:35 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2886 Rabbi Yeshua is not advocating for physical persecution or suffering at the hands of others but is referring to the rewards those who do suffer will earn if their suffering is because they seek justice. However, persecution is also an internal struggle each person undergoes in the pursuit of inner…

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]]> What “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9) means? https://eitan.bar/articles/blessed-are-the-peacemakers-shall-be-called-the-children-of-god-matthew-5-9/ Wed, 28 Feb 2024 13:45:01 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2882 Here, Yeshua wasn’t advocating for a particular political stance. While Yeshua was undoubtedly a Jew living in the land of Israel, occupied and oppressed by the Romans, he never engaged in the politics of borders, soil, and land. Instead, His focus was on much deeper matters: the human heart. The…

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]]> What “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) means? https://eitan.bar/articles/blessed-are-the-poor-in-spirit-for-theirs-is-the-kingdom-of-heaven-matthew-5-3/ Wed, 28 Feb 2024 10:10:35 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2878 To be “poor in spirit” is a concept far removed from what we modernly understand as being “poor-spirited.” It involves a profound humility: emptying oneself of the desire to exert personal selfish will and, equally crucial, shedding all preconceived notions in a devoted quest for God. It means a willingness…

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]]> “Lord, Lord, Did We Not Have a Great Ministry in Your Name?” (Matthew 7:21-23) https://eitan.bar/articles/lord-lord-depart-from-me-evildoers-matthew-7-21-23/ https://eitan.bar/articles/lord-lord-depart-from-me-evildoers-matthew-7-21-23/#comments Thu, 11 Jan 2024 14:50:33 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2797 Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/lord-lord-depart-from-me-evildoers-matthew-7-21-23/feed/ 1 “By Their Fruit You Will Recognize Them” and What My Experience in the Messianic Movement Taught Me https://eitan.bar/articles/messianic-movement-by-their-fruit-you-will-recognize-them-matthew-7-15-20/ https://eitan.bar/articles/messianic-movement-by-their-fruit-you-will-recognize-them-matthew-7-15-20/#comments Thu, 11 Jan 2024 13:40:01 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2791 Watch out for false prophets [teachers]. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/messianic-movement-by-their-fruit-you-will-recognize-them-matthew-7-15-20/feed/ 2 What Are the Narrow & Broad Gates & Roads Jesus Spoke of (Matthew 7)? https://eitan.bar/articles/narrow-broad-gate-jesus-matthew-7-13-14/ https://eitan.bar/articles/narrow-broad-gate-jesus-matthew-7-13-14/#comments Thu, 11 Jan 2024 11:16:15 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2778 Matthew 7:13–29 concludes the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus discusses the choices that lead to a blessed and prosperous life when living a life of righteousness. He emphasizes the importance of not only hearing His words but also acting on them, likening those who do to a wise man…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/narrow-broad-gate-jesus-matthew-7-13-14/feed/ 1 Was Jesus a “Palestinian”? https://eitan.bar/articles/jesus-palestinian-freedom-fighter/ Thu, 28 Dec 2023 11:12:07 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2756 If you’ve been out of touch for some time, you might be surprised to learn about a narrative that has surfaced, claiming “Jesus was a Palestinian freedom fighter,” suggesting He led a revolt against – you guessed it – the Jews! Some Muslims and even radical liberal Christians now publicly…

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]]> The Hebrew Meaning of “Salvation” https://eitan.bar/articles/salvation-saved-from-what/ https://eitan.bar/articles/salvation-saved-from-what/#comments Mon, 11 Dec 2023 08:52:08 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2561 You have likely noticed that in fundamentalist Christian traditions, being “saved” is understood as avoiding a place where God sends people to be tortured in eternal flames, burning them ceaselessly, a concept commonly referred to in these traditions as “hellfire.” However, Judaism, the root of Christianity, interprets ‘salvation’ quite differently.…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/salvation-saved-from-what/feed/ 7 What does “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) really mean? https://eitan.bar/articles/i-am-the-way-truth-life-comes-father-except-through-jesus-john-14-6/ https://eitan.bar/articles/i-am-the-way-truth-life-comes-father-except-through-jesus-john-14-6/#comments Sun, 10 Dec 2023 10:35:07 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2538 “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/i-am-the-way-truth-life-comes-father-except-through-jesus-john-14-6/feed/ 1 To Be “Born Again” – Beyond the Mystical-Transcendental Evangelical Phenomenon https://eitan.bar/articles/what-is-born-again/ https://eitan.bar/articles/what-is-born-again/#comments Thu, 07 Dec 2023 09:59:10 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2516 In 2014, I sat down with Mitch Glazer, the president of Chosen People Ministries, and shared my idea to film the testimony stories of Jewish individuals who have been “born again.” He was very excited about it and generously offered to cover the entire project’s cost. Over the next eight…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/what-is-born-again/feed/ 1 Why “God’s Justice Means He Must Burn You Forever” Is a Terrible Argument for Divine Justice https://eitan.bar/articles/god-must-burn-hell/ https://eitan.bar/articles/god-must-burn-hell/#comments Fri, 03 Nov 2023 07:30:14 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2404 His holiness is so pure that he cannot forgive without punishing. Stan Mast, Calvinist Preacher Some Christian denominations, such as Calvinists and Evangelicals, rigidly adhere to Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA), asserting that God’s holiness demands a rigid punishment for sin. And when I say rigid, I mean melting your skin…

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/god-must-burn-hell/feed/ 2 Jesus’ Love for Prostitutes https://eitan.bar/articles/jesus-love-for-prostitutes/ Wed, 27 Sep 2023 13:31:27 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2312 “But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!” Luke 15:30 The older son continues to express his frustration, hurt, and perhaps even jealousy over the celebratory response his father has towards the return of the prodigal…

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]]> The must-know meaning of the ‘robe,’ ‘ring,’ and ‘sandals’ in the Parable of the Prodigal Son https://eitan.bar/articles/parable-prodigal-son-robe-ring-sandals/ https://eitan.bar/articles/parable-prodigal-son-robe-ring-sandals/#comments Sun, 10 Sep 2023 12:31:13 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2264 "The threat of death that overshadowed the Prodigal Son wasn't because of something the father would do to him if he didn't repent. There was no torture chamber the father kept hidden in some faraway basement where he planned to burn him alive. The son's real hell was simply being away from his father's house."

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/parable-prodigal-son-robe-ring-sandals/feed/ 2 Did We Forget What the Gospel is All About? https://eitan.bar/articles/did-we-forget-what-the-gospel-is-all-about/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 13:59:00 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2094 Say a doctor loathes and detests their patients due to their illnesses. Can such doctor genuinely treat their patients?Even psychologists who have seen it all can sometimes be taken aback by what their patients reveal. But here’s the thing: unless patients feel that their psychologist accepts even their worst, ugliest…

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]]> Judaism’s Greatest Objection to Christanity https://eitan.bar/articles/judaisms-greatest-objection-to-christanity/ Wed, 19 Jul 2023 08:01:51 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2028 My 2019 book, “Refuting Rabbinic Objections to Christianity,”  addressed Judaism’s most common objections to Christianity. Therefore, I will only briefly address Judaism’s two most significant objections to Christ in this book. The first objection concerns the triune God and the divinity of Christ, while the second is the claim that…

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]]> What Does Talmudic (Orthodox) Judaism Believe About Jesus? Christ in the Jewish Talmud https://eitan.bar/articles/what-judaism-believe-about-jesus-christ-in-the-jewish-talmud/ Wed, 19 Jul 2023 06:46:08 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=2022 By the third century AD, talmudic (Orthodox) rabbis attempted to further separate Jesus’ disciples from mainstream Judaism by introducing a controversial legend into the Oral Law. They hoped this legend would create discomfort among Jesus’ followers and ultimately create animosity between rabbinic Jews and Christian-Jews, expelling the latter from Jewish…

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]]> Why I Love Theology And Why You Should As Well https://eitan.bar/articles/theology/ Tue, 16 May 2023 13:20:56 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=1914 One can study theology – that is, about God and of God – just as a science enthusiast learns about nature or the stars – in a way that leaves him awestruck. Theology can be pursued just like a lover ardently investigates and learns everything possible about their beloved partner.

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]]> What Was So Radical About Jesus’s Teaching About Love? https://eitan.bar/articles/love-thy-enemies/ Sun, 07 May 2023 14:40:40 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=1869 The Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12), is a principle found in various forms across different cultures and religious traditions.
In light of this, what makes Jesus's teach about love so radical?

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]]> When Did Judaism Stop Believing in a Divine Messiah? https://eitan.bar/articles/is-messiah-god-in-judaism/ Tue, 02 May 2023 11:57:01 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=1851 The doctrine of the divinity of Christ and the concept of the Trinity are perhaps the most challenging Christian beliefs for Jews to accept. While Christianity posits that Jesus is the divine Son of God and a part of the Holy Trinity - consisting of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - Judaism firmly upholds the belief in a singular, indivisible God. This fundamental difference creates a theological divide between the two faiths, as the notion of God taking human form and the idea of a triune deity directly contradict the principle of monotheism held by modern Judaism.

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]]> Jesus in the Talmud: The Talmudic (Orthodox) Rabbis’ Horrific Legends about Christ https://eitan.bar/articles/jesus-in-the-talmud/ Tue, 02 May 2023 07:14:08 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=1847 In the Talmud's tractate Gittin 56b-57a, another account referencing Jesus describes him enduring eternal punishment in hell, submerged in boiling excrement (yes, poop). This punishment is presented as retribution for his alleged misdeeds and for supposedly leading the people of Israel away from God and towards idolatry.

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]]> Did God Commit A Cosmic Suicide? (“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46) https://eitan.bar/articles/matthew-27-46-david-platt-cosmic-suicide/ Sun, 16 Apr 2023 13:44:53 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=1760 In this article I critique David Platt's interpretation of Matthew 27:46, which posits that God the Father killed God the Son, expelling Him from the Trinity. This article explores alternative perspectives on this verse, dissecting its theological implications and offering fresh insights into the nature of Jesus' crucifixion and the dynamics within the Godhead.

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]]> Who Killed Jesus: God or People? (rebuttal to John MacArthur) https://eitan.bar/articles/who-killed-jesus/ https://eitan.bar/articles/who-killed-jesus/#respond Sun, 16 Apr 2023 08:23:02 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=1737 While many Calvinist preachers attribute Jesus' death to God, we will delve into the disciples' perspectives by examining biblical accounts and historical context, offering a deeper understanding of this crucial moment in Christianity.

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/who-killed-jesus/feed/ 0 The Parable of the Prodigal Sinner and His Forgiving God https://eitan.bar/articles/parable-prodigal-son/ https://eitan.bar/articles/parable-prodigal-son/#respond Wed, 12 Apr 2023 17:08:00 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=1614 The parable of the prodigal son" offers a powerful message about God's love for sinners. This article explores the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and grace found in this story and how it can inspire us to extend love and compassion to those who have strayed from the path of righteousness.

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/parable-prodigal-son/feed/ 0 What “Hell” (Gehenna) Did Jesus Speak of? (Matthew 5:29) https://eitan.bar/articles/what-is-hell-geena/ https://eitan.bar/articles/what-is-hell-geena/#comments Wed, 12 Apr 2023 12:47:35 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=1594 Jesus' words in Matthew 5:27-29 have often been interpreted to mean that looking at a woman with lust is a ticket to hell. But what did He really mean? This article explores different interpretations of this controversial passage in the context of biblical teaching on sin and salvation.

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/what-is-hell-geena/feed/ 4 Top 6 Historical Theories of Atonement Every Christian Must Know https://eitan.bar/articles/historical-theories-atonement/ https://eitan.bar/articles/historical-theories-atonement/#comments Wed, 12 Apr 2023 08:46:43 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=1542 Understanding the reason(s) behind Jesus' death is fundamental to Christian belief. Explore five historical theories that attempt to explain why Jesus died, each offering a unique perspective on the significance of His sacrifice and its impact on our faith.

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/historical-theories-atonement/feed/ 9 8 Reasons Why Jesus’ Sacrifice is Superior to the Levitical Sacrifices https://eitan.bar/articles/8-reasons-why-jesus-sacrifice-is-superior-to-the-levitical-sacrifices/ https://eitan.bar/articles/8-reasons-why-jesus-sacrifice-is-superior-to-the-levitical-sacrifices/#respond Wed, 12 Apr 2023 08:06:41 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=1539 Explore eight compelling reasons why Jesus' sacrifice stands out as superior to the Levitical sacrifices of the Old Testament. This illuminating comparison sheds light on the unique qualities of Christ's atoning death and its transformative impact on our relationship with God.

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/8-reasons-why-jesus-sacrifice-is-superior-to-the-levitical-sacrifices/feed/ 0 Isaiah 53: God Crushed Jesus? https://eitan.bar/articles/isaiah-53-god-crushed-jesus/ https://eitan.bar/articles/isaiah-53-god-crushed-jesus/#comments Tue, 11 Apr 2023 11:45:08 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=1452 Isaiah 53 raises questions about God's will to crush Jesus. Was this truly divine intent or a potential misinterpretation? Reexamining the text can shed light on its meaning and promote deeper understanding of this pivotal scripture.

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]]> https://eitan.bar/articles/isaiah-53-god-crushed-jesus/feed/ 1 10 Harmful Doctrines and Ideas Fundamentalist Christianity Must Outgrow https://eitan.bar/articles/harmful-doctrines-fundamentalist-christianity/ Tue, 11 Apr 2023 05:38:10 +0000 https://eitan.bar/?p=1313 Does God really hate our imperfections and therefore abused and killed Jesus with His wrath? Delving deeper into these questions can help us uncover the true essence of divine love, which may reveal a more compassionate and understanding relationship with the Creator.

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