Why Jews Reject the Doctrine of the Trinity and Its Implications

There are various reasons for Jewish rejection of the doctrine of the Trinity. In this article, we explore some objections, responses, and the historical context surrounding this topic.

Objections and Responses

One common objection is the plural form of the Hebrew word Elohim. For instance, Genesis 1:26-27 states, 'Let us make man in our image, after our own likeness...'. Some argue that this indicates the divinity of angels or a plural of majesty. However, many scholars argue that the idea of the Trinity makes more sense in this context, as it aligns with the concept of a single God with multiple persons.

Let us explore further evidence presented by these scholars:

Ignorance of Jewish Teachings

There is a significant gap in knowledge among many Jews concerning Judaism. Synagogues often do not teach the full breadth of Jewish teachings, including the Oral Torah, which supports beliefs like the divine Messiah and teachings similar to Christian ones. The Oral Torah, an unwritten tradition passed down by Jewish sages, plays a crucial role in understanding these beliefs. Despite modern Judaism's shift away from some of these teachings, it was originally an integral part of Jewish theology.

For a deeper understanding of these concepts, you can refer to the sources provided in the link below.

The New Testament and Judaism

Another common belief is that the New Testament is inherently anti-Jewish and should not be embraced by those who wish to maintain their Jewish identity. This perception is largely unfounded. Research into the Dead Sea Scrolls and Hebrew versions of Peter's epistles has revealed many significant similarities between the two.

Additionally, the writings of early Christian Church Fathers, such as Origen, indicate that the New Testament was originally written in Hebrew using Aramaic words. For example, the term Raca (Matthew 5:22) is distinctly Aramaic. This shows that a deep understanding of Hebrew and Aramaic was necessary to write the New Testament and translate it accurately to other languages such as Greek.

Further, the language consistency in the New Testament supports its authenticity. The phrase recorded in Matthew 27:46, “Eli Eli lema sabachthani,” is Aramaic, indicating the author’s comprehension of the language.

The Orthodox Jewish Identity

Jesus and his apostles are often portrayed as adversaries of Jewish Orthodoxy, but this is not entirely accurate. Historical evidence from church fathers suggests that Jesus and his followers were adherents of Orthodox Jewish practices, including the written Torah and the Oral Torah. They quoted from the Apocrypha, Enoch, Jubilees, and other Jewish sources. Gentile church fathers provide additional insights into the sect Jesus founded, the Netzarim. For instance, Epiphanius in the 4th century described the Netzarim as mainly Jewish and observant of both the New and Old Testaments.

The teachings of the Netzarim, a sect founded by Jesus or Yeshua, were characterized by a strict adherence to the Law of Moses, observing rituals such as circumcision and the Sabbath. They also believed in the coming Messiah, although they differed in some minor practices compared to both Jewish and Christian traditions.

The Integrity of the Septuagint

Jewish objections to the Septuagint often revolve around the belief that it is corrupted. However, this notion does not hold up under scrutiny. The Septuagint has been used for centuries by Jews, and its agreement with the Targums and Hebrew texts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, indicates its reliability. For a detailed examination of this topic, please refer to the link provided.