Winner of the Templeton Prize in 2002, mathmatical physicist. After retirement he studied theology, and became an Episcopal priest. Everyone should know his name, as his contribution to the world is that science and theology are NOT opposed to one another, and by bringing forth this contribution, he has opened the road for new types and ideas of conceptual integration.
Why is this important? Faith can not be established by the scientific method, we have to search within ourselves for the answers. Hopefully science will help us prove through the scientific method that some of our faith based answers are true. But, if quantum theory holds true, what we are observing is only observed because we are looking at it. What we are not looking at, observing, is thus not seen. What we do not see is a wave that occurs at the same time as the observed. Hmmmmm!
In my estimation and conclusion from my readings, I agree with Shaye Cohen Ungerleider Professor of Jewish Studies at Brown, quoted fom section 90 in "Desire of the Everlasting Hills", by Thomas Cahill "Christianity, too is ( or at least once was) a form of Judaism. " The term Christianity was not added for a couple of 100 years.
Paul, who spread Messaianic Judaism was a persecutor of the Messianic faith, a learned scholoar of Judaism who fervently believed that the Messianic offshoot was a threat to the Pharisee rabbi version of Judaism. "Paul studied under Gamaliel, according to Luke, et al, the most renowned rabbi of his time", section 117 of Desire.
Here comes Paul, the Pharisee, after falling from his horse on the road to Damascus, having a vision, and now becoming the most fervent of Messianic followers ever to be. The man who will be responsible for carrying the ,"Good News". The first time in the ancient world that the good news was benevolent, is in itself striking!
Is there any doubt left that Christianity is a form of Judaism? As quoted in Desire, in the sidebar section 122, "We should not overlook how closely these most basic of Christian rituals adhere to Jewish models." He goes on to state that Baptism is as old as the Book of Leviticus, the rite of the Eucharist is a form of the Seder, and Missal a form of the Passover Haggada.
Any religion that threatens Judaism, is announcing essentially that it is also against Christianity.
This boils down to the totally unacceptable behavior that religion can incite wars and force beliefs on others. Somewhere, at some time in my growing up, the words I remember from always are, "The Kingdom of God is within you."
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