In a conversation about creation common misunderstandings may arise or create a cut off in the conversation because of the Orthodox Jewish view of creation still being “good.”   A Christian witness needs to be aware of the different perspectives of the world.  A Christian believes in the original sin of every human.  The Orthodox Jew does not.  A Christian witness can ask about feeling of guilt or the evil that occurs in the world.   The conversation can be directed in this direction to create a handle of why all people need a Savior.  Valleskey points out that “where there is no repentance and trust in a Savior, there is no salvation, but only condemnation” (v 40).  Repentance is key in Judaism and the Christian can then comment on Jesus as the Savior.  There are difficulties that arise in talking to someone who believes that the world is “good.”  Sin has corrupted people so thoroughly that a Savior had to fulfill and overcome the law in order to be the Savior of the World.  A Savior who would be crucified under the law and taking sin upon himself to then rise again, fulfilling the law for all peoples.
(MJ 2/01)

Sources Used:

Halverson, D.C. ed.  The Compact Guide to World Religions. Bethany House Publishers: Minneapolis, MN. 1996.

 Beaver, R.P., Bergman, J., Langley, M.S., et al. Eds. Eerdmans’ Handbook to The World’s Religions. William B. Eerdamans Publishing Company: Grand Rapids, MI.  1982.

 Smith, H. The World’s Religions. Harper Collins: San Francisco. 1991. 

Valleskey, D.J.  We Believe – Therefore We Speak. Northwestern Publishing House: Milwaukee, WI. 1997.

 World Religions Index  (22 February, 01) (http://wri.leaderu.com/wri-table2/judaism.html#God).

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