This morning, I have just completed reading "The Gospel According to Moses" ... I pulled an all-nighter with this one! I am a born again, spirit filled Christian who has been doing some introductory reading on the Jewish roots/Jewishness of Christianty, Messanic Judaism, history of the Bible (both "Old" and "New" Testaments) and how it was written, and similar topics. Therefore, when I read a preview of this book in a catalog, I jumped at the chance to buy it and was not disappointed! Here are some talking points: (1)If you are a Christian who has always asked yourself "Why is it that Jews do not accept Jesus as Messiah?" and "And what, if anything, can and should I do about it?", this book will answer such questions. (2)If you are Jew who has always wondered, "Why is it that Christians believe on Jesus as Messiah?" and "What is the meaning of this "Trinity" thing?" your questions may also be answered. (3)If you are a Christian or a Jew seeking to learn more about what the "Scriptures" known to Jesus and Paul (titled by Christians as "The Old Testament" but by Jews as The Torah, The Prophets (ex. Isaiah), The Writings (ex. Psalms) said about The Christ, the author will illustrate these for you in colorfully fascinating detail. (4) For Christians needing insight about the horrors Jews have historically suffered at the hands of Christians in the name of Jewish acceptance of the gospel, the author provides a brief but sobering summary of this dark part of our collective history (ex. - The anti-Semitic content of some of the writings of Martin Luther are clear and without dispute). The implications are that if we Christians were to seek out, understand and repent for the part we have played in the oppression of the sons/daughters of Abraham and Jesus, we could wrap this thing on earth up and return with our Jewish brothers and sisters to the Lord today. With this understanding, you will be able to understand with greater empathy what doctrine Jews do not believe and why...with more clarity what doctrines Christians and Jews actually believe in common. (5) For Jews, you will learn that there is a community of Christians seeking to reconcile with you as brothers...Christians who are also seeking to learn what you already know as the jumping off point to increased relationship man to man, and man with God. I do not believe that Jews need to fear they will be "converted" by this book (as there is no "Jews for Jesus" focus, for example), but I believe that Jewish thought and questioning regarding the 2000 year assertion that Jesus is Messiah will be provoked (which may be fear-provoking to some). Therefore, I would be interested to read the reaction of the Jewish community to this piece. (6) For Christians, the material presented in this book may be unfamiliar to you if you have not had exposure to the parallels between the two faiths (ex. the Talmud and its teachings)... but meet the challenge of this piece as a jumping off point anyway, because you will desire to learn more. As I read this book, I found myself laughing and crying out loud at the divine wisdom of God as the author did his human best to explain how God has revealed Himself both to the Jews, who are the sons and daughters of God first brought into Covenant with Him by the faith of Abraham (see Genesis Chapter 12) as well as the Gentiles (all of us who are not Jews) who are the sons and daughters of God brought and "grafted" into Covenant with God by the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (see Romans Chapter 11). Clearly, the Spirit of God has granted revelation knowledge to Mr. Dickson that must be shared with all. Buy, read and be blessed!
