Sunday 31 October 2010

May 07, 2009
Aaron Klein www.wnd.com The late Great State of israelanddr. James Tabor, Restoring Abrahamic Faith http://www.Genesis2000.organdjamestabor.comboth with Rabbi Tovia singerclick TO LISTEN.

AUDIO: Interview with Dr. James Tabor on “Restoring Abrahamic Faith” and his personal belief system

Source: RootsOfFaith.org (2/27/2009)

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This week, Ross Nichols introduces something new to his podcast audience.

Ross Nichols taught for 11 weeks on Dr. James D. Tabor’s book, Restoring Abrahamic Faith. This podcast is an interview between Ross Nichols and Dr. Tabor on the main points of Abrahamic Faith.

Here are some of the points from the interview:

  • You will hear Tabor define his own personal faith.
  • You will learn what it means to be a friend of God.
  • Tabor outlines his understanding of the Core Biblical Faith

In addition to these points you will also hear Dr. Tabor talk about his upcoming book on Paul. The discussion of this work, scheduled to appear in print in Spring of 2010 (Simon and Schuster) is an exclusive “sneak” review.

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“Restoring Abrahamic Faith” by James Tabor (book review)

According to the publisher's website (Genesis 2000 Press), Restoring Abrahamic Faith:

"... attempts to set forth in a clear and engaging style an exposition of the ancient Hebrew Faith as revealed in the Hebrew Bible, with a particular emphasis on Abraham, Moses, the Torah, and the Prophets. Restoring Abrahamic Faith offers a compelling proposal for the 21st century, namely a return to the “ancient paths” of the Hebrew faith with Abraham, the first Hebrew, as a prime model. As such it is foundational to the origins of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the three great Abrahamic Faiths that subsequently developed in different directions. Abrahamic Faith takes one back to the beginnings, and thereby offers a perspective that is as fascinating as it is valuable for anyone interested in the biblical tradition.

Brief background: The author, James D. Tabor (Ph.D. 1981, University of Chicago), is Chair of the Dept of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he has taught since 1989.

I knew Tabor's book was going to focus on Hebraic-roots and though I have much interest in that topic, my primary desire in reading it was driven more with curiosity in how he would approach the issue of the House of Joseph (the Lost 10 Tribes). You have to wait until the third major section of the book (titled "The Plan") before he really delves into the Two-House reality in earnest. Since David Horowitz (founder of United Israel World Union) was his mentor, I knew Tabor must have some profound things to say about 10-Israel... and I wasn't disappointed. A brief sample:

These promises of restoration are addressed to both the House of Israel ("the Lost Tribes") and the House of Judah ("the Jews"). One of the most neglected points in the Hebrew Prophets, even among Jews, but virtually unacknowledged among Gentiles/Christians, is their constant emphasis on the total restoration of ALL Israel--meaning all twelve Tribes. Ephraim/Joseph, who has seemingly been lost among the Gentiles, will make himself known to his brother Judah. The results of this reunion will astound the world and alter world history. pg.78

When we have the head of religious studies from a major university making such monumental remarks regarding 10-Israel (e.g., altering world history), the "One-Housers" and/or the oblivious schools of Christendom should be jarringly shoved into the light of reason in regards to Joseph... even if they are barricaded into their worldview with slabs and slabs of misinformation and tradition. In my experience, one of the main reasons Christian ministers will say the "LAW" isn't for Gentiles is because the "LAW wasn't given to Gentiles", but instead, it was given just to "the Jews" (in their "proper" exegetical minds). Hence, I believe much of Christiandom is close-minded toward the Two-House reality partially because they fear the far-reaching ramifications... in the realm of Lawlessness in particular. Exposing Joseph to them, is like rescuing an elderly person from the Matrix, the Red Pill is too traumatizing for them to swallow. Knowing this, maybe Tabor leaves the 10-Israel topic for later in the book. The first two sections of the book brings much compelling "scriptural" reasoning as to why the WAY of TORAH is good and was meant to be Light to all nations no matter if they have a Hebrew or Semitic heritage. The subject of 10-Israel could probably have been left out and the general message would be solid none-the-less. However, I'm thankful he included it and think the outline and flow of the book was very thoughtful and digestible... and think it would likely be so for most all readers.

My only disagreement with the book is Tabor's conclusion that Yeshua (Jesus) was not / is not the same Person as יהוה. If you read the book (and I hope you will) I would suggest reading my article: Is Yeshua (Jesus) the same Person as יהוה (YHVH)?. Tabor would claim many of the New Testament verses that paint Yeshua as Divine were inserted by later scribes in later generations, and he may turnout to be correct wholly or partially (if need be, I will be amiable to Yeshua's corrective voice when he returns). I'm very familiar with the textual criticism ofBart Ehrman and at least partially aware of how NT manuscripts were tweaked occasionally in order to support particular religious doctrines, yet I must refute Tabor's general proclamation that the "god-man" paradigm is entirely Hellenistic. In passages like Genesis 18-19, יהוהappeared in the form of a "god-man" to Abraham; and in Genesis 32, יהוה appeared to and wrestled with Jacob as a "god-man". Yeshua being and having the same mind of יהוה is not necessarily a Greek/Pagan innovation just because the Greeks frequently epitomized "god-man" type legends.

I hate to sound off on a negative note, especially since I agree with the majority of what Tabor writes. So please know... all in all, I greatly respect Tabor and enjoyed, quickly consumed, and highly recommend his book Restoring Abrahamic Faith. I truly do believe it would be a worthy and significant addition to anyone's library even if one doesn't agree with all his conclusions.

Shalom Aleichem,
Hanok ben Isaak

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Aug 27, 2009
Audio: 'RC Church Back to Converting Jews Again'A7 Radio's "The Tovia Singer Show" with Tovia singerin a no-holds-barred interview, Professor James D. Tabor, Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North ...


Audio: 'RC Church Back to Converting Jews Again'

8/27/2009 4:18:00 PM

A7 Radio's "The Tovia Singer Show" with
Professor James D. Tabor
Professor James D. Tabor
library.uncc.edu
Listen Now!


In a no-holds-barred interview, Professor James D. Tabor, Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina, explains that despite what had come to be seen as progress based on the 1965 Second Vatican Council declaration, the latest statement from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops reveals that the Catholic Church stands firm in its historic position that Christianity has superseded and thus effectively replaced Judaism. Accordingly, the historic Christian insistence on the “conversion of Jews” remains central to the Roman Catholic Church’s mission, despite any progress in ecumenical dialogue and exchange between Rabbis and Bishops. (http://jamestabor.com/, http://genesis2000.org/)