<> Ask the Pastor Fr. Walter Snyder Q: I can't really find a single definition for the term "Jew." So far, whatever I find contradicts a previous definition or else avoids the question all together by using such circular logic as "a Jew is someone whose parents were Jewish," etc. Does the term merely mean "Hebrew"? I mean, do Gentiles who convert to Judaism become "Jewish," or do they remain Gentiles? What makes someone a Jew? I've asked many Jews to define what it means to be Jewish. The best answer any of them could give is, "A Jew is someone whose mother was a Jew (the father also, in orthodox Judaism) and who practices Judaism." This actually avoids the question by applying the term to a parent without ever defining it. This "definition" also fails to offer any suggestion as to the meaning of Judaism. Is it Orthodox Judaism, Reform, Conservative, etc.? Is there a minimum standard applying to all types of Judaism that determines "Jewishness"? Please help. I know the term "Jew" is connected to Judah, but if that were the only meaning of the term than most "Jews" wouldn't be "Jewish" at all. A: You've at least partly answered your own questions with your last statement. Technically, most who claim to be Jewish are not Jews. "Jew" was used for the members of the tribe of Judah--plus those of Benjamin and Levi--who remained after the Babylonian Captivity. Israelite or Hebrew are the more common terms from the Old Testament. Even in the New Testament, the difference is often shown. For example, in the Gospel according to John, the "Jews" are portrayed negatively, while Nathaniel is "an Israelite in whom there is no guile." John usually uses "Jew" for those whose religion has departed from that of the fathers into legalism. These days, the more "orthodox" a Jew, the less likely he is to allow that the more liberal "Jews" are truly Jewish. "Cultural" Judaism predominates, as evidenced by "Jewish" entertainers who regularly break the dietary restrictions (and other commands) given to Israel. Generally, one who converts is fully accepted as a "Jew" by others. Race is not important in this. There are "Jews" of African and Asian descent living as citizens of Israel. You've discovered the truth: There is no final definition of Jewishness. Religion, culture, and many other factors are given varying weight by different people. One thing is certain right now: You cannot claim to be both a Christian and a Jew and apply for or maintain Israeli citizenship. To Israel's government, if one accepts Christianity's claims, he is no longer a Jew. Q: Pastor Snyder, I'm confused about St. Paul's relationship to Judaism. In Galatians, he seems in no uncertain terms to distance himself from his Jewish heritage, but in Romans 9 he seems to equivocate a bit. Would you please clarify Paul and Judaism? Thanks from a confused disciple of our Lord. A: Paul's concerns with the "Jews" involve two groups. One group is those who reject outright the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Such are those mentioned in Romans. Second (and worse, in Paul's reckoning) are those who claim to be Christian, yet lay burdens from the Old Covenant on Gentile believers (the Galatian Judaizers). They do not understand the freedom of the Gospel through its forgiveness of sins. Instead of freeing men's conscience, the "circumcisers" bind consciences to rules and regulations. As a believer and an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul preaches to convert those who do not believe. At the same time he forcefully combats those who claim belief but instead lead people into new works of the Law. Paul's concern for the first, unbelieving, group is understandable. These are his own people. They've had centuries of Moses and the Prophets. They were chosen to be Messiah's earthly stock. Yet when the Savior came to his own people, they did not (generally) accept him for whom he was. Thus, Galatians3:4-5: "To them belong the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and of their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ. God who is over all be blessed for ever. Amen." At the same time, Paul recognizes that "Israel" will never perish, for all who trust in the promise and the fulfillment of the Christ are and will remain God's chosen people. Israel is not the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Rather, it is those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. We see this also in Galatians. Israel was God's son by adoption. Now, "In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." That's it for now. You can submit questions by mail to "Ask the Pastor," PO Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; E-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or just stop me on the street. Walter Snyder is the pastor of St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches in Jasper and Woodville and coauthor of the book "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1998 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.