Conversion
One way to resolve the dilemma of a Jewish-Gentile relationship is for one spouse to convert. Indeed, many Jews feel strongly that conversion is necessary to preserve the Jewish heritage. But conversion to Judaism requires a thorough course of study and, in the end, renouncing any belief is Jesus. If the Gentile spouse was raised Christian, or has ever believed in Jesus, that step may be very hard to take. After all, Jesus claimed to be gate that leads to eternal life!
On the other hand, conversion to Christianity is a very difficult step for a Jew. Because of the long history of Jewish suffering in the face of forced conversions, inquisitions, pogroms, and the Holocaust (Shoah), it seems like a betrayal for a Jew to consider faith in Jesus.
Many Interfaith couples duck the religious issues altogether. Yet faith and religious convictions do help people through major transitions, such a birth, coming of age, marriage, raising children, and facing death and the question of life after death. Many studies have shown that faith and prayer significantly improves health and well-being. Is it really wise to avoid the big questions of faith just because you think you have different answers?
A unique approach to the Jewish-Gentile dilemma is Messianic Judaism, which combines beliefs and practices from Christianity and Judaism into a single faith and lifestyle. Messianic Jewish congregations welcome both Jews and Gentiles as one mishpocha (family) of God. They worship God on the Shabbat (Sabbath) and read from a Torah scroll, yet they also honor Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah. They celebrate Passover and also celebrate Yeshua's death and new covenant at the Lord's Table.
Click on the video to watch a Messianic Rabbi describe the
Messianic Jewish alternative.
The good news: since Yeshua is the Messiah of both Jews and Gentiles, neither tone of you needs to "convert" or give up your Jewish or Christian identity. Intrigued?