Glen Campbell: A Messianic Jew

Glen Campbell (2004 Photo)

Just read an email related to the faith and practices of singer Glen Campbell (though the story itself is not new, but four years old, but the email to me was new):

(Reuters) – Glen Campbell’s new home…

Grammys in a cabinet? Check.

Movie theater? Check.

Jewish artifacts? Check.

Back up. The Baptist-raised country star, who says he once confused “menorah” with “manure,” displays a Jewish candelabrum on the mantel, and a Hebrew book sits on the coffee table…

“Jesus” appears on the semi-retired singer’s first album in 15 years for Capitol Records, the wryly titled “Meet Glen Campbell” (August 19), in which the 72-year-old singer covers tunes by the likes of U2, Green Day, John Lennon and the Foo Fighters.Amid the jarring juxtapositions, Campbell reveals that he and his wife, Kim, attend the local synagogue every Saturday and celebrate Jewish holidays such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Hanukkah, as well as Christmas. Kim cooks a mean brisket but is still working on her matzo balls. And grape juice subs for Manischewitz in the alcohol-free household.

MESSIANIC JEWS

For two decades, the Campbells have been adherents of Messianic Judaism, a religious movement whose members regard themselves as committed Jews but are rejected by mainstream Jewish denominations as following an essentially evangelical Christian theology.

“It’s Jews who believe that Christ is the risen savior,” Campbell said. “I think it will all come around to that.” http://in.reuters.com/article/2008/08/11/us-campbell-idINN0639059820080811

Regarding his personal health, Glen Campbell was diagnosed with Alheimer’s about two years ago, which was about two years after the above news item came out.

While I do not report a lot about the religious beliefs of celebrities, I did find this one was interesting. And while I do not believe that Christians should become “Messianic Jews” as those in that group, in my view stray too much away from the Bible, the reality is that in many ways Messianic Jews are closer to the original New Testament faith than many others who profess Christ.

Original Christians most certainly did have church services on Saturday and kept days such as Passover and Rosh Hashana (though none kept Christmas, so this is a deviation from Glen Campbell, as is his alcohol avoidance).

My limited experience with “Messianic Jews” is that they seem to focus a lot on outside appearances and neglect weightier matters of the law (cf. Matthew 23:23-24), misunderstand the Godhead, do not fully truly understand God’s plan of salvation, and misunderstand many aspects of Bible prophecy.

Yet, they do seem to have a zeal, but not always according to knowledge (cf. Romans 10:2-3).

Those who come from Catholic, Protestant, or Eastern Orthodox backgrounds, as well as those who are Messianic Jews and others who profess Christ, may find the following articles of assistance in understanding the doctrines and practices of the original Christians.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church?
Is God Unreasonable? Some have suggested that if God requires Sabbath-keeping He is unreasonable. Is that true?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god?
Which Laws Are Done Away? Which Remain? What about the Ten Commandments? What about the 613 regulations (called 613 Mitzvot) in the Old Testament?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?