The Messianic Movement:
A Field Guide for Evangelical Christians
By Rich Robinson
Reviewed by Wes Taber, International Executive Director of AMF
Is the LCJE part of the Messianic Movement? That question seemingly should be answered readily with a "yes." But, depending on who is asking and who is answering, maybe the question is not so simple.
After more than three decades of personal involvement in Jewish ministry, it seems to this writer that the landscape of what is presented under the rubric of "the Movement" is ever more complicated with the passage of time. Staying abreast of the various expressions of "Messianic faith and practice" as they appear and evolve requires diligent effort.
Rich Robinson, Jews for Jesus' Senior Staff member and trained researcher, has put his hand to helping "people think discerningly about those things that have to do with Jesus and Jews." His aptly named Field Guide provides a succinct overview of the diverse world of Jewish ministries. The present work is a snapshot in time; it will need to be continually updated as "the Movement" morphs. Notably, Rich invites his readers' input for future editions of his Guide to the perplexed.
Bearing in mind that the author's intent is to provide an overview of various aspects of the Messianic Movement, not an exhaustive study, the reader will find only succinct summaries of the respective elements. The first section provides a helpful overview of mission boards, messianic congregations, and related associations/organizations, including educational institutions offering Messianic studies. While mostly presenting facts, Robinson shifts to a more editorial voice when dealing with differences in philosophy and offering his own conclusions.
The second part of the Field Guide is devoted to issues often discussed within LCJE: "the Jewishness of Christian theology," "Torah observance," and specific movements/groups such as Hebrew Roots, Two-House, and Hashivenu. While the author no doubt will be criticized by those within the Movement with whom he disagrees, Robinson maintains an irenic tone where he finds grounds for challenge, including where he detects theological aberration. To his credit, he deals with substantive concerns and not personalities.
Rich thoughtfully analyses core issues and the philosophies represented in the movement, offering the occasional caveat: e.g., "not every expression of Jewishness on the part of Jewish believers or the Messianic community is intended to gain acceptance from the larger Jewish community. Jewish expression can be a personal statement or a matter of one's own convictions or community identification, regardless of how others respond" (p. 133).
This resource will be especially helpful to the intended primary audience, Evangelical Christians (the pastor of a local church who is trying to grasp the essence of Jewish expression of faith in Jesus, or parents concerned whether their daughter has been drawn into an aberrant form of teaching). It may also aid Jewish believers confused by the broad spectrum of what is presented as "Messianic" today.
The diverse material in the Appendices reflects the author's attempt to be helpful to "newbies" (e.g., "Judaism 101) as well to provide helpful resources (such as recommended reading, a copy of The Willowbank Declaration - and yes, LCJE is represented as well). Thankfully - even if left until Appendix E - "A Rationale for Jewish Evangelism" is included, reminding us why it matters if a healthy Messianic Movement exists.
In applying his skills as a researcher, Rich Robinson moves from the wide-angle perspective of general overview to zoom in to provide helpful details (including footnotes with web links). This volume offers foundational understanding for those being introduced to the Messianic movement, as well as tools for advanced study in specific areas. A Field Guide for Evangelical Christians remains on my desk as a ready reference, and copies have been sent to AMFI's board and staff. We look forward to future editions as Rich responds to reader feedback and keeps us abreast of developments within the Messianic Movement.
Wes Taber
wntaber@attglobal.net