Christianity and Judaism: Genealogical ties and spiritual divergence

COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | The relationship between Christianity and Judaism is rooted in a complex blend of shared lineage and divergent spiritual beliefs. The genealogical connection between the two faiths is undeniable, as Christianity emerged from Judaism, with Jesus, the central figure of Christianity, born into a Jewish family. However, doctrinal divergence is significant, particularly in their views on the land of Israel and the Jewish people’s role in salvation history.

At the heart of this genealogical link is the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament, which forms the foundation of Christian scripture. Early Christians saw themselves as part of the Jewish tradition, with Jesus fulfilling the messianic prophecies in the Jewish scriptures. Christianity initially grew from Jewish communities, and its early adherents maintained Jewish laws and customs.

Yet, this genealogical connection begins to falter when examining Jesus himself. While rooted in Judaism, his teachings challenged many established norms, leading to a profound spiritual divergence. Jesus emphasised a spiritual kingdom rather than a nationalistic or genealogical continuity, marking Christianity’s departure from Judaism. His famous words, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), signalled a shift from the Jewish expectation of a physical restoration of Israel to a focus on a broader, spiritual realm.

The divergence becomes more pronounced in the issue of the land of Israel. In Judaism, the land holds central importance as the promised land, a tangible inheritance tied to God’s covenant with the Jewish people. However, Jesus, while acknowledging Jewish scriptures and traditions, shifted the emphasis from a physical land to a spiritual realm. In his conversation with the Samaritan woman, he declared, “A time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem” (John 4:21). This emphasises that the worship of God transcends geographical locations, including Israel.

Similarly, the Jewish people’s role in salvation is redefined in Christian theology. In Judaism, the Jewish people are seen as God’s chosen nation, with a unique role in fulfilling divine plans. While Jesus affirms this to some extent, stating his mission to “the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 15:24), his message quickly expands to include all nations. The Great Commission, in which Jesus commands his disciples to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), signals the universal scope of salvation in Christian thought, transcending the ethnic and geographical focus of Judaism.

In conclusion, while Christianity and Judaism share a genealogical connection, their spiritual doctrines diverge significantly. Jesus’ teachings on the land of Israel and the Jewish people’s role in salvation history shift the focus from particularism to universalism. The emphasis on land and Jewish identity as central to salvation today reflects later theological interpretations and political movements rather than a direct teaching of Jesus Christ. Christianity’s focus on a spiritual kingdom and salvation for all humanity, regardless of ethnicity or land, contrasts sharply with Judaism’s focus on the Jewish people and the land of Israel. This divergence highlights the distinct paths these two faiths have followed despite their shared beginnings.

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Gertrude Kamya Othieno | Political Sociologist in Social Development (Alumna – London School of Economics/Political Science) | Email – gkothieno@gmail.com