DEFINITION | HEBREW ROOTS

1. Definition of Hebrew Roots

a) The term 'Hebrew Roots' is a general term for outreaches and ministries that focus on the need to study the Bible from a Middle East point of view instead of one that is Western-based. They also believe that in order to fully comprehend the New Testament, especially the Gospels, one has to have a basic grasp of first century A.D. Jewish customs, teachings and traditions.

b) Several ministries who believe in Hebrew roots also believe that Christians should adopt, as part of their daily life, some of modern Judaism's beliefs and practices. A certain segment of the movement, however, reject modern Jewish religious practices and seek to live as an ancient Israelite would have before the birth of Jesus.

c) A variety of churches, groups and outreaches use the term Hebrew Roots to describe, at least in part, a part of their service. There are also a number of groups that do not refer to themselves as being part of this movement but which might be considered such by outside observers.

d) Although those who consider themselves Hebrew Roots-based do not belong or are affiliated with a single monolithic group, they do share some common understandings of the Bible.

i) Emphasis that Jesus and his disciples were Jews. The conclusion drawn from this is that, in order to correctly understand Jesus' ministry and message, a grasp of Jewish first century A.D. culture is needed.

ii) Emphasis that true Christianity, the kind believed in and practiced by the early New Testament church, is not founded or based on paganism. Rather, it is founded on the teachings of the Old Testament.

iii) Emphasis that the scriptures found in the New Testament are related to, and a continuation of, the Old Testament found in the Bible.

iv) Emphasis that the New Testament uses many quotes from the Old Testament. Also, those who believe in Hebrew Roots stress that a complete comprehension of Biblical teachings cannot be arrived at without studying their Old Testament references to locations, people, historical events and so on.