Page 29 - Attractive Deception - The False Hope of the Hebrew Roots Movement

scruples when it comes to altering the Scriptures, re-writing the history of the Bible. They have
proven themselves to be great embellishers of the Biblical narrative, adding to it many spurious facts
and deceitful inventions of man. Is it inconceivable that these same rabbis tinkered with the historical
accounts outside of the Scriptures in the same way they that they “filled in gaps” in the Bible’s
historical narrative? An examination of the evidence leads to the conclusion that the rabbis did in
fact create a fictional history of the Maccabean revolt and of the subsequent rededication of the
Temple.

It should surprise no one, but will undoubtedly trouble a great many, to learn that the Jewish
religious leaders practiced syncretism long before the Christian era began. Syncretism is defined in
the following manner.

Syncretism: the attempt to reconcile disparate or contrary beliefs, often while melding practices
of various schools of thought. This may involve attempts to merge... several originally discrete
traditions, especially in the theology and mythology of religion, and thus assert an underlying unity
allowing for an inclusive approach to other faiths.
[Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syncretism]

If that definition seems a bit difficult to wrap one’s mind around, I present for the reader a simpler
definition. Syncretism is the introduction of beliefs and practices from one religion into that of
another religion. An example of this is observed in the introduction of monasteries and monks into
the Roman Catholic Church which describes itself as “Christian.” There is nothing in the Old
Testament practice of Judaism, or the New Testament practice of Christianity, that corresponds to
monastic practice. There is, however, a long history of monastic practice in other ancient religions
such as Buddhism and Hinduism.

Buddhist Monks