Boaz Michael, head of First Fruits of Zion, made a public statement last week.
The statement appeared to paint many good Messianic folks as supersessionist enemies of Israel.
Ouch.
Here is the entire quote again:
Excellent. I’ve read a lot in this area lately (I’m in the process of reading through, “Future Israel: Why Christian Anti-Judaism Must Be Challenged.”) Your going in the right direction with this–please continue to develop your thoughts on this.
Supresessionism is really a DNA level problem within Christianity–it is going to take some very bold leaders to address it and fix it. Supresessionism is really a DNA level problem with One Law and Two House thinkers–it is going to take some bold leaders to address it and fix it.
The greater grievance is that of the One Law and Two House message–because it gives the impression of support for Israel and the Jewish people when in reality, the sad reality, it is another attempt to diminish it. The worst kind of friend is the one who you really think is your friend and over time turns out to be your enemy. [emphasis mine]
-Boaz Michael
I wrote Boaz Michael on Messianics to draw attention to Boaz’ statements.
And when I wrote that, lots of people got angry. That post now has just under 100 comments, with the follow-up post having just under 90. That’s almost 200 comments of pissy piss piss.
Stirring the pot wasn’t my intent. In reality, I just wanted clarity. Clarity is good. “Clarity over agreement”, as one fine Jew is fond of saying. Does one of our leaders really believe [ugly thing X]? I wanted to know. I wanted clarity. For myself and my community.
I had a phone conversation with Boaz Michael. Twice. For a good hour or two. And several emails. I wish I could report, “Boaz and FFOZ really do not believe this!”, but the reality isn’t so rosy. See below.
Through the phone conversations and comments and emails, Boaz and I have established some clarity about where FFOZ really stands.
Behold, the Boaz Michael-Approved® “here’s what FFOZ really believes”:
- FFOZ doesn't believe all gentiles who keep Torah are supersessionist.
- FFOZ doesn't believe One Law and Two House communities are enemies of Israel.
- FFOZ believes One Law and Two House communities are demonstrating supersessionism and harming Israel when they define observance outside of traditional Jewish interpretation.
That’s what Boaz Michael and FFOZ really believe.
Ok.
Now, what you’re about to read below is Judah playing umpire.
That is, I’m gonna calls ‘em like I sees ‘em.
The following is not Boaz Michael-Approved®. 
Ok.
Is what Boaz Michael and FFOZ believe any different than what I had speculated? After all, I twice asked,
Fine blog reader, am I misinterpreting Boaz’s statements?
And boy, you fine blog readers sure thought so.
Gulp.
One person told me I wasn’t controlling my animalistic soul. Another told me I was unwilling to believe any interpretation of Boaz’s words other than my own. Yet another told me I was deliberately choosing blog traffic over Yeshua’s commandments.
So, did I misinterpret? Was I practicing Teh Evilz?
Umm. Let’s see here.
I was wrong about one thing.
The one thing I was wrong about was that I implied that FFOZ thinks all gentiles who keep Torah are supersessionists.
My bad. They don’t. (Praise God.)
FFOZ encourages gentiles to keep the Torah, Boaz tells me. Even the so-called “Jewish identity markers”, such as fringes, wrapping tefillin, etc. so long as they’re doing it according to Jewish traditional halakha. (That last part is important, see below.)
I believe him. I was wrong.
Ok. What else?
I was right about two things.
1. I said, “Man, it sounds like Boaz is saying we’re supersessionists. Man, that sucks.”
That’s basically accurate. He believes that we are are supersessionists because we keep Torah outside of Jewish tradition.
2. I said, “Man, it sounds like Boaz is saying we’re enemies of Israel. Man, that sucks.”
That’s basically accurate. More precisely, he believes we’re harming Israel by one of the things we do. When I spoke to him on the phone, he did use the term enemy, but when I asked permission to post that on the blog for clarity, he said we’re harming Israel. A meaningless distinction? Perhaps, but hey, read it. (Weep?)
For what it’s worth, I talked to a few other FFOZers who were quite open about it, saying plainly that yeah, they look at us as enemies of Israel.
The Bottom Line
A lot of commenters were saying I totally misinterpreted Boaz Michael. Said I was doing this just to pick a fight, get blog traffic, failing to harness my animal soul, unwilling to listen to reason and logic, and instead was influenced by my already-made-up mind.
You know what I think? I think all that talk was worth doodly-squat.
If that describes you, here, have a washcloth. I think there’s some egg your face. Bottom line is Boaz meant the things he said.
Where are you goin’?
Well, I love Boaz Michael. I love First Fruits of Zion. They’ve done much good for the Messianic movement. Much good for the Lord. More than I’ve done, or will ever do. God bless ‘em.
They’re in error. Actually, worse. They’ve deluded themselves when it comes to regular folk in the Messianic movement. And they don’t see it. They have been so busy building the religion of Messianic Judaism, a noble goal perhaps, but they’ve moved away from the sheep a bit, lost a few here and there. They pay more mind now to what the big religious organizations have to say about the sheep.
They’ve enlightened themselves with theologies and intellectualism, but neglected the regular people. Forgot why regular people keep God’s commandments in the first place. They’ve aligned themselves with big religious organizations in order to do the religion building thing better, but in the meantime lost track of, you know, the people.
It should be obvious by now that I can no longer recommend FFOZ materials to my congregation, or to my community, or to the greater Messianic communities. Seeing what they think of Messianic folk like myself, I can’t, in good conscience, stump for them.
I don’t think FFOZ people are ugly. They’re smart. They’re engaged with scholarship and tradition. Informed of the latest doctrines, connoisseurs of the best things of God, trail-blazers in God’s revelation! They’ve just lost touch with the base, their core, the regular folks of the Messianic movement who are trying their best to live a holy life by the commandments. It is the reason so many have left. It is the reason for their decline.
I wish FFOZ the best. I don’t wish them any harm. I wish them, pray them, restorative change.
Until that change comes to fruition, adieu, First Fruits.
Judah,
ReplyDeleteI hate to say I told you so. In an e-mail a while ago I told you that FFOZ turned their back on their calling. I told you that it will manifest in the weakening of their organization. Soon after the new "doctrine" announcement I conversed with Boaz by phone and through e-mail, and I could not believe his errogant tone of dismisal. He threw me under the bus along with many, many others. The reason of course is obvious, the One-Law movement that FFOZ championed is quite small, not much money can be made selling their material. They were looking to expend the market and make larger profit. Boaz told me: join us we have bigger thing in the future, we are in connection with many pastores, the future is bright. well, today we don't see a line of pastore to their door to buy the "Torah club" do we? Even MJ is not fully embracing them, because with their (FFOZ's) smarts they are still sitting on the fence and continue to feed the unsuspecting floc a mixed message.
If you study the history of FFOZ founder Boaz you will see that most of his and their organization moves were always motivated by financial gains. Boaz's "peace tour" was not aimed to teach, or making peace, its main target was to sell FFOZ's material, (a moving swap meat?) and I admit, I was duped, and swallowed it hook, line, and sinker.
So, here you have it, a bunch of Gentiles are teaching Judaism, trying to peddel their material everywhere they can. They attend all conferences that will let them have a table to sell their stuf, and now, as they themself say, are "expending the market" into Judaism "Vine of David", thinking that maybe some Jews will buy their materials...
I just like to ask your fine blog readers: If FFOZ changed their One-Law belief as an error, why should people believe that the rest of the "stuf" they are peddeling is also not an error? Is not that a mark of a cult?
Boaz, let some "so-called" theologians come into his organization and manipulate him. I only hope that it will not cause the demise of FFOZ.
Boaz, come back to where you belonged, don't turn your back on the calling God assigned to you, it is not too late.....
Judah, (please forgive the length of this)
ReplyDeleteMay the peace of Messiah be with you. You’re a smart and talented guy and I wish you well—I will miss our friendship. I pray that when restoration comes it will come quickly and thoroughly.
To be perfectly honest--*I did not approve the list per se*. In our short bank-n-forth e-mail exchange I sensed that you were attempting to be clear and accurate. Which I appreciate so in the e-mail I said,
[Begin quote] “I would also add (for clarity) to #3 (the former #4): I added ‘demonstrating supersessionsim.’ [so it should read as follows:]
FFOZ believes OL and TH communities are demonstrating supersessionism and harming Israel when they define observance outside of, and in arrogance towards, traditional Jewish interpretation.” [End quote]
You changed the number #4 [now #3] that you had sent me by removing “and in arrogance towards” which is really the key phrase. It makes a huge difference in what is being said and implied.
*I did not approve the list per se*: Let me explain. I told you in the e-mail that, “I think that there is still some major issues with this summary. For example your new point one goes against things we spoke about and it conflicts with your point 4. Can we not just leave what happened alone? Summaries will only leave things open for misunderstanding outside of the context of conversation and relationship.
If you must publish something. I would drop your #1 (because it is wrong and causes me to think that you really did not hear me)…”
Judah, to I address your “Fine Blog Readers” (I have always been fond of that saying) there are so many things I want to say, defend, connect with you on. Judah’s summaries and this blog post, “FFOZ Conclude” do not tell the whole story or express my views. But I have learned that my motives will always be questioned. If I build a large defense, go point-to-point it will only be view as me manipulating, trying to profit, expand, or just walk a fence. Even if I was to come back as Dan just graciously suggested would be then be viewed and chastised as attempt profit.
So I will close by encouraging you all to embrace as much of the Torah as you are able, love and treat others the way you would want to be loved and treated.
Can I also ask that each of you do not judge me or FFOZ by what others say that “we say” or “we believe” and try not to filter us through your perceptions of OL, BE, Derek L. blog posts, Gene and Dan’s Jewish head butting. While I respect much about OL (yes I said that), BE, Derek L, Gene, James, Dan, Judah, and others that have contributed to these discussions none of them speak for or define FFOZ.
May God give each of us a restful Shabbat and may our rest bring him honor.
Part 1 of 2
ReplyDeleteFFOZ encourages gentiles to keep the Torah, Boaz tells me. Even the so-called “Jewish identity markers”, such as fringes, wrapping tefillin, etc. so long as they’re doing it according to Jewish traditional halakha. (That last part is important, see below.)
I did a recent review of one of FFOZ's booklets which states this and references to their source material. Apparently there are opinions in traditional Rabbinic Judaism that can be interpreted to support non-Jews obeying more than the seven Noahide laws as long as it is done, not out of "obligation" but a desire to honor God and if it is performed using accepted halachah. So it's not, strictly speaking, FFOZ's opinion alone.
Boaz said: FFOZ believes OL and TH communities are demonstrating supersessionism and harming Israel when they define observance outside of, and in arrogance towards, traditional Jewish interpretation.
I got this from the comment Boaz made rather than taking it from the main body of your blog. I have to admit, the "harming Israel" part stings. I tried to address all this in this blog post (as well as subsequent missives), but I doubt if anyone is going to completely agree with my perspective, and maybe that's the key to continued dialog. I'll say more about that in a minute.
It should be obvious by now that I can no longer recommend FFOZ materials to my congregation, or to my community, or to the greater Messianic communities. Seeing what they think of Messianic folk like myself, I can’t, in good conscience, stump for them.
That isn't necessarily a bad thing. Let me explain. We are not all going to agree with each other (and that should be abundantly clear by now). For instance, I like Gene and I think he's a great guy. He has also complemented me on a number of occasions. However, we do not always see eye to eye (and this next part is important) but we do not personalize or emotionalize our differences. In other words, we can disagree on points, discuss those disagreements, and still be OK with each other.
Part 2 of 2
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty much going to be the state of the Messianic movement, OL, TH, and whatever else included, until the return of the Messiah.
Yesterday, I tried to explain that many of the arguments I see happening seem to be the result of not seeing the forest for the trees. While that may be an oversimplification (and I don't think your current analysis is guilty of this since it seems very global), we have a tendency to "major in the minors" and focus on the little details of our religious practice without taking into consideration "the big picture". What does God want?
In an absolute and 100% verifiable sense, we don't know. We all have a take or an opinion based on the Bible and sometimes other sources as to what we think God wants, but we don't really know. You have a take, I have a take, Boaz has a take, Gene has a take, and so on. The reality is, we're all dancing madly on the head of a pin trying to figure out the purpose of our lives. We each have a different expression on this and sometimes we let other people's expressions step on our toes. However, it is quite true that you, Judah, love God as much as Boaz does, as much as I do, as much as Gene does, as much as everyone else does.
We just do it in different ways and we advocate that it be done in different ways to others...which is probably where we get in trouble.
In the end, the Messiah will come and straighten us out. I fully expect him to tell me about all the things I did in worship where I "got it wrong"...kind of like a Dad trying to show a small child how the way he's trying to ride a bike keeps making him fall. I don't think what I'm doing is perfect and I'm sure I can get better.
I also believe that about everyone else...but not everyone will agree with my opinion. I can live with that.
@Judah, I applaud not only your courage, but your fair-mindedness as well.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think FFOZ people are ugly... They’ve just lost touch with the base, their core, the regular folks of the Messianic movement who are trying their best to live a holy life by the commandments. It is the reason so many have left. It is the reason for their decline.
FFOZ did not lead us to Messiah or His Torah. By HaShem's grace we were called. As customers, we found their materials beneficial - however as noble Bereans we searched the Scriptures to see if the things they said were true. Sometimes they were, sometimes they were not (as with all of us). Now things have changed and the mix has become toxic.
I can no longer recommend FFOZ materials to my congregation, or to my community, or to the greater Messianic communities. Seeing what they think of Messianic folk like myself, I can’t, in good conscience, stump for them.
About three years ago, I started reading and hearing things in what Boaz and Daniel said that disturbed me. Then here on your blog, in February 2009, I read some comments by Boaz that confirmed my fears, so I stopped recommending their materials. Of course, August 2009, they finally openly admitted what many of us had privately confirmed. As a primary supporter of Bilateral Ecclesiology, I too said, "adieu, First Fruits."
Shabbat Shalom.
B"H
"If you study the history of FFOZ founder Boaz you will see that most of his and their organization moves were always motivated by financial gains."
ReplyDeleteDan, this makes ZERO sense (any business person can tell you that) - if FFOZ's primary motivator was money, they should have just continued with their OL stance rather than dropping it and pursuing something that has garnered them so much opposition from their LARGEST customer base.
"I just like to ask your fine blog readers: If FFOZ changed their One-Law belief as an error, why should people believe that the rest of the "stuf" they are peddeling is also not an error? Is not that a mark of a cult?"
No Dan - what makes a cult is precisely the opposite of what you are saying - it's a a REFUSAL TO ADMIT their errors that marks many groups as cultist.
"I only hope that it will not cause the demise of FFOZ."
Dan, you can uncross your fingers now.
"FFOZ believes OL and TH communities are demonstrating supersessionism and harming Israel when they define observance outside of, and in arrogance towards, traditional Jewish interpretation."
ReplyDeleteI completely agree.
I totally RESPECT FOZZ for letting go of some beliefs that were just not accurate. How many people (and even more, an organization) would be able to publicly admit error and correct it... I'm sure they've experienced loss of financial support and a ton of flack from OL/TH supporters. But they did what was right.
I am sorry that the change at FOZZ took so long - many people are no doubt disillusioned. But late is better than never.
In my experience, (and of course this is not true of everyone) the OL/TH people I've met, when opposed, tend to be most vicious toward others and radically loyal (sometimes to the point of tunnel vision & hysteria) to their particular philosophy. Maybe I just encountered the extreme end of OL/TH, I dunno.
I would like to see FOZZ further clarify their position in the future... I admit, they still seem a little confusing to me... but I like the direction they appear to be going.
k
I would like to see FOZZ further clarify their position in the future
ReplyDelete"FOZZ" and FFOZ may seem like fence sitters, but should never be confused with the master of clarity, The FONZ.
On the other hand, I think Boaz has made his position entirely clear, not only by his public statements in support of Bilateral Ecclesiology, but in the company he keeps in that regard. So, "Anonymous" rest assured, Boaz is in your camp.
Shabbat Shalom.
B"H
So, your message to the person looking for educational material that integrates Yeshua-faith and Torah learning is, "I wouldn't use FFOZ materials if I were you."
ReplyDeleteJust out of curiosity, what similarly excellent, integrated, well-researched educational material would you recommend people use?
Derek Leman
@Derek,
ReplyDeleteWhy, I'll point them to your blog, of course.
He forgot to add you to the list Derek, but maybe it is because you have nothing to add in the way of Scholarship?
ReplyDeleteyou and your ilk spend most of your time trying to prove who you are, because you still are not sure yourself.
"Just out of curiosity, what similarly excellent, integrated, well-researched educational material would you recommend people use?"
ReplyDeleteEven in their OL/TH days I thought that FFOZ did a great job researching and producing their materials.
The Messianic Jewish field is truly pioneering - how else could the re-awaking of the Jewish soul of Ekklesia be after two thousand years of slumber or outright hostility to Judaism and Jewish people? A lot of mistakes were made and are still being made, but I have a great hope that we will mature and leave behind the stuff that prevents us from moving forward toward a new relationship with Israel, recognizing G-d's plan for her and AND for all other people of G-d.
I would like to see FOZZ further clarify their position in the future
ReplyDeleteFOZZ and FFOZ may seem to sit on the fence, but they should never be confused with the master of clarity, The FONZ
Seriously, I think Boaz has clarified his position quite well as a supporter of Bilateral Ecclesiology.
Shabbat Shalom.
B"H
Seriously, I think Boaz has clarified his position quite well as a supporter of Bilateral Ecclesiology.
ReplyDeleteI don't. If you read Kinzer's PMJ book, he doesn't allow for non-Jews to even be permitted (as opposed to obligated) to perform any mitzvot besides the 7 Noahide laws (at least by inference). FFOZ has been very definite about how they view a non-Jewish disciple's status relative to the Torah mitzvot. While their viewpoints overlap, I don't see them as identical.
"If you read Kinzer's PMJ book, he doesn't allow for non-Jews to even be permitted (as opposed to obligated) to perform any mitzvot besides the 7 Noahide laws (at least by inference). "
ReplyDeleteJames, where - could you be a bit more specific (it's important)? Perhaps I have missed this part of his book.
I don't have the book on hand at the moment, and in retrospect, I may be assuming more than I am knowing (chagrin). Are you saying that Kinzer would support Gentiles in "the Movement" performing mitzvot beyond the 7 Noahide laws? That doesn't sound quite like MJ/BE to me.
ReplyDelete"Are you saying that Kinzer would support Gentiles in "the Movement" performing mitzvot beyond the 7 Noahide laws? That doesn't sound quite like MJ/BE to me."
ReplyDeleteBE is not about that at all. I will have to write a nice post over the weekend:) Stay tuned...
It brings up a good question, though. If Bilateral Ecclesiology describes two "tracks" for Messianic discipleship, one for Jewish Messianics and the other for Christians, what would BE's stance be on Christians resting on the Sabbath, eating at least "kosher-style", and praying with tzitzit and tefillin? Is BE silent on these matters?
ReplyDeleteOh good grief, I just realized that I'm doing it again. I'm getting tied up in the details. Need to get back to basics.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gene, I am looking forward to the post.
ReplyDeleteNot speaking for BE, my personal understanding and practice aligns with how traditional orthodox/conservative Jews view it.
That is basically -- the seven noahide laws are all they non-jews HAVE to keep. That doesn't mean they can't do more. The main caveats are:
1. Don't say your a Jew if your not.
2. Don't say you have replaced Judaism or are now equal to Jews in regards to role and responsibility (in the case of OL/TH -- this of course would be laughable in traditional Judaism). They wouldn't have an issue with you taking on more, but would question... why do it?
3. Certain Jewish rituals such as Bar/Bat Mitzvah wouldn't be allowed... again why do it?
My assumption is that BE is at least fairly similar to this view since I would think that traditional sources were consulted in the forming of these opinions.
OK- the FONZ is just awesome. In fact, sometimes I picture Boaz on a motorcycle with Torah scrolls and various publications flying off the back as he zooms down the road...
ReplyDeleteAnd isn't there a FOZZY Bear??? I bet he'd have something to say about all of this... ;)
k
I approve of the Fonz. Also, Fozzy Bear. Waaka waaka waaka.
ReplyDelete" I will have to write a nice post over the weekend:) Stay tuned..."
ReplyDeleteHow could you? When you are preoccupied in chasing gentiles out of your Synagogue? LOL!
"While I respect much about OL (yes I said that), BE, Derek L, Gene, James, Dan, Judah, and others that have contributed to these discussions none of them speak for or define FFOZ. "
ReplyDeleteThey don't have too. FFOZ's definition and beliefs are out there for all to read. The problem is, when someone is trying to debunk them, they are arrogantly decline a debate, which leaves us with the feeling that they have no answers.
When an organization pushes Gentiles to obey Torah commands "only if they want" and backs this belief with a conceren for Jewish assimilation, said organization cannot claim scholarly teaching.
Dan, once again, you've added nothing of value to this discussion - just more of the same old tired baseless taunting and goading.
ReplyDeleteI even had One-Law people e-mail me privately telling me to ignore you. Which I fully intend to do.
"you've added nothing of value to this discussion"
ReplyDeleteI am still going through this , and other blogs with a fine tooth comb and a magnifying glass to find your valuable contributions....
Have a great Shabbat.
OK- the FONZ is just awesome. In fact, sometimes I picture Boaz on a motorcycle with Torah scrolls and various publications flying off the back as he zooms down the road...
ReplyDeleteThat would be funny. I wonder if Boaz has a secret fantasy to ride a chopper and experience the "freedom of the road"? :D
In the world of television, there is the phrase "Jumping the Shark" when describing a show that has stayed on the air too long and has resorted to the ridiculous to keep the show going.
ReplyDeleteThe specific "Jumping the Shark" occurred on Happy Days and it was indeed the Fonz that "Jumped the Shark". Most experts believe that was the end of "THE FONZ" as well as the career of Henry Winkler who played him.
I am curious if that was the allusion that you had in mind? :)
Hang in there Judah. Nothing strengthens your argument more than having certain people argue against it. I pray that you will continue to take the high road as we have few pockets in the MJ world where we see that done.
ReplyDelete@Gene: "Even in their OL/TH days I thought that FFOZ did a great job researching and producing their materials."
ReplyDeleteOn what basis do you make this claim? One can look at FFOZ materials for the past ten years and notice that this ministry never tells you where their teachers went to college. A glaring omission if you want to be an educator...
"On what basis do you make this claim? One can look at FFOZ materials for the past ten years and notice that this ministry never tells you where their teachers went to college. A glaring omission if you want to be an educator..."
ReplyDeleteI am not making any claims - I am just telling you what "I thought" of them since I found out about them two years ago when they were still "One Law". I know that they have stuff writers that cull information from various Christian and Jewish sources. I know that they work with contributing authors and have people who serve on a review board. Beyond that I am not privy to any inside information. If you know something that I don't that you think I should know, you can e-mail me privately (via my blog).
The issue needs to be kept public and not on your blog, Gene. One Law teachers like Tim Hegg actually have real degrees, but Boaz Michael and the FFOZ teachers do not. This is something that should be considered by everyone in this debate.
ReplyDelete"The issue needs to be kept public and not on your blog, Gene. One Law teachers like Tim Hegg actually have real degrees, but Boaz Michael and the FFOZ teachers do not. This is something that should be considered by everyone in this debate."
ReplyDeleteI think that FFOZ should address your accusation. However, three points come to mind:
1. Until fairly recently Tim Hegg used to work in conjunction with FFOZ and published many of his materials through them. So, one could say that at least some of their materials were from "degreed" teachers like Hegg (I've only known FFOZ for the last two years). It's safe to assume that they had other degreed contributors.
2. Apparently, your vaunted One Law teacher considered FFOZ to be a quality outlet for his own ideas until they had a falling out. Perhaps his standards were not as high as yours when considering which educational outlet to affiliate with. Did you criticize them for not being qualified to teach when FFOZ were still "One Law"?
3. Tim Hegg has a degree from a Baptist Seminary. He has not had any formal Jewish education or rabbinical training. How exactly does this qualify him to teach on matters pertaining to Judaism and Torah vs any other Evangelical teacher?
Gene, the FFOZ teachers don't seem to have what is needed to even teach elementary school in America. Enough said!
ReplyDelete"Gene, the FFOZ teachers don't seem to have what is needed to even teach elementary school in America. Enough said!"
ReplyDeleteDan, is that you:)?
Hey Gene, criticize Hegg all you want for getting a "Baptist" degree--at least he put his money where his mouth is in terms of education. FFOZ has done how many millions a year...with no formal training...?
ReplyDeleteA.T.
No Gene, it is not me. I do not hide behind pseudonyms. I also don't have an issue with FFOz's education. The only problem I have with them is that they engage in theological gymnastics.
ReplyDeleteFFOZ is presently translating the Bible into English for corn's sake! Somebody better be interested in where they went to school!
ReplyDeleteAs far as I can tell, I have not seen the finished product only a booklet FFOz put out, at least in one instant their translation is faulty.
ReplyDeleteGood. grief.
ReplyDeleteI would kindly suggest that all of the "anonymouses" above direct your questions and accusations regarding the education and ministry at First Fruits of Zion to this link. https://ffoz.org/_forms/contact/contact.html
People are saying things without knowing facts and making ridiculous statements that are all likely based solely in the rumor mill, and it drives me crazy to think that this could be the proper way for the people of God to behave and voice criticism.
Clif,
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you ask yourself and see if they answer....
Been there, done that.....
Boaz suggests that we should treat each other how we would like to be treated, perhaps he should also suggest this concept to his Education Director about how to treat people in leadership at a congregation when they take a sabbatical due to changes that foreshadowed the 'theological shift.' Unfortunately said Education Director chose to disfellowship us and commit motzi shem ra instead. Boaz, there seems to be a log in FFOZ's eye.
ReplyDeleteJudah. Please feel free not to post this if you think its too inflamatory...