As Christian apologists, we are called to defend the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15). however, we must do this strategically and not ignorantly. Too often, well-intentioned believers pursue evil arguments or renegade crusades without properly preparing themselves through study. this is tragic because god calls us to be prepared and well studied for the proclamation of his word (2 timothy 2:15). One particular cult that Christian apologists should certainly be prepared to join is the Black Hebrew Israelites (BHI). Without preparation, a believer can walk away discouraged, deflated, and even dejected from the painstaking effort to persuade this unique cult. Black Hebrew Israelites are often very well versed in the Bible, equipped with historical trivia, and familiar with the usual quibbles. they are often very passionate and, depending on the individual or the cult, can be very condescending. therefore, a soldier in the faith must be equipped, prepared, and courageous to share the gospel. Below are ten questions that Christian apologists must thoroughly understand and be able to answer before confronting Black Hebrew Israelites.
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1. Do you know how and why Christ has fulfilled the law?
This is a great point that cannot be overlooked. Many Christians are confused at best when it comes to stating how the new covenant and the old covenant are related. specifically, many christians have accepted the “americanized jesus” and can no longer see the sunburnt yeshua, who is the quintessential jew. redemptive history demonstrates jesus as the coming messiah who fulfilled the law and kept the commandments so sinners could have their righteousness imputed while he took the blame, shame, and curse of our sin on the cross. It is the life, death, and resurrection of Christ that institutes a new covenant and then calls both Jews and Gentiles to the law of Christ (Romans 10:14). As Christians, we have to be able to prove from the scriptures that the law cannot save us. Instead, we must be able to prove that faith in the person and work of Jesus saves us. after which, we are called to follow him.
useful writings:
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so by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified in his sight; because by law is the knowledge of sin. romans 3:20 KJV
so the law was our tutor, to bring us to christ, that we might be justified by faith. but when faith comes, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. galatians 3:24-25 KJV
having abolished in his flesh the enmities, the law of the commandments contained in ordinances; to make in himself of the two a single and new man, thus making peace; ephesians 2:15 KJV
useful books:
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the law and the gospel by ernest c. reunion
40 questions about christians and biblical law by thomas r. schreiner
the end of jason meyer’s law
Helpful articles: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/does-psalm-119-teach-salvation-comes-by-keeping-the-law
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2. Do you know how we receive and translate the Bible?
Christians need to know how we receive the Bible and how we translate it into modern language. Many in the Black Hebrew Israelite camp believe the King James Version to be the only authentic version, while also affirming the Apocrypha. a Christian must be able to articulate the formation, reception and preservation of the biblical text, the process of textual criticism and refute texts that are not in the biblical canon.
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all writing is inspired by god, and useful to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice. ~ 2 timothy 3:16 KJV
because the prophecy was never brought by human will, but the holy men of god spoke being inspired by the holy spirit. ~ 2 peter 1:21 KJV
useful books:
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from god to us by norman geisler
Useful articles: https://www.gotquestions.org/apocrypha-deuterocanonical.html
You are reading: Black hebrew israelites books
3. Do you know the history of the Jewish people?
A central claim in much of Black Hebrew Israelite ideology is the belief that the people affected by the evil of the transatlantic slave trade are in fact the lost tribes of Israel. This discussion could lead to many debates and rabbit trails, but the apologist must be aware of the formation of Israel in the Bible and some historical facts about the current nation of Israel.
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and many nations will be joined to the Lord in that day, and they will be my people; and I will dwell in your midst, and you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me. to you -zechariah 2:11 KJV
And the children of Israel traveled from Rameses to Sukkot, about six hundred thousand footmen, not counting the children. 38 and a mixed multitude also went up with them; and sheep, and herds, even many cattle. – exodus 12:37-38 KJV
because he who is outwardly is not a Jew; neither is circumcision that which is done outwardly in the flesh, but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in spirit, and not in letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. – romans 2:28-29 KJV
useful books:
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kingdom of priests: a history of old testament israel by eugene h. cheerful
israel & the nations: the story of israel from the exodus to the fall of the second temple by f. F.
Useful articles: https://carm.org/black-hebrew-israelites
You are reading: Black hebrew israelites books
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4. Do you know God’s redemptive plan to save all people and nations?
Different sides will not agree on this point. However, it is important to know God’s intention to save all people from different tribes, languages, and nations when he becomes involved in a camp that he believes only the Israelites will be saved.
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Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am god, and there is no other. ~ isaiah 45:22 KJV
who wants all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. – 1 timothy 2:4 KJV
useful books:
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mission in the old testament: israel as a light to the nations by walter c. Jr. Kaiser
From Every People and Nation: A Biblical Theology of Race (New Studies in Biblical Theology) by j. daniel hays
the high definition leader: building multi-ethnic churches in a multi-ethnic world by derwin l. grey
Helpful articles: https://www.gotquestions.org/jews-saved.html
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5. Are you proficient enough to have a discussion about the Hebrew language?
In his dialogue with Black Hebrew Israelites, many topics will eventually touch upon the meaning of a Hebrew word. having a firm understanding of how biblical languages work would be of great benefit to a believer trying to defend the faith.
useful books:
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Hebrew for the Rest of Us: Using Hebrew Tools Without Mastering Biblical Hebrew by lee m. fields
old testament exegesis: a handbook for students and pastors by douglas stuart
a history of the hebrew language by angel sáenz-badillos
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6. Are you competent enough to have a discussion about racism and racial reconciliation?
Much of Black Hebrew Israelite mythology revolves around the idea that “Edomites”, or white people in America, are deceiving and pacifying people of color with a whitewashed Christianity. in some cases, this happens. however, it is not a good representation of global Christianity or the strong activism and biblical worldview of the historic black church. this heresy often leads to racism and xenophobia among certain camps. The Edomites often see themselves as doomed and not part of God’s redemptive plan.
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You shall not hate an Edomite; for he is your brother: you shall not hate the Egyptian; because you were a stranger in his land. ~duetheromy 23:7 KJV
and I have other sheep that are not of this fold; those also I must bring, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, and one shepherd ~john 10:16 KJV
useful book:
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Unity Embraced: Reconciliation, the Kingdom, and How We Are Stronger Together by Tony Evans
Defending the Black Faith: Answers to Tough Questions About Black Christianity by Craig S. sharper
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7. do you have an accurate description of the transatlantic slave trade?
Black Hebrew Israelites often believe that the transatlantic slave trade is a fulfilled biblical prophecy in our American context. admirably, they have an amazing knowledge of the terrible evils that took place in the slave trade. Unfortunately, much eisegesis is imposed on the biblical text that is not a byproduct of a useful hermeneutic.
useful scriptures:
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Are you called as a servant? do not worry about it: but if you can be made free, use it rather. -1 corinthians 7:21 KJV
useful books:
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The Birth of African American Culture: An Anthropological Perspective by Sidney Wilfred Mintz
slavery and african ethnicities in the americas: restoring ties by gwendolyn midlo hall
See Also: 25 Best Books for Women in Their 20s (2022) | Heavy.com
Helpful articles: http://coldcasechristianity.com/2014/four-differences- between-new-testament-servitude-and-new-world-slavery/
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8. have you checked the best commentaries on deuteronomy?
going back to point 7, much of the eisegesis and scriptural misapplication comes from the book of deuteronomy, particularly chapter 28. many sides of the bhi cult believe that the curses found in this chapter apply to people of color displaced by the transatlantic slave trade. Reading exegetical articles will help you discern the context and meaning of these passages.
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And the LORD will scatter you among all the peoples, from one end of the earth to the other; and there you will serve other gods, which neither you nor your fathers knew, the wood and the stone. -deuteronomy 28:64 KJV
And the Lord will bring you back to Egypt in ships, by the way that I told you, you will never see her again, and there you will be sold to your enemies as servants. and maidservants, and no one will buy youu.-deuteronomy 28:68 KJV
useful books:
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deuteronomy (evangelical press study commentary) (epsc commentary series) by john d. curry
deuteronomy (apollo’s old testament commentary) by j. gram. mcconville
Useful articles: https://www.equip.org/article/origin-insufficiency-black-hebrew-israelite-movement-article/
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9. are you aware of the black presence in the bible& church history?
A large portion of Black Hebrew Israelites are well trained to see the kaleidoscope of color in the Bible. If you read the Bible through a colorblind lens, you will miss the richness of God’s redemptive plan and appear brainwashed by this cult. knowing about the black presence in the bible creates common ground and enhances mutual dialogues, especially when one must question other points of interpretation. more ground can be gained in citing sources if one is aware that many of the early church fathers were African.
useful writings:
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the sons of Ham (Genesis 2:13; 10:6)
nimrod (genesis 10:8-10; 11:2)
caleb (genesis 15:19; joshua 14:6)
jethro (judges 1:16)
the mixed ancestry of jesus; Hammite offspring of Tamar, Rahab, Bathsheba, and Ruth (Matthew 1:1-16)
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the black presence in walter arthur mccray’s bible
How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind: Rediscovering the African Seedbed of Western Christianity by Thomas C. order
Useful articles: https://iamernestgrant.com/2016/02/28/its-not-the-white-mans-religion-2/
You are reading: Black hebrew israelites books
10. Do you know the camp you are arriving at?
Last but not least, it helps to know which group of Black Hebrew Israelites you’re talking to. many have different beliefs, and it would be helpful to ask questions about the specific field, rather than assume.
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Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger – James 1:19 NIV
If possible, as far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. -romans 12:18 KJV
He who responds to a matter before hearing it is foolishness and shame for him. – proverbs 18:13 KJV
Helpful articles: http://www.apologeticsindex.org/5864-black-hebrew-israelites
useful books:
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chosen people: the rise of american black israelite religions by jacob s. idle
barack obama vs. black hebrew israelites: introduction to history & western hebrew israelism beliefs by vocab malone
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