ISRAELI PARLIAMENT MEMBER RIPS UP NEW TESTAMENT

Calls book "abominable," even though it was largely written by Jews.
Joel C. Rosenberg
(Jerusalem, Israel, July 19, 2012) -- Please pray for Michael Ben Ari. He's a member of the Israeli parliament (Knesset) who this week was given the gift of a Hebrew New Testament study Bible by the Israeli Bible Society but chose to rip it to shreds and throw it into the garbage and do so in front of the press. It was a reprehensible act and a childish temper tantrum and the controversy over what he did and why he did it has made headlines here in Israel and around the world. The good news is several leading Israeli officials condemned Ben Ari's action and called for him to apologize. Personally, I'd like to see Prime Minister Netanyahu make a strong statement condemning Ben Ari's action, as well. I'm not aware that the PM has yet done so.

At the end of this column, I post some of my thoughts about why I believe this controversy is important.

But first, here are the latest details: "MK Michael Ben Ari (National Union), a member of the Israeli parliament tore up a copy of the New Testament and threw it in the trash, an act that was apparently caught on camera," reported Ynet News. "Ben Ari and several other Knesset members received by mail on Monday a copy of the New Testament, sent by the Bible Society in Israel, an organization that distributes religious books. In the letter sent with the book, director of the Christian organization Victor Kalisher wrote that the new edition 'sheds light on the Holy Scriptures and helps understand them….We hope the book will help you and illuminate your way.'….However, while most MK's chose to ignore the book or return it to its sender, the rightist lawmaker chose to term the book a 'provocation,' tore it up into shreds and then threw it out. 'This abominable book (the New Testament) galvanized the murder of millions of Jews during the Inquisition and during [other] instances,' Ben Ari said adding that 'Sending the book to MK's is a provocation. There is no doubt that this book and all it represents belongs in the garbage can of history.'"

"The religious and ultra-Orthodox Knesset members should honor those who want to read the book, Kalisher said," noted the Times of Israel, "adding 'it could help them expand their own knowledge.' Kalisher also denied the notion of missionary activity, saying his organization studied and spread the holy scriptures, providing people with knowledge and study tools. There was no intention to 'hurt the feelings of Knesset members,' he said. 'It's a Jewish book, written by Jews. To better understand Judaism you need to study the New Testament.'

MK Ben Ari's deplorable behavior was denounced by other Knesset members, including the Speaker of the Knesset Reuven Rivlin. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), to their credit, also called on MK Ben Ari to apologize for his behavior. I agree with the ADL and am encouraged by their statement, which I've posted on the blog.

That said, I would encourage all of the Members of the Israeli Knesset to ready and carefully study this Hebrew edition of the New Testament and to proactively study the life of Yeshua (Jesus) of Nazareth. Indeed, my prayer is that all Israelis would read and study the New Testament and decide this question: Is Yeshua the Jewish Messiah foretold by the Hebrew prophets, or not? This is the most important question in all of human history, and the most important and urgent of questions that must be answered by each and every Jew and Gentile. Indeed, our eternal destiny depends on how we answer this question and what actions we take based on our answer. Thus, I'm grateful this controversy has been sparked. May it lead many to decide to obtain a copy of this Hebrew New Testament and study carefully it for themselves