Non-Jews
Question
What is the purpose of the law. I am a conflicted Christian that has trouble believing the law is a curse or a burden. Why would the Father need someone to die for me? Thank you so much.
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question!
While I cannot comment on Christianity or Christian beliefs, I can offer some guidance on what Judaism sees as the ideal belief system for non-Jews. Jews accept the Bible and its laws not only as binding, but also as the key to a meaningful life and a relationship with God. We don’t believe that anyone died for us but rather that ever person is rewarded for their good deeds and punished for their bad deeds.
Judaism believes that God loves all mankind. One does not need to become Jewish to go to heaven. All that God wants from the Non-Jewish world is that they observe 7 precepts, or commandments. They are known as the “Noahide Laws” because the requirement to observe these seven laws was given Noah, a righteous non-Jew (yes, the fellow from the story with the flood).
The 7 laws are:
1. Don’t murder.
2. Don’t steal.
3. Don’t worship false gods.
4. Don’t be sexually immoral.
5. Don’t eat a limb from an animal that is still alive.
6. Don’t curse God.
7. Establish a system of justice.
Any human being who observes these laws goes to heaven.
Take a look at the website https://www.netivonline.org/ which specializes in helping non-Jews with religious beliefs. There is a wealth of information there that you will find useful and inspiring. It is also worth looking up the “Noahide” or "B'nai Noach" movement and consider joining them!