Article September 21, 1929 Issue

In a recent issue of the Jewish Times the writer of "Random...

Conrad Bernhard, Jr., Committee on Publication for the State of Maryland,—Baltimore

Jewish Times

In a recent issue of the Jewish Times the writer of "Random Thoughts" inquired whether or not "a Jew or Jewess who joins the Christian Science church, automatically severs his or her connection with Judaism." The answers to this question to be clear should contain definitions of the phrase "connection with Judaism," or at least explanations of its understood meaning.

If by "connection with Judaism" is meant continued belief in the religion of the Jews in its spiritual aspects, and as a revelation from God through His prophets for the benefit of mankind, then there need be no severance of this connection. Jesus of Nazareth, the Founder of Christianity, was born a Jew. He said to his students, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." No doubt it is this thought, that Christian Science by reinstating primitive Christianity is seeking the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, which Christian Scientists who were formerly Jews are endeavoring to transmit to the writer of "Random Thoughts" when they "insist that they have not given up their faith." In discussing this matter a Christian Scientist who had been a Jew once said to me, "Christian Science has made me a better Jew."

On the other hand, if by "connection with Judaism" is meant membership in a Jewish synagogue or temple, then this membership must be completely dissolved before a Jew or Jewess can become a member of a Christian Science church.

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