When Cultures Collide

Posted on February 2, 2009 by Kevin in Adjusting Course.
Updated on April 7, 2009

Q: My dad is a pastor and since coming upon the the name of Yeshua, he no longer uses the name Jesus.  Is he wrong?  He is up against other pastors that are telling him he is wrong to do this. What do you think?
 
A: This is a very sensitive subject. I would say that it all depends on your dad’s motives and attitude.  “Yeshua” is the Master’s name, not “Jesus,” however, if your dad is using “Yeshua” in a passive-aggressive, rebellious way to thumb his nose at the Christian establishment, then I would say it’s inappropriate.  But if your dad has a strong conviction to use the Master’s given name, and he is doing it as part of an effort to restore Yeshua to His proper Jewish context, then it is probably okay.  It just depends.  Even if your dad’s heart is right, it may still result in confrontation and challenges from his peers. (more…)