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They Thought for Themselves: Ten Amazing Jews
People who think for themselves, change the world!
What is the connection among these people? How did they end up in the same book?
* Atheist
* Holocaust survivor
* Multi-millionaire
* Media executive
* Ph.D.
They all defied the status quo and thought for themselves. They dared to explore and confront the forbidden. The result? Everything in their lives changed for the better!
Author Sid Roth was instructed in a dream to find and interview people who had broken through the mold of their previous experiences to achieve their destiny. These are the people he interviewed. These are their stories and this is your time for your breakthrough!
Everyone has a supernatural destiny, but few reach it. Too many want the safe and comfortable life of following the same old roads or fitting in with the same old crowd. How boring!
Have you ever wondered if there is something more to life? Have you ever dared to reach beyond your comfort zone? Only when you dare to think for yourself, will you reach your supernatural destiny.
Start today!
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2009
36 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Sid Roth
112 books24 followersSid Roth is an American author, actor, and Christian media figure.
From one of his book bios: "Sid Roth has a passion for people to experience the power of God for the purpose of having intimacy with Him. He is a pioneer in the convergence of Jews and Christians in Messiah Jesus that brings about an explosion of God s power."
From one of his book bios: "Sid Roth has a passion for people to experience the power of God for the purpose of having intimacy with Him. He is a pioneer in the convergence of Jews and Christians in Messiah Jesus that brings about an explosion of God s power."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
July 20, 2014
This book would have been 5 stars if I were a rabid Christian apologist trying to convert Jews to Christianity.
Unfortunately, I am not. I attended Basic Apologetics Seminar last year but if there is one takeaway I had from those 13 half Saturdays, it is to respect other religions. I am not an argumentative kind of person and I am also conscious that it is our responsibility as children of God to propagate His words to our brothers in other religions. However, this should be done, according to me, with tact, respect and in the right forum. You just don't go on television or radio and lambast other people's faith as if you are the only one who has the key to salvation. That's too pathetic.
I picked up this book in a second-hand bookshop because there was this prominent mark on the front cover: "Over Two Million Copies in Print" not expecting that when I added this here on Goodreads, I read in other people's reviews that the publisher blindly gave free copies to unsuspecting people with Jewish-sounding names. Why? As a propaganda. They thought that those Jews would read the book and be convinced to convert to Christianity. Not sure if they succeeded because I am trying to get to their website www.TheyThoughtForThemselves.com to no avail. Since this book was published in 2009, five years have passed and maybe they have gone bankrupt. I would not be surprised if that was the case.
I have nothing against any other religion nor this way of promoting ones religion via inspirational books. However, what I despise and abhor is the deception. For me, faith is something that is deep-seated since it is the belief that one person holds value since childhood. Obviously, I cannot speak for those adventurists who transfer from one religion to another like changing car every "x" number of years. But for me, I will never be convinced to change my religion just by reading books no matter how moving the religion book is. Those are only for shallow people.
I also have nothing against the ten ex-Jewish people who shared their testimonies in this book on how they discovered Jesus through various means like watching "The 700 Club", reading the New Testament, etc changed their faith, their lives and embraced Christianity. It was their choice. It was their life. I am happy to read their stories and they should have been inspiring if I could relate to them. I have also accepted Jesus as my personal savior since many years ago and I am at peace with myself being contented with the level of my faith and relationship with Him.
It's just the deception that the publishers of this book that I just could not accept.
Unfortunately, I am not. I attended Basic Apologetics Seminar last year but if there is one takeaway I had from those 13 half Saturdays, it is to respect other religions. I am not an argumentative kind of person and I am also conscious that it is our responsibility as children of God to propagate His words to our brothers in other religions. However, this should be done, according to me, with tact, respect and in the right forum. You just don't go on television or radio and lambast other people's faith as if you are the only one who has the key to salvation. That's too pathetic.
I picked up this book in a second-hand bookshop because there was this prominent mark on the front cover: "Over Two Million Copies in Print" not expecting that when I added this here on Goodreads, I read in other people's reviews that the publisher blindly gave free copies to unsuspecting people with Jewish-sounding names. Why? As a propaganda. They thought that those Jews would read the book and be convinced to convert to Christianity. Not sure if they succeeded because I am trying to get to their website www.TheyThoughtForThemselves.com to no avail. Since this book was published in 2009, five years have passed and maybe they have gone bankrupt. I would not be surprised if that was the case.
I have nothing against any other religion nor this way of promoting ones religion via inspirational books. However, what I despise and abhor is the deception. For me, faith is something that is deep-seated since it is the belief that one person holds value since childhood. Obviously, I cannot speak for those adventurists who transfer from one religion to another like changing car every "x" number of years. But for me, I will never be convinced to change my religion just by reading books no matter how moving the religion book is. Those are only for shallow people.
I also have nothing against the ten ex-Jewish people who shared their testimonies in this book on how they discovered Jesus through various means like watching "The 700 Club", reading the New Testament, etc changed their faith, their lives and embraced Christianity. It was their choice. It was their life. I am happy to read their stories and they should have been inspiring if I could relate to them. I have also accepted Jesus as my personal savior since many years ago and I am at peace with myself being contented with the level of my faith and relationship with Him.
It's just the deception that the publishers of this book that I just could not accept.
August 14, 2012
Scummy, brain-washy propaganda masquerading as a book.
Sent to me free in the mail, presumably because I have a Jewish name.
Times like these I wish I had a fireplace, even though we are going through a heatwave.
Sent to me free in the mail, presumably because I have a Jewish name.
Times like these I wish I had a fireplace, even though we are going through a heatwave.
October 9, 2012
I'm yet another person who was sent this unsolicited because I have a Jewish last name. Creepy that they are targeting people like this. If I want the book, I'll order it, thank you.
December 29, 2017
"If a wristwatch could not have evolved, how could they ever expect me to believe that something as complicated as a human being just "happened"? Even one cell in the human body is much more complex than a watch. People have to be blind to deny the existence of a Creator." (Alyosha Ryabinov, They Thought for Themselves, Page 78)
This book is full of Jewish testimonies of faith. People who have come to accept Jesus as their Messiah. Many questioned their faith of Judaism. The Scriptures point that Christ the Messiah had to suffer and be raised from the dead after 3 days and become the Saviour of the World. However, many Jewish people ignore their own scriptures for the sake of tradition. It is time to lower their pride and read the Scriptures for themselves and see that Jesus is the Messiah that their own Scriptures point to. The Bible says that the Jewish people have a blindness upon them right now that they cannot see this; however, there is coming a time and now is the time when this blindness that is upon them is being removed and they are beginning to see that Jesus is the Messiah that their own prophets in their Torah foretold and they are being grafted into the true vine. Many will have to forsake their traditions and their blind guides, the Rabbis, who continue to walk in blindness and do not acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah (See Romans 11:11-31).
This book is a challenge to the Jew to think for yourself and study the Scriptures to see that Jesus is the Messiah that you have been waiting for. He is coming again for the second time and we should be ready for Him. Let us not be like those who rejected Him the first time.
This book is full of Jewish testimonies of faith. People who have come to accept Jesus as their Messiah. Many questioned their faith of Judaism. The Scriptures point that Christ the Messiah had to suffer and be raised from the dead after 3 days and become the Saviour of the World. However, many Jewish people ignore their own scriptures for the sake of tradition. It is time to lower their pride and read the Scriptures for themselves and see that Jesus is the Messiah that their own Scriptures point to. The Bible says that the Jewish people have a blindness upon them right now that they cannot see this; however, there is coming a time and now is the time when this blindness that is upon them is being removed and they are beginning to see that Jesus is the Messiah that their own prophets in their Torah foretold and they are being grafted into the true vine. Many will have to forsake their traditions and their blind guides, the Rabbis, who continue to walk in blindness and do not acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah (See Romans 11:11-31).
This book is a challenge to the Jew to think for yourself and study the Scriptures to see that Jesus is the Messiah that you have been waiting for. He is coming again for the second time and we should be ready for Him. Let us not be like those who rejected Him the first time.
July 1, 2016
I got this in the mail today!
For my mom. Not the book blogger me. My mother, who is not online. So, creepy dude who sent my mother a free book, first of all, lose our address because, again, that's creepy, because I have a PO Box and that's what I use when I WANT to get mail.
So how the HELL did you get my house address? And lose it. Now.
Second, we don't believe in religion so, hey, nice job wasting, what, eight bucks? on postage because I'm gonna rid of this as soon as I'm done laughing at the fact that you sent it to, well, us.
Have a LOVELY day.
For my mom. Not the book blogger me. My mother, who is not online. So, creepy dude who sent my mother a free book, first of all, lose our address because, again, that's creepy, because I have a PO Box and that's what I use when I WANT to get mail.
So how the HELL did you get my house address? And lose it. Now.
Second, we don't believe in religion so, hey, nice job wasting, what, eight bucks? on postage because I'm gonna rid of this as soon as I'm done laughing at the fact that you sent it to, well, us.
Have a LOVELY day.
February 14, 2021
This book was mailed to a few people in my building. From the cover alone it's obvious this is thinly veiled propaganda. I'm arab and an atheist, but based on the other reviews I'm going to assume whoever mailed it can't tell the difference. Potato tomato right?
This book, and the practice of mailing it to people they think might potentially be Jewish is racist. All the copies ended up in the recycling, which is what I'd bet happened to the good majority of those '1 million printed copies'.
This book, and the practice of mailing it to people they think might potentially be Jewish is racist. All the copies ended up in the recycling, which is what I'd bet happened to the good majority of those '1 million printed copies'.
August 21, 2012
I am not a Jewish person. I am not much of anything. I know that I believe in God, but I am still working up to reading the bible. While not Jewish, I respect other people’s beliefs and do not discriminate.
I wondered why the author used ordinary people to tell their stories and not famous people to make the book more appealing to readers. I realized that if the stories come from regular people like you and me, it would hit harder to home. This book shows Jewish people that not only is it okay to believe in Jesus, but explains why and how they found out.
Each chapter in this book is written by the individual who came to the realization. Then at the end of the story, Sid makes comments to coincide with the chapter. As you get further into the book, more is revealed and the last chapter contains the most information. Not only did I learned a lot about Judaism (observant, not observant and messianic) but, for lack of better words, this book did not allow me to put on any rose-colored glasses. There is some shocking information revealed in this book!
If you don’t believe me, check it out for yourself!
Until next time, live life one page at a time!
I wondered why the author used ordinary people to tell their stories and not famous people to make the book more appealing to readers. I realized that if the stories come from regular people like you and me, it would hit harder to home. This book shows Jewish people that not only is it okay to believe in Jesus, but explains why and how they found out.
Each chapter in this book is written by the individual who came to the realization. Then at the end of the story, Sid makes comments to coincide with the chapter. As you get further into the book, more is revealed and the last chapter contains the most information. Not only did I learned a lot about Judaism (observant, not observant and messianic) but, for lack of better words, this book did not allow me to put on any rose-colored glasses. There is some shocking information revealed in this book!
If you don’t believe me, check it out for yourself!
Until next time, live life one page at a time!
September 8, 2021
As fire-starter, this book is decent. It's printed on rough paper much like a cheap newspaper, which will swiftly light and get the kindling going.
Mail me an unsolicited book and this is the review you will receive, every time.
But especially if the one sentence I read flipping through is anti-evolution bullshit and the book is covertly trying to convert people. http://digitalhighrise.com/missionari...
Mail me an unsolicited book and this is the review you will receive, every time.
But especially if the one sentence I read flipping through is anti-evolution bullshit and the book is covertly trying to convert people. http://digitalhighrise.com/missionari...
January 18, 2022
I'll let those who like to fight over religion do so, this review only deals with the structure of the book.
It is an interesting collection of personal stories from adherents to Messianic Judaism. Each one is their story of searching for meaning of God and how their lives are now different after choosing Him instead of adhering to a faith that (apparently) values a set of traditions passed down by men over His Word.
Those parts that deal with scripture are usually footnoted, but a few of them have no foot- or endnotes. The editor, Sid Roth, also includes his own story and has done a fairly good job in putting this book together. It can be read as a set of autobiographies, a book seeking to convert people to Messianic Judaism, or both.
Find it. Buy it. Read it.
It is an interesting collection of personal stories from adherents to Messianic Judaism. Each one is their story of searching for meaning of God and how their lives are now different after choosing Him instead of adhering to a faith that (apparently) values a set of traditions passed down by men over His Word.
Those parts that deal with scripture are usually footnoted, but a few of them have no foot- or endnotes. The editor, Sid Roth, also includes his own story and has done a fairly good job in putting this book together. It can be read as a set of autobiographies, a book seeking to convert people to Messianic Judaism, or both.
Find it. Buy it. Read it.
October 3, 2016
Vert good book. It's about Messianic Jews. Those who dared to read to read the bible (New Testament) to discover that Jesus was the Messiah. Yeshua, as the Jews call him, fulfils all the prophecies about the Messiah in the old testament. Messianic Jews dared to think for themselves instead of letting the Rabbis think for them.
January 22, 2018
My mom got this unsolicited in the mail, presumably because her last name sounds Jewish. Seems like an odd method of proselytizing given the amount they must have spent on printing and shipping to random people. Going in the trash...
April 23, 2018
Sid Roth must be desperate for more converts to Christianity, as he has apparently been mailing his book to Jews for free for 5 years. I Googled his name, thought for myself, skimmed the book, thought for myself again, and tossed it in the recycle bin.
April 5, 2022
This went into my circular file. It's proselytizing BS. Shame on anyone who sends that kind of thing to anyone.
June 3, 2018
I liked this, you have to take into account these are only testimonials. The author is not trying to convert you or make you a Messianic Jew. They are saying in their own words how they felt & what they went through. I thought the people were diverse & interesting.
March 24, 2020
Stories of Jewish men and women coming to faith in Jesus as their Messiah. One of the couples, Barry and Batya Segal lead a ministry in Jerusalem called Vision for Israel. We met them on our trip there a few years ago and have followed their work. Each story is unique to the person but share a common conclusion. Good analysis of the Torah and scripture differences. Recommended highly.
August 25, 2017
If you want to read pure propaganda and bull this is the perfect example by Sid Roth. This book's main purpose was trying to convert Jews into Christian. One specific example was a guy named Barry Mikow who contributed fraud like Ponzi Schemes, was originally Jewish and later Christian to repent for his sins... In his early Jewish self, he was involved in massive Ponzi schemes including ZZZZ fest. Funny thing was after this book was published, in 2011, he was involved and charged in committing fraud against his Christian church. ... Doesn't matter what religion he was, the man was a complete fraud. I don't want to talk down on religious beliefs but propaganda like this is sickening, how can Christians considers Jews their brothers and sisters, than write this shit to convert them.The first story advocated miracle healing by praying to Jesus, nothing against it as mind over body is a medical term (but this was used for propaganda)... This book was also supposedly sent out and targeted to many Jews across the US. I don't know where I got this, I read parts of it for a learning experience and now, I am going to throw it in the garbage where it belong to recycle back resources to this planet, I would also use the pages to wipe my ass if left with no other option, might use it as a teaching tool. "Sid Roth, I was proud being Jewish, but I found the religion boring and religious people hypocritical..." Seems like he entered Christianity to con people and make money off, the book cites he is a multi-millionaire in the back, the uneducated and individuals lacking critical thinking which makes the title a paradox...This book reminds me why education is so crucial to help people live better and more fulfilling lives...
June 12, 2018
I received They Thought For Themselves in the mail supposedly from the author, Sid Roth, himself.
I don't think I'll be reading the other nine stories in this book :(
Now, maybe I'm jumping to conclusions, and the rest of the book is great, but from what I can tell from the first chapter, this book is awful ... and, I don't think it needed to be awful.
It seemed really obvious that the purpose of this book was to tell Jews that they CAN receive the healing power of Jesus, despite the unfortunate fact that they were born Jewish. I find the opinion that Jews can only find healing via Jesus to be a bit offensive.
But, not withstanding the offensive tone, the story is just plain dull.
David was raised as an atheist Jew.
He and his wife raised their children on a moshav in Israel.
David becomes paralyzed. He was mad, then sad, then accepting.
One day he watched The 700 Club and felt bad about enjoying it.
Why, you might ask would David feel bad about watching The 700 Club? Answer: Because he was Jewish. Because he was Jewish?!? What has that got to do with anything.
Anyway!!!
David felt bad about watching The 700 Club.
But, he did it anyway.
Eventually, he accepted Jesus into his heart.
Then he was healed of his paralysis and walked again.
His moshav wanted to kick him out for being a Christian,
but David threatened them with some Jesus-style bad PR.
So they backed down ... until David began preaching Christianity.
Just when everything was looking bleak,
Jesus came to the rescue again with some plane tickets.
And, they lived happily ever after.
I don't think I'll be reading the other nine stories in this book :(
June 7, 2012
This book was sent to my sister. She gave it to me as a joke birthday gift, but I think she suspected I wouldn't be able to resist the challenge. The book is trying to get get Jewish people to realize that Jesus is the savior. Of course we aren't Jewish so they should do their homework better. The book also claims over a million in print. That is because they give them away; that doesn't mean a millions sold. Anyhow, the book was educational as it gave me some insight into how die-hard Jews view christianity and their own religion. While the authors have come to realize that Jesus is the Messiah, they still have a very poor notion of what that means. A lot of reformed theology surfaces in their stories. The book also gave me the impression that they are still focusing on the fact that they are Jewish first, and followers of Jesus second, which just might make them miss the boat.
March 31, 2018
I loved these stories - a great companion to studying the old testament for me. I am a believer and not from Jewish descent but I find the Jewish faith fascinating.
I see some other reviews that this book was sent to them unsolicited which is why I probably found it at a used book store really cheap. If you are a practicing Jew or agnostic or atheist and you were sent this book I can see why that might be creepy to you... and invasive. However, there are some interesting stories about the journeys of these ordinary people that led them to discover the Messiah. I found it inspiring.
I see some other reviews that this book was sent to them unsolicited which is why I probably found it at a used book store really cheap. If you are a practicing Jew or agnostic or atheist and you were sent this book I can see why that might be creepy to you... and invasive. However, there are some interesting stories about the journeys of these ordinary people that led them to discover the Messiah. I found it inspiring.
May 16, 2010
A book my mother wants to give to Amanda about 10 Jews converting to Christianity because "they thought for themselves" Little does she recognize that others who "think for themselves" covert to other faiths. Not well written, anecdotal with but few relevant questions/responses. Not very convincing in my mind.
August 5, 2012
This is not really a book, but an advertisement for Jesus. It becomes obvious after the first page. It was sent to me with a bogus claim of over 2 million copies in print to encourage people to read. I read the first page and will be putting it in my recycle trash can or giving to someone as a gag gift. I hate people who send out this crap.
September 6, 2012
This book tells the stories of 10 Jews from very diverse backgrounds and how they came to accept that Jesus (or Yeshua to use the Hebrew form of the name) is the Messiah.
I was interested to see the path that each person took and the ways they came to the place of acknowledging Jesus is Lord.
The stories are interesting and quite well written.
I was interested to see the path that each person took and the ways they came to the place of acknowledging Jesus is Lord.
The stories are interesting and quite well written.
March 21, 2016
This book was okay. I got some pretty good information out of it but I didn't like it as much because it was about Jewish religion which I, of course, am not. However, I read this book because me interest in other culture's beliefs and ways of living and this book didn't show me anything other than the fact that Jewish individuals believe in the same Jesus Christ as we do here in America.
February 6, 2017
I've read the reviews and amazed that the bad rating given were because they receive it unsolicited, not of how they thought was it. I did too received unsolicited, but read it- surprisingly, was an interesting book
March 10, 2013
Awesome testimonies!
May 9, 2014
Like having a leisurely conversation with the man in the park wearing "The End is Nigh" placard.
It wasn't worth the price. It was free
It wasn't worth the price. It was free
Read
November 23, 2008Haven't made a conclusion yet.
February 16, 2019
I received this book for free in the mail. Many reviews seem angry about this. I would counter--the author is convinced that Jesus has given him blessing and peace in this life and in eternity. He wants others to have the same joy and peace he knows. So he wrote a book and sends it out. If you don't want to read it, that's fine. If you read it and aren't convinced, that's fine. I don't understand being angry that someone would like to persuade you in this fashion.
As to the contents, there are things to like and things that are problematic.
THE GOOD
Sin and Grace: The author speaks clearly about the need every person has to deal with sins. He shows that the only way sins are removed is by the work of Jesus. By grace--undeserved love--Jesus pays for our sins and brings us; forgiveness. He gives these to all who believe in him.
Old Testament and New Testament: The author demonstrated how the Bible is a united book. The prophecies of the Old Testament are fulfilled in Jesus as his life is recorded by the New Testament. Christianity isn't a repudiation of the Jewish Old Testament--it's the fulfillment of all its hopes in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Modern Jewish Religious Thought: The stories of how ten individuals came to believe in Jesus were engaging and showed the variety of backgrounds and beliefs that exist within the modern Jewish community. I found it very helpful to understand their diversity of beliefs and practices.
THE BAD
Decision Theology: The author continually urged the reader to make a decision, invite Jesus in, etc. While a very common error among American Protestants, it flows from a misunderstanding of faith. Faith is not our decision to follow Jesus or a work which we accomplish. The Bible consistently describes us as dead in sins--unable to come to God. But through his Word and Sacraments, God comes to us with his Spirit and gives life where there was none before. Faith is a Spirit-worked confidence in Christ Jesus. To treat it as our work or decision undermines the work Jesus has done and introduces uncertainty. God's promises are certain!
Abundant Life: The book is really a gathering of testimonials: Here's how God has helped and blessed me! These are inspiring, which is the point. They make me want to choose for Jesus, but that's not how God gives faith (see above). But even if every single word, blessing, sign and miracle they describe is true, will God give me those things too? God never promises that. He promises his love, forgiveness, eternal life in heaven. But often believers are called on to endure suffering and hardship throughout their lives. The Bible is full of those who suffered and even died because of their faith. God does care about our life and suffering in this world, but he makes these things serve the even greater spiritual blessings he has won for us.
Eschatological Israel: The author spoke repeatedly about the role the nation of Israel and modern Jews have yet to play in God's plans for the end of this world. Unfortunately this does not match Scripture. Not only did God's blessing on the sacrificial worship end with its fulfillment in Jesus, so did his covenant with the nation of Israel. That's not to say Jews should be treated with any less love and care than other people. No, we should love them and proclaim Jesus as their Savior too. But they have no further corporate role to play in God's plans of salvation. St. Paul is clear that Israel (God's special nation) is no longer those descended from Abraham according to the flesh (ancestry) but those who have the faith of Abraham. Jew and Gentile are made one in the body of Christ. The passages he takes are referring to the establishment of the modern nation of Israel refer instead to the return of the exiles from captivity in Babylon. The passages about the final struggle make literal aspects of a vision that describe the spiritual victory Christ will win for his believers when he returns in glory.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, but while it pointed to Christ, it fell into several common errors.
As to the contents, there are things to like and things that are problematic.
THE GOOD
Sin and Grace: The author speaks clearly about the need every person has to deal with sins. He shows that the only way sins are removed is by the work of Jesus. By grace--undeserved love--Jesus pays for our sins and brings us; forgiveness. He gives these to all who believe in him.
Old Testament and New Testament: The author demonstrated how the Bible is a united book. The prophecies of the Old Testament are fulfilled in Jesus as his life is recorded by the New Testament. Christianity isn't a repudiation of the Jewish Old Testament--it's the fulfillment of all its hopes in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Modern Jewish Religious Thought: The stories of how ten individuals came to believe in Jesus were engaging and showed the variety of backgrounds and beliefs that exist within the modern Jewish community. I found it very helpful to understand their diversity of beliefs and practices.
THE BAD
Decision Theology: The author continually urged the reader to make a decision, invite Jesus in, etc. While a very common error among American Protestants, it flows from a misunderstanding of faith. Faith is not our decision to follow Jesus or a work which we accomplish. The Bible consistently describes us as dead in sins--unable to come to God. But through his Word and Sacraments, God comes to us with his Spirit and gives life where there was none before. Faith is a Spirit-worked confidence in Christ Jesus. To treat it as our work or decision undermines the work Jesus has done and introduces uncertainty. God's promises are certain!
Abundant Life: The book is really a gathering of testimonials: Here's how God has helped and blessed me! These are inspiring, which is the point. They make me want to choose for Jesus, but that's not how God gives faith (see above). But even if every single word, blessing, sign and miracle they describe is true, will God give me those things too? God never promises that. He promises his love, forgiveness, eternal life in heaven. But often believers are called on to endure suffering and hardship throughout their lives. The Bible is full of those who suffered and even died because of their faith. God does care about our life and suffering in this world, but he makes these things serve the even greater spiritual blessings he has won for us.
Eschatological Israel: The author spoke repeatedly about the role the nation of Israel and modern Jews have yet to play in God's plans for the end of this world. Unfortunately this does not match Scripture. Not only did God's blessing on the sacrificial worship end with its fulfillment in Jesus, so did his covenant with the nation of Israel. That's not to say Jews should be treated with any less love and care than other people. No, we should love them and proclaim Jesus as their Savior too. But they have no further corporate role to play in God's plans of salvation. St. Paul is clear that Israel (God's special nation) is no longer those descended from Abraham according to the flesh (ancestry) but those who have the faith of Abraham. Jew and Gentile are made one in the body of Christ. The passages he takes are referring to the establishment of the modern nation of Israel refer instead to the return of the exiles from captivity in Babylon. The passages about the final struggle make literal aspects of a vision that describe the spiritual victory Christ will win for his believers when he returns in glory.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, but while it pointed to Christ, it fell into several common errors.
November 13, 2022
This book is a quick read, and very enlightening about the Jewish faith. The ten chapters each tell the story of a Messianic Jew’s conversion. Over and over the people tell of how the rabbis in their synagogues or in their families’ history put their traditions above the Word of God. How the rabbi’s word (their 613 rules to abide by) that are nowhere in scripture itself take precedence over the Written word of God. I finally understand (a little better) how far from true worship the Pharisees were and why they hated Jesus so much. They literally had constructed a religion of man made rules that gave more credence and power to their importance than God Himself.
Chapter 7 by Michael Brown, PhD, is most informative. One example given: “Without tradition, there can be no traditional Judaism; without the rabbis, there could be no rabbinic Judaism. … Religious Jews will be the first to tell you that the Bible says only what the sages tell them it says.” He quotes orthodox scholar H Chaim Schimmel, “the Jewish people do not follow the literal word of the Bible, nor have they ever done so. They are ruled by the verbal interpretation of the written word.” And that interpreter is a rabbi, a maker of traditions and laws that are passed down through generations. Herein “they take for themselves an authority that the scriptures never gave them, and they put human reasoning on a higher plane than the prophetic word from heaven.”
Chapter 7 by Michael Brown, PhD, is most informative. One example given: “Without tradition, there can be no traditional Judaism; without the rabbis, there could be no rabbinic Judaism. … Religious Jews will be the first to tell you that the Bible says only what the sages tell them it says.” He quotes orthodox scholar H Chaim Schimmel, “the Jewish people do not follow the literal word of the Bible, nor have they ever done so. They are ruled by the verbal interpretation of the written word.” And that interpreter is a rabbi, a maker of traditions and laws that are passed down through generations. Herein “they take for themselves an authority that the scriptures never gave them, and they put human reasoning on a higher plane than the prophetic word from heaven.”
June 14, 2023
When I received this book as a gift, I was excited. There are many people who are whistleblowers, stand up for convictions not shared by co-workers, and/or have the courage to go against the majority. People like American Civil Liberties lawyers who defended Nazis' right to speak in Skokie, Il, those who protest the tyranny of the majority, perhaps people like those described in Nat Hentoff's "Free Speech for Me But not for Thee," and other dissenters.
Unfortunately, "They Thought For Themselves" is NOT this typr of books. It is about 10 Jews who t found the solution to their problems and concerns in Jesus and Messianic Judaism. I could see one or maybe 2 examples of this type--but 10 stories with this same theme? Why were the author and publisher afraid to clearly explain what this book is really about?
This book is limited to 10 Jews who found Jesus to be the answer to their problems and are now Messianic Jews. As such, it is of little or no value to anyone except those who want to convert Jews to Christianity.
This book could be valuable for Christians who want to show their Jewish friends why Jesus has helped them lead better lives. But please, Sid Roth, please be hones about what this book is really about.
Unfortunately, "They Thought For Themselves" is NOT this typr of books. It is about 10 Jews who t found the solution to their problems and concerns in Jesus and Messianic Judaism. I could see one or maybe 2 examples of this type--but 10 stories with this same theme? Why were the author and publisher afraid to clearly explain what this book is really about?
This book is limited to 10 Jews who found Jesus to be the answer to their problems and are now Messianic Jews. As such, it is of little or no value to anyone except those who want to convert Jews to Christianity.
This book could be valuable for Christians who want to show their Jewish friends why Jesus has helped them lead better lives. But please, Sid Roth, please be hones about what this book is really about.
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