The above verse is found is
Tehillim (Psalms) 105:15. Of late, our Defense Minister has been tossing the word “messianic” around like it’s going out of style. First, it was directed at the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, when he referred to him as both “obsessive” and “messianic”. The exact quote, according to
Yediot Acharonot, was
“American Secretary of State John Kerry, who turned up here determined and acting out of misplaced obsession and messianic fervor, cannot teach me anything about the conflict with the Palestinians.”
And even more recently, he has bandied this term towards the Iranians. As reported by
Arutz Sheva,
“He called the regime in Tehran messianic-apocalyptic, which is why its nuclear program must be stopped.”
While I basically agree with out Defense Minister in his assessment of our enemies (and the way Kerry is acting lately, he should probably be included), I resent his use of the word “messianic” which seems to be generally interpreted as being delusional, hallucinatory, or in the plain vernacular, “off the wall.” Even the online “
Free Dictionary” has as its secondary definition:
“2. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) a. of or relating to any popular leader promising deliverance or an ideal era of peace and prosperity.”
It appears that this interpretation is based on what has been termed the “Messianic” or “Messiah Complex,” which according to
Wikipedia:
A messiah complex (also known as the Christ complex or savior complex) is a state of mind in which an individual holds a belief that they are, or are destined to become, a savior. The term "messiah complex" is not addressed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), but symptoms of the disorder closely resemble those found in individuals suffering from grandiose delusions (GD) or delusions of grandeur. This form of delusional belief is most often reported in patients suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Little is known about the disorder, but it is believed that as many as 10% of the population may hold similar beliefs in one form or another, though not significant enough to warrant a diagnosis.
So while Kerry and the Iranians may certainly have grandiose delusions, they are hardly Messianic. Let us not forgot that the great Jewish rationalist, none other than the Rambam (Maimonides) stated in as one of his 13 Principles of our Faith:
“I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Moshiach (Messiah), and even though he may tarry, nevertheless, each day I wait for him to come.”
Throughout our long history, many Jews lived with these words, and even died with them on their lips. Far from a delusion!
7 comments:
As one of the reasons you posted above, forget about a messiah. This mess will require the great and awesome day of haShem. Sad we cant get this right.
Song of Belief in the Messiah
First, to Shiloh: We do not forget Moshiach; everything is from Hashem - Moshiach is His beloved Servant, for whom, we pray will come in a blink of an eye.
Second, think that Yaalon and all the rest who are at the top are so involved with Xtians and messianics, that they've taken on their lingo and are becoming more like them by the day, unfortunately.
Yitz, thanks so much for posting.
Anon, I disagree. We don't want, who are we fooling. We talk, talk and talk. But if The Creator of All identifies his beloved servant, don't think for a second he will be welcomed with open arms. We love the status quo, though we talk how bad it is. You can be guaranteed that the powers to be, the faithless shephards will keep him supressed, hidden in plain sight in order to maintain control of which they refuse to abandon. So it's the average person trying to do good who will suffer and always suffer. The Creator of All must therefore step in and do more then identify him if we want change. The preasure is coming fast, it's up to you all to figure out what you truly want.
Moshiach has already been to israel...( March 2014 ) He went as a stranger to see how he would be treated...He told me that he could count the acts of kindnest towards him on one finger...!!!
a, strange since I see such great kindness in people, and a true Moshiach would see the best and not the worst, so obviously yours is a fake.
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