Howard (and Kyle),<br><br>The issue of Messianic Judaism being overly rabbinic is a very important one. In fact, the connection between Messianic and Rabbinic Judaism has been made and rebuked by an excellent author from Israel. He's written a book called "Judaism is not Jewish: A Friendly Critique of the Messianic Movement" by Baruch Maoz. If you're interested, the isbn is: 1857927877. I ordered a copy through http://www.discerningreader.com They give great discounts! I am intimately informed about the messianc community, having been baptized through a messianic congregation in NYC in 1986. I still have regular contact with a healthy congregation in northern NJ that actually emphasizes grace! But, like Maoz, would have to say that the vast majority of the messianic movement is prone to legalism (you know, the whole Galatian thing!), and sufferes from a major bout of insecurity about their Jewishness. Unfortunately, they've accepted rabbinic authority when they should rest upon Christ alone through His word and work alone. But hey, that's been the church's problem for 200 years; why should they be any different! Anyway, I hope this tome is helpful. I know I've enjoyed it!<br><br>Be Blessed in Christ, Papa John
