|
|
Post by yearn2learn on Mar 30, 2006 9:19:38 GMT -8
I am interested in getting this book, "Fossilized Customs", by Lew White.
Does anybody have any input on it, negative or positive?
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by messimom on Mar 30, 2006 15:30:43 GMT -8
A small book packed full of stuff. There's a lot of interesting info in it. He can be quite fanatical in the book and a bit pushy if you ask me. It's kind of one of those books where if you didn't already know some stuff and have a foundation then it might scare you off. BUT, that was just me, and I did read it when just becoming Messianic. However, I am delighted to say that it is never impossible to research the facts yourself, as Lew White strongly encourages himself...that is a good quality in a book like this. It is definitely an interesting read, and worth having in your library. IMO. Any one else?
Messimom
|
|
Pioneer
Full Member
Shema and Shemar
Posts: 210
|
Post by Pioneer on Mar 30, 2006 16:18:09 GMT -8
I liked 'Fossillized Customs', but I enjoy www.toolong.com Much more, check it out, it's like 'Customs' a beginners introduction to the falsehoods of Christianity. Shalom |
|
|
|
Post by messimom on Mar 31, 2006 0:17:27 GMT -8
Yes, it was actually the "Too Long in the Sun" video that opened our eyes. I sat there watching it, thinking to myself "shoot, shoot, shoot!!!!" I grew up Jehovah's Witness and so did no Christian festivals, then became "Christian" and therefore celebrated Christmas, Easter and the like for about 3 years....then my MIL said, hey guys watch this video.....and the rest was history...no more Christmas, no more Easter, etc. The JW's were right about that stuff all along. Sometimes life serves up a helping of ironic.  Messimom |
|
|
|
Post by Mark on Mar 31, 2006 7:01:02 GMT -8
The book has some valid points and some strong historical evidence to back up many of its convictions; but I have to say that I believe it is completely over the top in some areas- Mr. White does a little witch-hunting: supposing that everything circular must originally be connected with sub worship. I don't remember if it is in Fossilized Customs, but in one of his writings, he even condemns the kippah as being connected with sun worship.
Mr. White's theology is followed closely by what has come to be known as "the Sacred Name" perspective of Messianic Judaism. In this teaching, the only acceptable pronunciation Messiah's name is Yah-hushua (Yeshua is unacceptable and 'Jesus' could, in some cases cause convusionary fits- please forgive me, I'm being a little silly), the name of Adonai cannot be spelled out in arabic (English) letters- only the Hebrew Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey, and they are characterized by cultural separatism- avoiding anything that could possibly have a loose association with anything that may have been associated with pagan idolatry.
In some ways, I have a great respect for this perspective. I am loathe to suggest that one is too passionate for Adonai- that they go beyond reverence to rediculous in their zeal for purity. The problem is that the same half-truths that condemn all Jews as being arrogant in their faith, and all Christians as being sloppy idolaters are employed to teach against every para-biblical form of worship (and even the practices of some biblical ones).
These teachings condemn even the use of the word Bible because biblos was a pagan god. What they don't tell you is that everything, including the kitchen sink, has a representative deity. We couldn't get away from it if we tried. I saw the same tendancy in the mid-eighties in Christians who followed the teaching of a fellow named Tex Marrs. These folks refused to look at a rainbow and considered any depiction of a rainbow as pagan because it had become a symbol of Bahai (that all faiths are one). Because the promise of Adonai had been re-defined by the evil one, they took could no longer celebrate in that promise. When I read Fossilized Customs, I was reminded of that path.
Obviously, I don't recommend Fossilized Customs. There are other resources that promote the Jewishness of our faith without open hostility toward those who worship differently; and the tone of grace and compassion has much stronger and lasting impacts than condemnation.
One of the foundations of our teaching is to promote truth and obedience as opposed to condemning misunderstandings. We've found that if we commit ourselves to seeking the kingdom of Adonai and his righteousness, all of that other stuff just falls away.
The book has value. There are some pretty convincing arguments that have been well-researched; but there are also bold assumptions that have been added to that research and it is often difficult to tell the difference. I recommend, instead of learning about why you don't believe what you don't believe, focus on why you believe what you believe.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ashirah on Mar 31, 2006 19:07:22 GMT -8
The book "Fossilized Customs" was a great help to my husband coming out of Catholicism. Like everything else that crosses our paths we need to discern. So, I wouldn't say don't read it - take the good from it and learn and let the chaff fall away.
|
|
|
|
Post by Firestorm on Apr 3, 2006 5:15:07 GMT -8
 After reading Mark's review I probably wouldn't want to get this book. It sounds like too much of the dreck I've already seen in Christian bookstores and am trying to stay away from. As Mark said there are so many alternatives available. When somebody starts saying things like you can't use the word Bible anymore I can't, in good conscience, give them my money. This is immature and I'm astonished at how many believers fail to see how big a stumbling block to non believers this sort of spiritual immaturity is. It's a matter of spiritual life and death that the things of God be presented in a sober minded manner.
|
|
|
|
Post by R' Y'hoshua Moshe on Apr 9, 2006 15:02:32 GMT -8
Alas, I have also read both "Fossilized Customs" and Lew White's follow up book (which I can't remember the name of). I just want to say that I respect Lew White for stepping up the plate and doing the best He knows how in regards to getting the truth out. I know that it has helped alot of people as several people I know have given their witness regarding this. But, I also think that many of these same people have picked up some Biblically unfounded habits that has caused confusion in the body of Messiah. The book defintely represents some of the ultra-fringers in the Messianic movement... ;D I agree with alot of Mark's and Messimom's sentiments regarding the book "Fossilized Customs". You do have to take gleam what you can from this book as there are many great truths, but there are also many things that I believe are off base that need to be discarded as well. I would not make a habit of distributing this book to people. I would reccomend books such as "Restoration" by First Fruits Of Zion to hand out to fellow Christians whom are just learning about a  based faith in Messiah. Also, books like " Rediscovered" and "Take Hold" by Ariel and Devorah Birkowitz are great for people to read. Forums like this are also a great place for people to discuss the falacies of the pagan celebrations in a balanced way. Shalom chaverim, Reuel |
|
|
|
Post by Golfnerd on Apr 28, 2006 23:41:08 GMT -8
I liked the book. Lew meanders around a bit in the text and it is hard to track sometimes, but all in all a good book.
|
|
After reading Mark's review I probably wouldn't want to get this book. It sounds like too much of the dreck I've already seen in Christian bookstores and am trying to stay away from. As Mark said there are so many alternatives available. 
based faith in Messiah. Also, books like "
