DID YOU KNOW?

Did You Know the Christian concept of having blind faith is not supported in the Hebrew Bible?

The Hebrew TaNaKh (Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim) does not endorse the Christian concept of "blind faith," where belief is maintained without evidence or reason. In the Hebrew Scriptures, faith is deeply connected to trust in the God of Israel, YaHuWaH based on His proven actions, covenant promises, and the historical evidence of His faithfulness to Israel.

Key Concepts in the Hebrew TaNaKh Related to Faith:

Trust-Rooted in Evidence: In the Hebrew Bible, faith (translated as "emunah", meaning firmness or steadfastness) is built on knowing the facts about YaHuWaH's past actions and promises. For example, Abraham’s faith in YaHuWaH was rooted in direct communication and YaHuWaH’s fulfillment of promises (Genesis 15). The Israelites were repeatedly reminded to have faith in YaHuWaH based on their collective experience, such as the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 14:31).

Testing Faith Through Knowledge and Proof: In Isaiah 1:18, the God of Israel invites His people (Israel) to reason with Him:

"Come now, and let us reason together," says YaHuWaH.

This shows that faith involves reasoning and understanding, not blind acceptance. Similarly, in Deuteronomy 13:1-4, the Israelites are warned not to follow false prophets, even if they perform signs, unless their message aligns with what YaHuWaH has previously commanded. This emphasizes that their faith must be guided by knowledge of YaHuWaH’s laws.

The Danger of Blind Faith: Blind faith, in the sense of believing or acting without evidence or understanding, is often condemned in the Hebrew Bible. In Hosea 4:6, it states:

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."

This highlights the danger of following or believing without proper knowledge of YaHuWaH's commandments and principles. Blind faith can lead to idolatry, disobedience, and spiritual destruction, as the Israelites frequently fell into idol worship when they failed to adhere to YaHuWaH’s commands based on their understanding and experience.

Obedience Through Understanding: Obedience to YaHuWaH in the Hebrew Bible is often a result of understanding His laws and commandments. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (the Shema) instructs Israel to "hear" and know YaHuWaH's commandments, teaching them diligently to the next generation. This passage shows that acting on faith requires knowledge, not blind adherence:

"Hear, O Israel: YaHuWaH our God, YaHuWaH is one. Love YaHuWaH your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."

The Danger of Blind Faith:

• Lack of Discernment: Following something without understanding or questioning can lead to dangerous consequences, including falling into idolatry, false teachings, or being misled by others. This lack of discernment is frequently warned against in the TaNaKh (Jeremiah 14:14).

• Accountability: In the Hebrew Scriptures, every individual is accountable for their actions, and acting without knowledge or reason leads to judgment. Proverbs 14:15 says:

  "The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps."

In summary, the Hebrew TaNaKh emphasizes a faith that is informed, reasoned, and based on evidence of YaHuWaH's past actions and teachings. Blind faith, without knowledge or discernment, is seen as dangerous because it can lead to spiritual and moral failures.

Faith or Facts: Questioning Blind Belief

Never place your trust or have blind faith in something, especially when it can be validated. We've all heard pastors and Christians in churches say we must have faith and believe in the name of Jesus, assuring us that everything will work out if we just go along with it. Faith is important, but is your belief grounded in facts and truth, or in lies and emotions? The reality is this: you could have faith as vast as Texas, but if it's based on a complete falsehood, the only outcome in the end is sorrow. While pastors encourage belief in the name of Jesus, historical and scriptural research repeatedly shows that this does not align with the final identity of the MaShiYaCh.

Some pastors genuinely don't realize they are blind leaders, guiding their equally blind congregations. If both the pastor and the congregation are blind, they are unable to read and, therefore, cannot see the truth that’s clearly written in the Hebrew ToRaH (YaRaMiYaHuW 5:21). On the other hand, there are pastors who do know the truth found in the Hebrew TaNaKh but refuse to teach it because they prioritize the benefits provided by the church.

This is why it’s crucial not to have blind faith and always to ask questions and conduct your own historical research! Until people start asking their beloved pastors the difficult questions, they choose to remain in darkness (HuWShA 4:6 “Hosea”). An illusion is a sleight of hand, and a trick is something for which the victim can’t be blamed, but for those who know it’s a trick and still choose to believe it, that’s a strong delusion!

Believing in and following something simply because the masses are doing it, even when it offers emotional or financial satisfaction, can be dangerous for several reasons. Without thoroughly researching the facts, individuals risk making decisions based on temporary benefits that may later result in negative outcomes. Emotional and financial satisfaction can cloud judgment, leading to a deeper engagement in potentially harmful or misguided practices. Here’s why it’s critical to question mass behavior, along with scholarly evidence to support these claims:

1. Confirmation Bias and Emotional Manipulation:

When something provides emotional satisfaction, people tend to seek information that confirms their feelings, rather than questioning it. This confirmation bias can prevent individuals from looking at the broader picture or understanding potential negative consequences. Following the crowd can lead to reinforcing one’s emotional attachment to an idea, making it harder to critically assess whether it is based on truth.

2. Financial Incentives as a Form of Cognitive Dissonance:

Financial gain can also cause people to rationalize questionable beliefs or behaviors, leading to cognitive dissonance. When a belief system or action results in financial benefit, it becomes harder to question it, as doing so could threaten personal or financial security. This dissonance leads people to ignore facts that contradict what they are emotionally or financially invested in.

3. Herd Mentality and the Illusion of Safety in Numbers:

One of the most dangerous aspects of following the masses is the assumption that if many people are doing something, it must be correct. This "herd mentality" makes it easier for individuals to avoid taking responsibility for their own actions and thinking critically. However, history has shown that large groups can be wrong or manipulated, often leading to collective errors or crises.

4. Financial Bubbles and Emotional Investment:

Financial satisfaction often draws people into situations like financial bubbles, where the masses continue to invest in a certain asset (e.g., real estate, stocks) based on short-term gains without considering long-term sustainability. When these bubbles burst, the consequences are often devastating for those who didn’t critically evaluate the risks and facts behind the trend.

5. The Danger of Emotional and Financial Manipulation by Leaders:

In situations where religious, political, or financial leaders benefit from mass adherence, followers can be emotionally or financially manipulated into maintaining loyalty without questioning the facts. Such leaders may appeal to the desire for comfort, prosperity, or community while masking the truth behind their motives. When followers don't question the facts, they risk being exploited.

6. Long-Term Consequences of Ignoring Facts:

In the long run, decisions based solely on emotional or financial satisfaction can lead to disillusionment, financial loss, or emotional damage when the truth is finally uncovered. People who blindly follow trends or movements without doing their own research may find themselves trapped in situations they later regret.

Conclusion:

Following the masses without researching the facts, even when emotionally or financially satisfying, can lead to poor decisions, manipulation, and long-term regret. To safeguard against these dangers, it’s crucial to critically assess the reasoning behind popular trends and not rely solely on emotional or financial satisfaction. Understanding the facts behind mass behavior empowers individuals to make informed, rational choices that lead to lasting fulfillment rather than temporary satisfaction.

The New Testament Contradictions: A Call for Critical Examination

It is no secret that many Hebrew and Christian scholars alike agree that the New Testament contains numerous contradictions when compared to its claimed foundation, the Hebrew TaNaKh (Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim). This discrepancy raises important questions about the reliability of the New Testament’s teachings, especially when its authority is said to rest on the Hebrew Scriptures.

Scholars have pointed out several areas where the New Testament diverges from the TaNaKh. These contradictions range from theological inconsistencies—such as the nature of the Messiah—to differences in teachings on the law, salvation, and covenant. For example, the New Testament often promotes a view that the law is no longer binding, yet the Hebrew Scriptures affirm the eternal nature of the Torah (Deuteronomy 4:2; Psalm 119:160).

Logic in Life-or-Death Situations

In critical situations, such as court cases where life and death are at stake, normal logic urges us to investigate all sides of a story carefully, especially if inconsistencies arise. A legal decision based on flawed evidence can lead to tragic consequences. The goal in any trial is to uncover the truth through careful examination of facts, evidence, and witness testimonies. Emotion, popular opinion, or blind faith cannot be the basis for determining what is true.

Similarly, when evaluating religious texts that have shaped entire belief systems, it is equally vital to apply the same logic and scrutiny. If contradictions or inconsistencies are found between the New Testament and its supposed foundation, the Hebrew TaNaKh, then these need to be investigated. Just as a court case would not ignore conflicting testimonies, believers and scholars should not ignore contradictions between these texts if the goal is to arrive at a truthful understanding.

The Importance of Critical Thinking

Blind faith, while often praised for its simplicity, can be dangerous when it leads people to accept ideas or doctrines without questioning their validity. Emotion and popular opinion can cloud judgment, but critical thinking—based on facts and evidence—offers a more solid foundation for belief. When inconsistencies arise in matters of faith, just as in law, it is wise to examine them thoroughly to determine what is true and what is not.

By comparing the New Testament against the Hebrew TaNaKh and identifying contradictions, scholars encourage a deeper investigation. The ultimate goal is not to tear down faith but to ensure that it is built on a foundation of truth rather than half-truths, misconceptions, or inconsistencies. In doing so, individuals can make informed, critical decisions about their beliefs, just as a judge would in a court case involving life or death.

IT'S NOT ABOUT MAKING SENSE

The contrast between the faith of the Hebrew Israelites in the God of Israel and the concept of "blind faith" in modern Christianity reveals profound differences in how trust and belief are understood.

Hebrew Israelites' Faith in the God of Israel:

The Hebrew TaNaKh presents a relationship between the God of Israel (YaHuWaH) and the Israelites that is deeply rooted in historical, tangible experiences. Their faith was not abstract or blind; it was built on a foundation of real-life scenarios where YaHuWaH demonstrated His reliability and power. Examples include:

• The Exodus from Egypt: The deliverance from slavery in Egypt, marked by plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the provision of manna in the wilderness, showed the Israelites that they could rely on the God of Israel. This was a concrete event, witnessed by the entire nation (Exodus 12-14).

• The Conquest of Canaan: The victories under Joshua, particularly in battles like Jericho (Joshua 6), where YaHuWaH’s direct intervention led to success, reaffirmed the trust that the Israelites placed in Him. Their obedience to His commands resulted in tangible victories.

• Protection and Restoration: Throughout the wilderness wanderings, battles, and exiles, the God of Israel promised blessings for obedience and penalties for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). The Israelites experienced both, reinforcing their faith based on the outcomes they saw play out in history.

In these instances, the faith of the Hebrew Israelites was grounded in a covenantal relationship with YaHuWaH. Their trust in Him came from witnessing real interventions and promises that were fulfilled. Their faith wasn’t blind but based on a history of reliability, where YaHuWaH proved Himself to be trustworthy. As Psalm 78:5-7 says, the Israelites were instructed to trust in YaHuWaH because of the wonders He had done for their ancestors.

Christian Concept of Blind Faith:

In contrast, modern Christian thought often emphasizes a form of "blind faith." The idea here is that faith is something abstract, not necessarily grounded in historical events, facts, or proven reliability but rather in belief itself. This notion is reflected in statements like: "It's not about making sense. It's about believing in something and letting that belief be real enough to you to make you change your life. It's about faith. You don't fix faith; it fixes you."

This approach suggests that faith is more about internal conviction and personal transformation than about evidence or historical reliability. The emphasis is on belief for its own sake, not on whether the object of that belief can be historically or theologically proven true. This can be freeing for some, as it allows for a personal, subjective experience of faith, but it also carries significant risks.

The Danger of Faith Based on Falsehood or Half-Truths:

While the notion of faith transforming one’s life is compelling, the problem arises when that faith is placed in something that is not grounded in truth. Even if a belief is real enough to inspire personal change, if it is built on falsehoods, incomplete teachings, misinterpretations, or misunderstandings, the result can be devastating. The outcome is often disappointment, sadness, anger, and confusion when reality does not align with expectations.

For instance:

• Unfulfilled Promises: If someone believes in a version of faith that promises prosperity or healing based solely on belief, they may become disillusioned if those promises aren’t fulfilled. This often leads to anger or a crisis of faith, where the believer feels betrayed by the very system they trusted and may even abandon that faith and become an atheist.

• Misplaced Trust: In the Hebrew Bible, the Israelites were repeatedly warned not to follow other gods, false prophets, or misleading ideologies that sought to turn them away from the unchanging ToRaH. (Deuteronomy 13:1-4). Their faith was supposed to be in the God of Israel (YaHuWaH) who had proven Himself. In contrast, modern "blind faith" can sometimes lead people to trust in ideas, systems, or religious leaders who are not grounded in truth, leaving them vulnerable to manipulation or spiritual confusion.

• Unanswered Prayers: The idea of faith as a "fixer" can lead to disappointment when prayers go unanswered or life doesn't improve. If the foundation of belief is shaky or false, individuals may end up feeling abandoned or broken, rather than uplifted.

Conclusion:

The Hebrew Israelites' faith in the God of Israel was based on historical events, proven reliability, and a covenant relationship that they could see, feel, and experience. In contrast, modern Christian "blind faith" often emphasizes belief for belief's sake, which can result in disappointment if that faith is not grounded in truth, especially if that truth does not line up with the Creator’s truth (the ToRaH). Even if a belief feels powerful enough to change someone's life, if it is based on falsehoods or half-truths, the outcome will inevitably be negative, leaving individuals with sadness, anger, and disillusionment when their expectations go unmet. True faith, according to the Hebrew Bible, must be placed in something reliable and unchanging, and the God of Israel consistently demonstrated that He was trustworthy.

the God of Israel consistently demonstrated His trustworthiness:

1. Exodus 14:13-14 – "Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance YaHuWaH will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. YaHuWaH will fight for you; you need only to be still.'"

   • the God of Israel's protection and deliverance at the Red Sea showed His faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to rescue Israel from slavery in Egypt.

2. Deuteronomy 7:9 – "Know therefore that YaHuWaH your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments."

   • This passage affirms the God of Israel's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel (not Christians), a sign of His trustworthiness over time.

3. Joshua 21:45 – "Not one of all YaHuWaH's good promises to Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled."

   • After conquering the Promised Land, Joshua emphasizes that every promise the God of Israel made to Israel was kept.

4. 1 Kings 8:56 – "Praise be to YaHuWaH, who has given rest to His people Israel just as He promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises He gave through His servant Moses."

   • During Solomon's dedication to the Temple, he reflects on the God of Israel's perfect fulfillment of His promises to Israel.

5. Psalm 89:1-2 – "I will sing of YaHuWaH's great love forever; with my mouth, I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself."

   • This psalm celebrates the God of Israel's enduring love and faithfulness, emphasizing His reliability throughout generations.

6. Psalm 100:5 – "For tYaHuWaH is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."

   • the God of Israel's faithfulness is presented as a continuous and reliable aspect of His nature.

7. Isaiah 25:1 – "YaHuWaH, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago."

   • This verse praises the God of Israel for His perfect faithfulness in fulfilling promises and executing His plans.

8. Lamentations 3:22-23 – "Because of YaHuWaH’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

   • Even in a time of suffering, this passage expresses confidence in the God of Israel's unwavering faithfulness and mercy.

9. Psalm 119:89-90 – "Your word, YaHuWaH, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures."

   • the God of Israel's reliability in upholding His word and promises is highlighted here, as His faithfulness spans generations.

10. Nehemiah 9:7-8 – "You are YaHuWaH God, who chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and named him Abraham. You found his heart faithful to you, and you made a covenant with him to give to his descendants the land of the Canaanites... You have kept your promise because you are righteous."

• This recounting of the God of Israel's covenant with Abraham and His fulfillment of that promise underscores His trustworthiness.

These scriptures demonstrate that the God of Israel consistently fulfilled His promises and proved Himself reliable and trustworthy to His people throughout their history.

• Nickerson, R. S. (1998). Confirmation Bias: A Ubiquitous Phenomenon in Many Guises. Review of General Psychology, 2(2), 175-220. This paper explains how individuals tend to favor information that confirms their existing beliefs, which can lead to poor decision-making when emotions are involved.

• Kahneman, D., & Tversky, A. (1979). Prospect Theory: An Analysis of Decision under Risk. Econometrica, 47(2), 263-291. This theory shows how people weigh potential gains and losses, often overvaluing emotional rewards, even when there are significant risks.

• Festinger, L. (1957). A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance. Stanford University Press. This work outlines how individuals are motivated to reduce dissonance between their beliefs and actions, especially when they have financial or emotional stakes in those actions.

• Bénabou, R., & Tirole, J. (2011). Identity, Morals, and Taboos: Beliefs as Assets. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 126(2), 805-855. This research discusses how economic incentives can reinforce beliefs and prevent individuals from questioning the legitimacy of those beliefs.

• Surowiecki, J. (2005). The Wisdom of Crowds. Anchor. Surowiecki examines how crowd behavior can sometimes lead to poor decisions, especially when people stop thinking critically and follow others.

• Banerjee, A. V. (1992). A Simple Model of Herd Behavior. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 107(3), 797-817. This paper explores how individuals make decisions based on the actions of others, often leading to suboptimal outcomes.

• Kindleberger, C. P., & Aliber, R. Z. (2011). Manias, Panics, and Crashes: A History of Financial Crises. Palgrave Macmillan. This book provides an in-depth analysis of financial bubbles, showing how mass behavior driven by financial satisfaction leads to economic disasters.

• Shiller, R. J. (2000). Irrational Exuberance. Princeton University Press. Shiller explains how emotions, especially optimism and financial gain, drive markets and lead to irrational behavior, even when facts suggest caution.

• Cialdini, R. B. (2001). Influence: Science and Practice. Allyn & Bacon. Cialdini discusses how authority figures can manipulate people’s emotions and financial behaviors, leading them to follow without questioning.

• Sunstein, C. R. (2006). Herd Behavior and Hindsight Bias. Journal of Legal Studies, 35(S2), 133-145. This article examines how leaders and influential figures can exploit herd behavior for personal or political gain.

• Ariely, D. (2008). Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions. HarperCollins. Ariely discusses how emotional decisions often lead to irrational outcomes, particularly when financial or emotional satisfaction blinds people to the facts.

• Thaler, R. H., & Sunstein, C. R. (2008). Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness. Penguin Books. This work explores how small decisions based on emotions can lead to significant, often negative, long-term consequences.

Unlearn, Deprogram, and Re-think EVERYTHING you were taught!

We don't claim to be self-professed prophets, teachers, leaders, or mentors, and we're not part of any clique, sect, or recruitment center. The resources mentioned on our website and YouTube channel, such as Strong's Concordance, Encyclopedia Britannica, the dictionary, word etymology, etc., serve as tools for a broader perspective. Nonetheless, our ultimate trust remains in the unchanging ToRaH of the Creator and God of Israel. We always encourage everyone to measure all opinions against the unchanging ToRaH of the Creator and God of Israel.

 BaT DaBaR 7:14 “2 Chronicles” Hebrew ToRaH

14 When my people, who bear MY NAME humble themselves, pray, and seek my favor and TURN from their evil ways; I will hear in my heavenly abode, and FORGIVE their sins, and will heal their land.

 MaKhiYaH 6:8 “Micah”

8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth YaHuWaH require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy ALuWaH?

ZaMaR 119:10-11 “Psalm”

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.