Poll: Christian Seders
Duane Shank, a senior policy advisor for the Sojourners has this to say about bringing Christian meaning to the Jewish Seder supper.
This week I saw an article written last spring on Jews’ concerns over Christians celebrating Passover. It seems that more Christian churches are using “Christianized” versions of the seder, reinterpreting the meal’s symbols to reflect Christian beliefs. Said one rabbi, “They take our symbols, our holiday, our ritual and start investing them in Christian meaning.”
This is a concern that I share. Infusing the traditional text with Christian meaning is both dishonest and disrespectful.
Um, didn’t the writers of the Gospels infuse the traditional text of the Old Testament with Christian meaning?
How about you? We have a new poll up today; do you agree or disagree with the use of "Christianized" versions of the seder?
For myself, I’ve participated in many Christian seders, and it is truly amazing to see how, in this celebration of the escape from Egypt by the Israelites, how much New Testament symbolism is actually in there. We see it in the Bible, of course, but also in the traditional remembrance of it that the Jews have written. Remarkable.
If you have had any experiences with Christian Seders you’d like to share, or if you feel they cheapen the actual Jewish tradition, let’s hear in the comments.
Filed under: Christianity • Doug • Judaism • Polls • Religion
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I said this on another site. As a Christian I do the Seder as a sign of respect, appreciation, gratitude and perhaps solidarity. But I also believe that recreating the Last Supper [which was a Seder] is integral to my religious heritage.[Also it might be called part of the Christian Master Story] All the Jewish history up to the time of Jesus Christ is now mine by virtue of his life, death and resurrection. I don’t do a “traditional Jewish Passover” but what I think was what happened at the Last Supper of our Lord. The Jewish faith is that of my elder brothers.
Thanks, Ann. Very well said. Then, have you come up with your own traditional readings for your view of the Last Supper?
Years ago I attended a Christian Seder and got a copy of their script. I have enhanced it with expanded New Testament readings. Mainly because I love the Gospel of John’s account. So I guess you say that we use a hybrid version.
I have to say that some people think that this is disrespectful unsettles me.