Noahide Traditions

This wikipage represents research in progress.

Comments and suggestions are invited.

It is an attempt to review each of the largest faiths held by the Seventy nations. Following a description and brief summary of the religion, an attempt is made to identify which parts of that faith are incompatible with the Seven Laws of Noach. There are two goals in this effort: First, for believers who are currently belong to these faiths to become aware of what the Noachide Laws require of all humanity. Second, to try to isolate, identify and retain the national character of the faith so that a Noachide is left with a deep and fulfilling expression of his faith.

For each of the largest faiths, we include:

• Description of the faith.
• Documentation of which practices are not allowed according to the Jewish law
• Relationship to the Jewish Scriptures
• Relationship to authentic Jewish interpretation of Scripture
• Religious Council / Creed, as the defining interpretation of the faith
• Quote and teachings from leaders of this faith which confirm the above

This approach assumes that there is some relationship between religion, national faith, and Noachide nation. This needs to be explained further.

This wikipage represents research in progress.

Comments and suggestions are invited.

It is an attempt to review each of the largest faiths held by the Seventy nations. Following a description and brief summary of the religion, an attempt is made to identify which parts of that faith are incompatible with the Seven Laws of Noach. There are two goals in this effort: First, for believers who are currently belong to these faiths to become aware of what the Noachide Laws require of all humanity. Second, to try to isolate, identify and retain the national character of the faith so that a Noachide is left with a deep and fulfilling expression of his faith.

For each of the largest faiths, we include:

• Description of the faith.
• Documentation of which practices are not allowed according to the Jewish law
• Relationship to the Jewish Scriptures
• Relationship to authentic Jewish interpretation of Scripture
• Religious Council / Creed, as the defining interpretation of the faith
• Quote and teachings from leaders of this faith which confirm the above

This approach assumes that there is some relationship between religion, national faith, and Noachide nation. This needs to be explained further.

This category includes pages which discuss Noahidism and Christianity in its apostolic form, before the split between the Eastern and Western Churches. These pages have information derived from rulings from Christianity. Yhey either reflect a possible historical connection with Noahidism, or teachings that have been modified such that they are compatible with Noahide Law.

The following is an attempt to review the Druze faith as a potential Noachide faith as interpreted by Rabbinic Tradition. Following a description and brief summary of the religion, an attempt is made to identify which parts of that faith are incompatible with the Seven Laws of Noach. There are two goals in this effort: First, for believers who are currently belong to these faiths to become aware of what the Noachide Laws require of all humanity. Second, to try to isolate, identify and retain the national character of the faith so that a Noachide is left with a deep and fulfilling expression of his faith.

Description of the faith

See the main article Druze.

Support for the spread of the Seven Noachide Commandments by the Druze leaders reflects the Biblical narrative itself. The Druze community reveres the non-Jewish father-in-law of Moses, Jethro, whom Muslim Arabs call Shuˤayb. According to the Biblical narrative, Jethro joined and assisted the Jewish people in the desert during the Exodus, accepted monotheism, but ultimately rejoined his own people. In fact, the tomb of Jethro in Tiberias is the most important religious site for the Druze community. http://www.arutzsheva.com/news.php3?id=56379

Documentation of which practices are not allowed according to the Jewish law

At this time there are no known Druze practices which are forbidden according to Jewish law as applied to non-Jews.

Their book of Joshua which differs from the Jewish book of the same name does not appear to conflict with the Noachide laws and may be regarded as a holy book by Noachide Druze (though not by Jews).

Relationship to the Jewish Scriptures

Druze do not accept the entire Jewish scriptures. A "Noachide Druze" should accept the entire Jewish scriptures as divinely inspired.

Relationship to authentic Jewish interpretation of Scripture

It is not clear how the Druze view the authority of Rabbinic tradition concerning the interpretation of Scripture concerning the Seven Laws. A declaration has been made by several Druze leaders explicitly accepting observance of the Seven Noachide Laws as laid down in the Bible and expounded upon in Jewish tradition. A "Noachide Druze" should accept the authority of the Jewish court in these matters.

Religious Council / Creed, as the defining interpretation of the faith

It is not clear that the Druze have fulfilled the commandment of setting up their own active courts of law with the authority to enforce their rulings. Although most Druze have accepted the authority of Islamic or secular courts, a "Noachide Druze" should work towards establishing their own authorized and effective courts of justice to reflect their own national identity and traditions.

Quote and teachings from leaders of this faith concerning the above

Rabbinical Approval

In April 2006, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, Shaykh Mowafak Tarif, signed a declaration calling on all non-Jews in Israel to observe the Seven Noachide Laws as laid down in the Bible and expounded upon in Jewish tradition. The mayor of the Galilean and the city of Shfaram also signed the document. The declaration includes the commitment to make a "...better humane world based on the Seven Noachide Commandments and the values they represent commanded by the Creator to all mankind through Moses on Mount Sinai."

Assuming the description of the Druze faith as it is presented here is complete and correct, and given the additional requirements presented on this page (accepting Jewish Scripture, etc), it can be tentatively said that someone who follows this faith and the above additional requirements is a true Bnai Noach according to halacha.

This conclusion hopefully will be reviewed by a Jewish court of law in the near future and an official declaration made.

This wikipage represents research in progress.

Comments and suggestions are invited.

It is an attempt to review each of the largest faiths held by the Seventy nations. Following a description and brief summary of the religion, an attempt is made to identify which parts of that faith are incompatible with the Seven Laws of Noach. There are two goals in this effort: First, for believers who are currently belong to these faiths to become aware of what the Noachide Laws require of all humanity. Second, to try to isolate, identify and retain the national character of the faith so that a Noachide is left with a deep and fulfilling expression of his faith.

For each of the largest faiths, we include:

• Description of the faith.
• Documentation of which practices are not allowed according to the Jewish law
• Relationship to the Jewish Scriptures
• Relationship to authentic Jewish interpretation of Scripture
• Religious Council / Creed, as the defining interpretation of the faith
• Quote and teachings from leaders of this faith which confirm the above

This approach assumes that there is some relationship between religion, national faith, and Noachide nation. This needs to be explained further.

This wikipage represents research in progress.

Comments and suggestions are invited.

It is an attempt to review each of the largest faiths held by the Seventy nations. Following a description and brief summary of the religion, an attempt is made to identify which parts of that faith are incompatible with the Seven Laws of Noach. There are two goals in this effort: First, for believers who are currently belong to these faiths to become aware of what the Noachide Laws require of all humanity. Second, to try to isolate, identify and retain the national character of the faith so that a Noachide is left with a deep and fulfilling expression of his faith.

For each of the largest faiths, we include:

• Description of the faith.
• Documentation of which practices are not allowed according to the Jewish law
• Relationship to the Jewish Scriptures
• Relationship to authentic Jewish interpretation of Scripture
• Religious Council / Creed, as the defining interpretation of the faith
• Quote and teachings from leaders of this faith which confirm the above

This approach assumes that there is some relationship between religion, national faith, and Noachide nation. This needs to be explained further.

This wikipage represents research in progress.

Comments and suggestions are invited.

It is an attempt to review each of the largest faiths held by the Seventy nations. Following a description and brief summary of the religion, an attempt is made to identify which parts of that faith are incompatible with the Seven Laws of Noach. There are two goals in this effort: First, for believers who are currently belong to these faiths to become aware of what the Noachide Laws require of all humanity. Second, to try to isolate, identify and retain the national character of the faith so that a Noachide is left with a deep and fulfilling expression of his faith.

For each of the largest faiths, we include:

• Description of the faith.
• Documentation of which practices are not allowed according to the Jewish law
• Relationship to the Jewish Scriptures
• Relationship to authentic Jewish interpretation of Scripture
• Religious Council / Creed, as the defining interpretation of the faith
• Quote and teachings from leaders of this faith which confirm the above

This approach assumes that there is some relationship between religion, national faith, and Noachide nation. This needs to be explained further.

Teachings

Hindu scripture, in the Upanishads, contains a parallel which tends to support Benamozegh's argument that lawgiving would normally be a feature of the creation of the universe: "He still created further the most excellent law [dharma]. Law is the power of powers; therefore there is nothing higher than the law. Thenceforth even a weak man rules a stronger with the help of the law, as with the help of a king. Thus the law is what is called the true . . ." (Robert O. Ballou, editor, The Bible of the World. New York: Viking Press, 1939, page 41.) The creation epics and other early compositions of the Sumerians and Akkadians also contain parallels.^[1]

Particular attention might be given to a citation such as the purported Prayer of Enheduanna (daughter of Sargon the Great, c. 2250 BC) which begins: "Queen of all the me (rules) ... who grasps in hand the seven me. " These me rules are understood by Sumerologists as being divine norms, duties, and powers assigned at Creation - a concept basic to the ancient world with a range from the dharma (laws) of the Upanishads to the divine Tablet of Destinies of early Assyria. What historical relationship, if any, might be found between the Seven Laws and these seven rules?^[2]

References

References and notes

1. Lichtenstein, Aaron. "The Seven Laws of Noah". New York: The Rabbi Jacob Joseph School Press and Z. Berman Books, 2d ed. 1986.
2. Lichtenstein, Aaron. "The Seven Laws of Noah". New York: The Rabbi Jacob Joseph School Press and Z. Berman Books, 2d ed. 1986.

These pages have information derived from rulings from Islam, they either reflect a possible historical connection with Noahidism, or teachings that have been modified such that they are compatible with Noahide Law. Some followers of Islam, who also believe in the truth of the teachings concerning Noahide Law, believe that if it could be shown that Islamic teachings have been based in part on earlier Jewish teachings this could be proof of their contention that Islam was indeed the faith of Adam and a reaffirmation and renewal of the Covenant of Nuh.

Description of the faith

See the main article Islam.

Documentation of which practices are not allowed according to the Jewish law

At this time there are no known Islamic practices which are forbidden according to Jewish law as applied to non-Jews.

Relationship to the Jewish Scriptures

The Muslims do not accept the entire Jewish scriptures as uncorrupted. A "Noachide Muslim" should accept the entire Jewish scriptures as divinely inspired.

Relationship to authentic Jewish interpretation of Scripture

It is not clear how Muslims view the authority of Rabbinic tradition concerning the interpretation of Scripture concerning the Seven Laws. A declaration has been made by several Islamic leaders explicitly accepting observance of the Seven Noachide Laws as laid down in the Bible and expounded upon in Jewish tradition. A "Noachide Muslim" should accept the authority of the Jewish court in these matters.

Religious Council / Creed, as the defining interpretation of the faith

It is not clear that the Muslims have fulfilled the commandment of setting up their own active courts of law with the authority to enforce their rulings. Although most Muslims have accepted the authority of Islamic or secular courts, a "Noachide Muslim" should work towards establishing their own authorized and effective courts of justice to reflect their own national identity and traditions.

Quote and teachings from leaders of this faith concerning the above

Rabbinical Approval

Assuming the description of the Islamic faith as it is presented here is complete and correct, and given the additional requirements presented on this page (accepting Jewish Scripture, etc), it can be tentatively said that someone who follows this faith and the above additional requirements is a true Bnai Noach according to halacha.

This conclusion hopefully will be reviewed by a Jewish court of law in the near future and an official declaration made.

See also

• Invitation to Unite under the Hanif Religion of Abraham (International MIHR Foundation)

Noahides who follow the Rambam Approach declare all existing religions invalid by definition. Their approach has been to reject all aspects of their previous faith and adopt various Jewish traditions, albeit modified in some way. For these, only this category is valid.

This wikipage represents research in progress.

Comments and suggestions are invited.

It is an attempt to review each of the largest faiths held by the Seventy nations. Following a description and brief summary of the religion, an attempt is made to identify which parts of that faith are incompatible with the Seven Laws of Noach. There are two goals in this effort: First, for believers who are currently belong to these faiths to become aware of what the Noachide Laws require of all humanity. Second, to try to isolate, identify and retain the national character of the faith so that a Noachide is left with a deep and fulfilling expression of his faith.

For each of the largest faiths, we include:

• Description of the faith.
• Documentation of which practices are not allowed according to the Jewish law
• Relationship to the Jewish Scriptures
• Relationship to authentic Jewish interpretation of Scripture
• Religious Council / Creed, as the defining interpretation of the faith
• Quote and teachings from leaders of this faith which confirm the above

This approach assumes that there is some relationship between religion, national faith, and Noachide nation. This needs to be explained further.

This wikipage represents research in progress.

Comments and suggestions are invited.

It is an attempt to review each of the largest faiths held by the Seventy nations. Following a description and brief summary of the religion, an attempt is made to identify which parts of that faith are incompatible with the Seven Laws of Noach. There are two goals in this effort: First, for believers who are currently belong to these faiths to become aware of what the Noachide Laws require of all humanity. Second, to try to isolate, identify and retain the national character of the faith so that a Noachide is left with a deep and fulfilling expression of his faith.

For each of the largest faiths, we include:

• Description of the faith.
• Documentation of which practices are not allowed according to the Jewish law
• Relationship to the Jewish Scriptures
• Relationship to authentic Jewish interpretation of Scripture
• Religious Council / Creed, as the defining interpretation of the faith
• Quote and teachings from leaders of this faith which confirm the above

This approach assumes that there is some relationship between religion, national faith, and Noachide nation. This needs to be explained further.

This wikipage represents research in progress.

Comments and suggestions are invited.

It is an attempt to review each of the largest faiths held by the Seventy nations. Following a description and brief summary of the religion, an attempt is made to identify which parts of that faith are incompatible with the Seven Laws of Noach. There are two goals in this effort: First, for believers who are currently belong to these faiths to become aware of what the Noachide Laws require of all humanity. Second, to try to isolate, identify and retain the national character of the faith so that a Noachide is left with a deep and fulfilling expression of his faith.

For each of the largest faiths, we include:

• Description of the faith.
• Documentation of which practices are not allowed according to the Jewish law
• Relationship to the Jewish Scriptures
• Relationship to authentic Jewish interpretation of Scripture
• Religious Council / Creed, as the defining interpretation of the faith
• Quote and teachings from leaders of this faith which confirm the above

This approach assumes that there is some relationship between religion, national faith, and Noachide nation. This needs to be explained further.

This wikipage represents research in progress.

Comments and suggestions are invited.

It is an attempt to review each of the largest faiths held by the Seventy nations. Following a description and brief summary of the religion, an attempt is made to identify which parts of that faith are incompatible with the Seven Laws of Noach. There are two goals in this effort: First, for believers who are currently belong to these faiths to become aware of what the Noachide Laws require of all humanity. Second, to try to isolate, identify and retain the national character of the faith so that a Noachide is left with a deep and fulfilling expression of his faith.

For each of the largest faiths, we include:

• Description of the faith.
• Documentation of which practices are not allowed according to the Jewish law
• Relationship to the Jewish Scriptures
• Relationship to authentic Jewish interpretation of Scripture
• Religious Council / Creed, as the defining interpretation of the faith
• Quote and teachings from leaders of this faith which confirm the above

This approach assumes that there is some relationship between religion, national faith, and Noachide nation. This needs to be explained further.

This wikipage represents research in progress.

Comments and suggestions are invited.

It is an attempt to review each of the largest faiths held by the Seventy nations. Following a description and brief summary of the religion, an attempt is made to identify which parts of that faith are incompatible with the Seven Laws of Noach. There are two goals in this effort: First, for believers who are currently belong to these faiths to become aware of what the Noachide Laws require of all humanity. Second, to try to isolate, identify and retain the national character of the faith so that a Noachide is left with a deep and fulfilling expression of his faith.

For each of the largest faiths, we include:

• Description of the faith.
• Documentation of which practices are not allowed according to the Jewish law
• Relationship to the Jewish Scriptures
• Relationship to authentic Jewish interpretation of Scripture
• Religious Council / Creed, as the defining interpretation of the faith
• Quote and teachings from leaders of this faith which confirm the above

This approach assumes that there is some relationship between religion, national faith, and Noachide nation. This needs to be explained further.

Many Catholics, through a more thorough and historical search of their own traditions have questioned some of the teachings of the Church Fathers which deviate from Jewish teachings. They accept the concept of a true apostolic and catholic church, but they tend to take the teaching of the Trinity metaphorically or adopt ideas derived in part from Jewish Mysticism relating to the personification of Divine Attributes. They tend to rely on minority Rabbinic opinions permitting the belief to Noahides that God appeared in human form as an anthropormophism taken literally.

The "Jewish-Catholic Commission Meeting Report" March 20, 2007 cited the Noahide laws:

God has created the human person as a social being which, by definition, places limits on individual human freedom. Moreover freedom of choice is derived from God and therefore is not absolute, but must reflect divine will and law. Accordingly human beings are called to freely obey the divine will as manifested in Creation and in his revealed word.

Jewish tradition emphasizes the Noachide Covenant (cf. Gen 9:9-12) as containing the universal moral code which is incumbent on all humanity. This idea is reflected in Christian scripture in the book of Acts 15:28-29.^[1]

References

References and notes

1. ZENIT - The World Seen From Rome

This wikipage represents research in progress.

Comments and suggestions are invited.

It is an attempt to review each of the largest faiths held by the Seventy nations. Following a description and brief summary of the religion, an attempt is made to identify which parts of that faith are incompatible with the Seven Laws of Noach. There are two goals in this effort: First, for believers who are currently belong to these faiths to become aware of what the Noachide Laws require of all humanity. Second, to try to isolate, identify and retain the national character of the faith so that a Noachide is left with a deep and fulfilling expression of his faith.

For each of the largest faiths, we include:

• Description of the faith.
• Documentation of which practices are not allowed according to the Jewish law
• Relationship to the Jewish Scriptures
• Relationship to authentic Jewish interpretation of Scripture
• Religious Council / Creed, as the defining interpretation of the faith
• Quote and teachings from leaders of this faith which confirm the above

This approach assumes that there is some relationship between religion, national faith, and Noachide nation. This needs to be explained further.

Derivative Customs

There is some historical evidence to suggest that the Catholic institution of Apostolic Succession is derived from, and may actually be a continuation of, the Jewish institution of Semicha.

From the Jewish perspective, if a non-Jew keeps all of the laws entailed in the categories covered by the Seven Noahide commandments, then he or she is considered a Ger Toshav "foreign resident" amid the people of Israel. In fact, this is considered the ideal level for all humanity by Jewish theology. A Ger Tzedek is a person who prefers to proceed to religious conversion, a procedure that is generally discouraged by all sects of Judaism and allowed only after much thought and deliberation over the conversion has taken place.

The term Noahide is not the name of any specific religion but a term used to describe religions and cultures compliant with the Noahide Laws outside of Israel.

Below are listed the various major religions of the world and include discussion as the problems with these religions, and why they are disqualified as Noahide faiths.

See also

• Christianity and Noahide Law
• Catholic Christianity and Noahide Law
• Protestant Christianity and Noahide Law
• Evangelical Christianity and Noahide Law
• Islam and Noahide Law
• Sunni Islam and Noahide Law
• Shiite Islam and Noahide Law
• Baha'i and Noahide Law
• Hindu and Noahide Law
• Buddhist and Noahide Law
• Shinto and Noahide Law
• Zoroastrian and Noahide Law
• Rastafarian and Noahide Law
• Sabian and Noahide Law - Saabi`ah Hunafa` and Saabi`ah Mushrikoon
• The 70 Gates - An attempt to define all seventy religions based on Rabbi Benemozegh's approach