What do you think about a Christian church lighting a Chanukah menorah?

Define “Christian.”

Bunch of copycats.

If their reasoning is solidarity for Israel, I have no issue with it.

If their reasoning is yet another attempt to proselytize and convert Jews, I’m against it.

I’ll assume it’s a supportive act until proven otherwise.

@kritiper I thought I did. Mainstream Christian like Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic, Episcopal, Baptist, just to name a few.

So what? It’s fine. They want to light a menorah, I see zero issue with it.

I thought it was very nice myself. I assumed it was to show support.

Tomorrow is our Menorah Lighting event in one of our town squares. I’ll be curious to see if we have bigger crowds than usual from the Christian community.

I think one religion respecting another is a good thing and should not be discouraged.

One faith showing support for another faith. While I’m not particularly religious, I think the gesture of mutual humanity and fellowship is nice to see. The world would certainly be a better place if more faiths were able to come together in mutual respect for each other’s followers.

I wouldn’t have a problem with it if it could be made clear that support for Israel doesn’t also mean unequivocal support for Israeli actions. But that could be difficult right now.

@flutherother I see it as more an expression of support for the faith of Judaism and it’s followers than supporting the carpet bombing of the civilians in Gaza, or the policies of the State of Israel. I could be wrong though. If it’s the latter, then I’d say it’s not indicative of either Christian or Jewish values.

I think it may only be notable this year because of recent events, I have seen such things for many years at many churches in many places, showing interfaith support at this season of supposed peace.
Certainly not all churches, but enough to no longer be worthy of note.

Here’s the old Billings story if you don’t know it. The story about the menorahs in the windows starts around minute 1:45, but the whole news report is nice. https://youtu.be/rDH4gKDw_fo?si=GBY0cI5KOL_OYk4R

My take is that they are no longer focusing on Christianity but are focusing on secularism. The lighting of the Chanukah Menorah would have little meaning for Christians. Additionally, the Menorah is supposed to be lit one candle each day of Hannukah so by not doing so (lighting all 8 only on Sunday service) they are only using it as a symbol…an idol if you will.

As a Christian, it would very much be in my make-up to pray to God to watch over the Israelis and to bring peace to the entire region. Getting together with my church to make that prayer would have meaning to us. No menorah would be needed.

They might be lighting the menorah each day correctly or with the correct amount of candles (electric) each day at this particular Lutheran church, I really don’t know.

I can’t agree with @seawulf575’s statement that ”they are no longer focusing on Christianity but are focusing on secularism.”. I have not heard of any services inside the churches promoting interfaith worship, I think it is much more likely that that they are promoting a broader sense of community inclusion instead. I have lived in places where, at this season, the leaders of different faiths co-sponsor activities that promote positive awareness of many religious points of view.

Unlike @seawulf575, I don’t see it as exclusionary.

@canidmajor that’s his opinion, I would not take it as gospel (pun intended).

There are VERY FEW protestant denominations (with the possible exception of Unitarians, and some say they aren’t protestants) that will focus on – or even admit to – secularism. Calling someone secular (or a religion secular) is not a compliment; it is a term of derision and holier-than-thouism, promoting the superiority of one’s own religion.

So I agree your stance on what you wrote.

If you go back to my original response – it depends on the church’s motivation. Solidarity is great. Proselytizing and converting Jews is not.

Yes, it is his opinion, and I don’t agree with it. That should surprise no one.

@seawulf575 symbol does not equal idol.

@JLeslie By precise definition, a Christian is a follower of the teachings of Jesus Christ.
And that is all.

@kritiper I’m fine with that definition.

My Baptist church has always had a menorah on a small table in front of the pulpit. Since Jesus was Jewish, it only makes sense to me.

@chyna I like it. Does your church do anything for other Jewish holidays?

No.

@canidmajor The reason I say they are focusing on secularism is very simple. They are jumping into a worldly conflict to push one side. They weren’t using the Menorah to widen belief in Judaism, they were using it to tell people who is right and who is wrong in a situation that is wrong….period. That is why I suggest the proper thing to do would be to pray for both sides to gain wisdom, peace, and sanity.