Sarahbeth Caplin's Blog, page 17

Who are the “true believers”?

I try not to employ the “No True Scotsman” fallacy very often – it’s not up to me to see into people’s hearts and determine who is a legitimate Christian, and who is not. At the same time, a person born in a Jewish family who later believes in Jesus is, by definition, no longer … Continue reading Who are the “true believers”?

Is Jesus found in the Old Testament?

I remember sitting in Bible studies in which the Hebrew Scriptures were studied – usually the prophets. Without fail, someone would mention where they could find Jesus in those verses, but especially in Isaiah 53. That passage in particular was just so “obvious” that Jesus’ life was planned from the beginning of creation. This is … Continue reading Is Jesus found in the Old Testament?

How Some Christians Mistake Honoring Jewish Culture With Appropriating It

This week I had an article published on Sojourners: When I was studying biblical counseling at a conservative Baptist seminary five years ago, a student invited me to a Passover Seder on campus. I was reluctant to respond because the student was a Messianic Judaism major and the Seder was being hosted by his department. … Continue reading How Some Christians Mistake Honoring Jewish Culture With Appropriating It

A brief history of the “quiet time”

I recently listened to a podcast episode by Uniquely Woman on the history of what has become known as the “quiet time” – the portion of the day in which Christians read their Bibles, usually in an arm chair or at a farmhouse table with a mug of coffee and open journal for note-taking (you’ve … Continue reading A brief history of the “quiet time”

What financial struggle taught me about faith

When I first converted, one thing I immediately noticed was how common it is for Christians to praise God for every good thing that happens in their lives, even if it happened as a result of human actions. God was praised for giving someone a job, even though they took the time to apply and … Continue reading What financial struggle taught me about faith

Grieving for Jewish relatives in an evangelical church

Josh took on the task of shopping for a new church during the summer I went back to Ohio to take care of Dad. One Sunday he sent me a text: This pastor is British and snarky. You’ll love this place! Well. How could I say no to that?
 When I returned to Colorado that … Continue reading Grieving for Jewish relatives in an evangelical church

Original sin vs. Original blessing

You would think that, in order to convert from one religion to another, one would have to be pretty damn certain about their new beliefs. And I was – I still am, for the most part. It’s the details that sometimes trip me up – are people born sinners? Will God eternally punish people who … Continue reading Original sin vs. Original blessing

Interview: Gutsy Christianity

Last week I had the privilege of being a guest on Gutsy Christianity, a radio show hosted by Rosa A. Hopkins. We discussed my memoir, Confessions of a Prodigal Daughter, what drew me to the Episcopal church, why I don’t identify as a Messianic Jew or “Jew for Jesus,” and how sometimes Christians misrepresent Jewish … Continue reading Interview: Gutsy Christianity

Podcast: A Jew and a Gentile walk into a bar…mitzvah

Last week I had a great discussion with A Jew and a Gentile Walk into a Bar Mitzvah on their podcast. As you can probably guess from the title, the show literally consists of a Jewish and gentile host whop regularly dissect various interfaith issues. On this episode, I discuss My book, Confessions of a … Continue reading Podcast: A Jew and a Gentile walk into a bar…mitzvah

We don’t need sanitized Scripture

You’ve probably seen it before: the Instagram photo of a Bible study, complete with a cup of coffee (maybe the mug has a Psalm or Proverb printed on it in swirly script) and open journal (the cover of which is probably embossed with something like “For I know the plans I have for you”). I … Continue reading We don’t need sanitized Scripture