RLGA02H3 Lecture Notes - King James Version, Melting Pot, Biblical Criticism
Document Summary
During the babylonian exile, living in hebrew kingdoms would have been considered israelites, now it was possible to be a jew while living elsewhere. We know that conversions took place because there are reports of them and because rabbinic law contains a very detailed set of procedures for accepting converts. Jews since ancient times have been willing to receive converts who truly desire to join the. Rabbinic judaism came to specify three conditions for conversion: male circumcision, ritual immersion (baptism) and acceptance of the commandments. They verified that converts were willing to cast their lot with this unfortunate and endangered people. When a male student is ready, the ceremony of circumcision is performed, even a man who has already been circumcised must undergo a symbolic shedding of blood. The next requirement is baptism by total bodily immersion. Orthodox jews, who still rely on ritual immersion for a variety of purifying purposes, build special facilities for the purpose.
