honoring God in the arts ...

[Dave]

I don't have time for a detailed reply, just to say that I completely agree that we need to respect the Jewish people and not do things that offend them. Misusing objects and words is definitely out of order.



There is a cultural difference here - the concept of sacred items or words is alien to the evangelical mind. Hence you see tallitot used as tablecloths, shofars blown casually, and occasionally the sacred name spoken. All these are deeply upsetting to most Jewish people, and when you give gentle correction, often people fail to understand the issues involved and believe that their freedom in Jesus means it's OK. Sorry, but it's not. If we love the Jewish people, we need to know and avoid the things that hurt them. Gentiles are grafted in - guests at the royal banquet - so showing respect and honouring the hosts are essential.



Just on the subject of names, in Judaism you only say Adonai when actually addressing God (ie when praying) - anything else is considered irreverent and disrespectful, and to avoid this you say HaShem.



Jewish practices relating to the names of God are all about showing respect to the One who is Ribono Shel Olam (I'll leave you to translate that!) and we would do well to learn about them and follow them whenever it is appropriate. After a while, you'll find that they become completely natural.