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 CHRISTIAN-JUDAIC DIALOGUE
On October 27-29th
2006 Seventh Days Adventists jointly with “Tkuma” Center have initiated “Christian-Judaic Dialogue” in
Dnepropetrovsk. In the
frames of the event the religious, philosophical and historical issues have
been discussed by Judaists and Christians - Orthodox and Protestant (Seventh
Days Adventists) and representatives of other confessions.
The problem of Christian-Judaic relationships is still relevant nowadays.
Having appeared in the first century B.C. in
Palestine, Judaism is considered to be one of
the earliest monotheistic religions that have disseminated among Jewish people.
 As to Christianity, it appeared in the first century A.D. in
Palestine in the contest
of messianic movements of Judaism, and soon came into the conflict with
Judaism. Originally Christianity has been spread among Palestine Jews and
Mediterranean diaspora, but in the first decades of its existence it gained the
followers among other people (“pagans”). The personal comprehension of Bible Absolute
has been developed in principal Christian dogmas that denoted the main difference
of Christianity and Judaism, among which – Trinity and God’s Incarnation.
But in spite of disputable attitudes regarding philosophical,
theological and historical issues, the representatives of different confessions
have been delighted to participate in inter-ethnic and inter-confessional
dialogue. In the frames of
“Christian-Judaic Dialogue” the various topics have been raised – beginning from
history Jesus crucifixion up to Holocaust assessment in the world context.The last topic discussion has been emphasized by
the participation of Holocaust witnesses’, those people who have survived in
the abysmal tragedy, risking their lives to defend own moral principals.
 The meeting has been marked by the piano and violin performing of Jewish,
Ukrainian, Russian music and Christian motets. The facilitators of “Christian-Judaic Dialogue” were Maxim Gordienko (Pastor, Seventh Days
Adventists) and Dr. Igor Shchupak,
Director of Tkuma All-Ukrainian Center for Holocaust Studies).
The “Christian-Judaic Dialogue” has also hosted Arey Vudka (Teacher of Hebrew and Jewish
traditions) and witnesses of WWII events who have narrated about the relationship
between Jewry and other soviet compatriots, who risked their lives rescuing the
Jews from Nazi genocide. Daniil Buz
has shared his childhood recollections - when he was a little boy, his family
have rescued human lives by hiding the Jews from Nazi.
The WWII witnesses have spoken about Jews persecution, mass
exterminations and heroic deeds.
The “Christian-Judaic Dialogue” was targeted to gather people of different
ethnic groups and confessions, united by spiritual values to remember the History
Lessons.
Summarizing the meeting Dr. Igor Shchupak has
offered to invite representatives of other confessions, in particular –
Muslims, to participate in the following events. The suggestion has been
supported by all participants, because it is essential for avoiding the interethnic
conflicts in
Dnepropetrovsk as well as in other
regions of
Ukraine.
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