Constantine's Sword

 Dissent is a stated disagreement with a prevailing opinion, idea, or policy, held by an individual or a group. In law, a dissenting opinion is a written disagreement from a judge that does not have to be followed by future courts but can influence future cases by preserving minority viewpoints and sparking debate, as seen with the legal concept of a dissenting opinion in the US Supreme Court. 

Forms of Dissent
Dissent can take various forms, including: 
  • Articulated Dissent: Clearly expressed disagreement, such as a judge writing a dissenting opinion.
  • Latent Dissent: Disagreement that is not expressed openly but is still held.
  • Displaced Dissent: Dissent that is expressed in a different or less direct way.
Reasons for Dissent
People may choose to dissent for various reasons: 
  • They believe a prevailing view is incorrect, harmful, or unethical.
  • The opinion is not in line with their personal values or principles.
Significance of Dissent
Dissent is not always negative; it plays important roles in various contexts:
  • Legal Context: 
    Dissenting opinions can influence future legal decisions by presenting arguments that may later be adopted as the majority view or prompt new legislation. 
  • Public Discourse: 
    It contributes to public debate by bringing attention to different perspectives and challenging the status quo. 
  • Organizational Context: 
    In organizations, dissent can highlight issues and promote a more comprehensive understanding of different viewpoints. 
Jesus, from a Jewish perspective, was born, lived, and died as a Jew, observing Jewish traditions like Passover and attending synagogue, but is not considered the Messiah or divine by Jews because he didn't fulfill Jewish messianic prophecies. Some Jewish people have had profound, life-changing encounters or visions of Jesus, leading them to explore his teachings and role within Jewish scripture, viewing him with varying degrees of respect, from a wise rabbi to a figure who represents God.  
Jesus as a Jew 
  • A life lived within Jewish tradition: 
    Jesus was born a Jew and lived a thoroughly Jewish life, observing Jewish holidays like Passover, participating in synagogue life, and knowing the Jewish scriptures.
  • Observant of Jewish Law: 
    He would have known and followed the laws of the Torah, participating in the religious life of his community.
  • Cultural and religious context: 
    Jesus would have been aware of the various Jewish groups and movements of his time, such as the Pharisees, and his life was embedded in the traditions of Israel.
Jewish Perspectives on Jesus
  • Not the Messiah: 
    The primary reason Jesus is not considered the Messiah in Judaism is that he did not fulfill the biblical prophecies for the Messiah, such as bringing world peace or restoring the Jewish people to Israel. 
  • Divergent views on his role:
    • Some view Jesus as a wise rabbi or an ethical teacher, while others see him as a heretic. 
    • Modern opinions tend to be more favorable, with some viewing him as a failed messiah. 
    • A more traditional view sees him as having led people to idolatry. 
  • His followers' impact: 
    The development of Christianity as a separate religion from its Jewish roots is a significant part of the history of Jesus. 
Personal Encounters and Visions 
  • Some Jewish individuals have reported personal encounters or visions of Jesus.
  • These experiences can be deeply transformative, leading them to a new understanding of Jesus and his teachings within a Jewish context.
  • These visions, from their perspectives, are often seen as divine revelations or personal messages from God.