Becoming A Fulfilled Jew: An Ethnographic Study of a British Messianic Jewish Congregation

Abstract

This paper discusses the findings of ethnographic fieldwork among a congregation of British Messianic Jews. After a description of the history and theology of the movement, it describes various themes expressed by informants who have come to accept Yeshua as the Messiah: An ethnic as opposed to a spiritual religious identity; dissatisfaction with Judaism; the influence of family and social networks outside the home; a religious search; a process of intellectual resolution; the importance of personal religious experience; dealing with crises; social support provided by members of the congregation; and the perceived importance of Messianic Judaism giving them a close relationship with God or Yeshua. The importance of religious experience and theological conflict are emphasized. The findings are discussed in relation to the conversion process described by Lewis Rambo.