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Question
what does it mean to be human??
My apologies for my tardiness in replying. I did not received the normal AllExperts notification of your question.
To be human means to be created by our Creator as human beings.
What make humans unique is found at Genesis 2:7. The Bible states that Elohiym (God) formed ("vayyitzer") man with two contradictory impulses. The spelling of this word is unusual. Rather than one Yod (Y) as would be usual, this word has two yods: vaYYitzer. The rabbis determined from this that these two Yods (Ys) signify the word yetzer, or "impulse."
It is this dual nature that makes us unique among the species of life of this planet. We determine our own courses through our free will.
This understanding by the way negates the Christian doctrine of "original sin" theorized originally by Augustine of Hippo ("Saint Augustine" -- November 13, 354 -- August 28, 430) because it shows that HaShem created us with two impulses: one good (the yetzer tov) and the other negative (the yetzer ra). Which impulse we submit to is up to us. We were not created as mindless drones and we can not please HaShem by acting as such today.
Hope this helps,
~ Rabbi Yochanan
http://yeshivabethhashem.org
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Messianic Rabbi Yochanan
Expertise
I will be happy to discuss all aspects of Christianity, biblical doctrine, prophecies, etc. The Bible offers a wealth of information to us! So if you are wondering what the Bible has to say about any topic drop me a note.
After 40 plus years of study and research I have concluded that the religion taught by Y'shua (Jesus) is best defined as authentic Messianic Judaism. This is the approach I bring to these questions. If you are interested in a Messianic Jewish perspective I'm here to answer.
I have hands-on experience with several different Christian denominations as well as with Judaism, the Noahide movements, Islam and more.
Experience
41 plus years of seeking God.
Provost of Yeshiva Beth HaShem: http://templebethhashem.org/yeshiva
Author of JewToo.org
Organizations
Temple Beth HaShem, Magalia, Ca.
Yeshiva Beth HaShem
Publications
JewToo.org
Multiply site
Education/Credentials
I am an ordained Messianic Jewish rabbi at Temple Beth HaShem.
Education/Credentials
Ordained Messianic Jewish rabbi, three Christian ordinations (Baptist, Calvary Chapel and from an independent Christian Church), an MA in Religious Studies, an ordination in Ministry and Spiritual Counseling from the Interfaith Seminaries, 42 plus years of sincere seeking and 14 years answering questions and posting studies online.
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