The conflict between mainstream Judaism and the movement that Jesus created (which would eventually become Christianity) was multifaceted and evolved over time. Here are some of the key areas of disagreement:
* Messianic Expectations: Jews at the time had diverse expectations about the Messiah. Some anticipated a political leader who would liberate Israel from Roman rule, while others envisioned a spiritual leader who would usher in an era of peace and justice. Jesus's followers believed he was the Messiah, but his message and actions (such as emphasizing spiritual salvation over political liberation and challenging traditional interpretations of the Law) didn't align with many prevailing messianic expectations.
* Interpretation of Jewish Law (Torah): Jesus and his followers, particularly after his death, had different interpretations of Jewish Law compared to mainstream Judaism. Jesus emphasized the spirit of the law over its strict, literal application. For example, he challenged interpretations regarding Sabbath observance and ritual purity. Paul, in particular, argued that Gentiles did not need to adhere to all aspects of Jewish Law (like circumcision) to be followers of Jesus, which was a major point of contention.
* Jesus's Divinity: The claim that Jesus was divine, the Son of God, was deeply problematic for mainstream Judaism, which held a strict monotheistic belief in one God. The idea that a human could be God was seen as blasphemous.
* Temple Authority: Jesus's actions in the Temple, such as overturning tables of money changers, challenged the authority of the Temple establishment. This created tension with the priestly class and those who profited from the Temple activities.
* Inclusivity of Gentiles: Mainstream Judaism had specific rules and rituals for Gentiles who wanted to convert. The early Christian movement, especially through the efforts of Paul, made it easier for Gentiles to join by relaxing some of these requirements. This challenged the established norms of who could be part of God's people.
* Resurrection: While resurrection was a belief held by some Jewish groups at the time (like the Pharisees), the specific claim that Jesus had been resurrected and that this was a sign of the coming of the Kingdom of God was a point of differentiation and contention.
* Authority: Jewish authorities like the Pharisees and Sadducees saw Jesus as challenging their religious authority, and some felt threatened by his growing popularity. This led to clashes and attempts to silence or discredit him.
It's important to note that these conflicts didn't arise all at once. The relationship between the early followers of Jesus and mainstream Judaism was complex and varied. Initially, the followers of Jesus were seen as a sect within Judaism. However, as the movement grew and its teachings diverged further, particularly with the inclusion of Gentiles and the emphasis on Jesus's divinity, the divide widened. Ultimately, these theological and practical differences led to a separation between Judaism and Christianity.