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In Reply to: Re: messianic etiquette posted by Farmer on September 24, 2008 at 14:21:27:
Maybe I'm just using a different definition of "messianic" than you, a broader one than that used on some of those Jewish websites you refer to (I've probably seen some of the same ones).
The way I understand it, you don't have to be a messiah to be messianic, so it's possible to believe in both a single Messiah and a messianic prophet or leader who points to that Messiah. But I do understand the distinction you want to make between "messianic" and "prophetic". I see Berg and other cult leaders like him as messianic because they (or others) claim they have God's special anointing.
Here's an example in a current news article of the use of "messianic" in the way that I use it:
"Behind the Christian right's enthusiasm for Palin's conservative credentials is a visceral sense that she has come from them, not to them. Some right-wing evangelicals even believe she has messianic potential. As former Christian Broadcasting Network vice president Jim Bramlett wrote, "Sarah is that standard God has raised up to stop the flood. She has the anointing." The Christian right's analysis is accurate to a certain degree. While Palin may not be The One, she is certainly one of them."
Not to delve too deeply into the forbidden topic of partisan politics here, but consider this possibility: this U.S. election is more about voting for a Vice-President than a President. If Obama wins, within two years he likely be assassinated; but if McCain wins, within two years he'll likely die from a heart attack or aggressive skin cancer. It should scare the hell out of everyone (and not just Americans) that we are so close to having someone with messianic tendencies with their finger on the button!
