Before Christianity and Islam, and even Judaism, there was only one doctrine: Noahidism. Seven commandments for all mankind given to Adam and Noah, and repeated by Moses on Mount Sinai at the giving of the Bible. Though ancient, they are still in force today! The Bible is filled with many detailed commandments for Jews, but the rest of us need only follow these 7 commandments to fulfill our mission in this world, and reap the rewards of the next world.
Like all of G-d’s commandments, the commandments are not given to stifle or restrict us, they’re there to give us a chance to connect with G-d, in a way we otherwise couldn’t. We all know it’s hard work to pick out a gift for a loved one. Some might call it a chore. But we also know that if it were easy to pick out a gift, it wouldn’t mean as much. The commandments can be a challenge to follow at times, but that’s what makes them the most meaningful gift we can give to G-d for all He does for us.
But there’s something special about these 7 particular laws specifically.
Without a strong foundation, no building can stand. The Noahide laws are the foundation on which to build a society, and on which to build your life. Study history. Every society that collapsed first had a collapse of its value system. In any secular system, the values “blow in the wind” at the whims of the people. Stalins and Hitlers can arise at any time and sweep away the old priorities and destroy everything. G-d gave the remedy for this in advance. He said here are 7 laws; they are set in stone forever. And if you just follow them. Your society will endure. And it actually works!
These commandments also form the bedrock of the essential partnership between Jews (Judaism) and gentiles (Noahidism). Contrary to popular belief, both nations are chosen by G-d. Each is chosen for a different purpose, and we’re all headed towards one goal: a better, more G-dly world. We’re players that play different positions, but we’re all on the same team.
When we each fulfill our own commandments, all in worship of one G-d, humanity starts to unite. That will ultimately usher in the age of peace and goodness i.e. the Messianic era.
When people ask us what religion they should be, our response is always, “just be yourself!” Noah is the grandfather of all of us. So there’s no baptism needed, there’s no rituals needed. Just by being born, you are already a child of Noah, i.e. a Noahide. If you continue to keep Noah’s legacy, by observing these commandments, you simply become a “Pious Noahide.” That’s why Noahidism is a “religion” in quotes only, because it isn’t a religion. It’s who you are! But why focus on Noah all people?
It’s because his story reminds us that no matter how bleak things may look, if we get together and realize that we’re all in the “same boat,” we will not only survive, we will make the world bloom anew. That’s why a Noahides’ focus is charity. We’re one family. So if someone is suffering anywhere, that’s not just somebody, that’s my brother. And Cain was wrong, we are all, our brother’s and sister’s keepers.
