Q&A: Evangelical Christianity
Evangelical Christianity
Question
Is it permitted to accept help or money from Christians of this denomination? And why? Seemingly, according to the Talmud in Sanhedrin 61, it appears that Maimonides ruled like Rava, and as long as I do not acknowledge their deity, it is permitted, no?
Answer
The basis of the prohibition is in Yavesh Ketzirah (the commentators there explain that this is so as not to grant them merit in the World to Come). See a summary, for example, here: https://www.yeshiva.org.il/midrash/23786
Discussion on Answer
The rabbi (and the website) did not address the point that from their perspective this promotes religious agendas, and perhaps that is somewhat like deriving benefit from idol worship; they only addressed it from the angle of accepting charity from gentiles, without connection to idol worship.
Maybe so. I don’t know the reality well enough.
Rabbi Ronen Neuwirth has a responsum permitting it. Search online.
Personally, I am very doubtful about this prohibition. I have no problem increasing their merits so long as they are good people. I assume the Sages were speaking about wicked gentiles (like Meiri’s distinction regarding the gentiles of his time).