Jump to content

Draft:Michael Rood

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Michael Rood

[edit]

Michael Rood is an American author, television personality, and self-described historian known for his teachings within the Hebrew Roots movement. He promotes what he calls a restoration of the Hebrew foundations of the Christian faith, advocating for the benefits of optionally observing certain biblical feasts and commandments, and offering a Hebraic perspective on the New Testament. Rood's teachings derive from a wide range of conventional and unconventional sources, as well as personal experience, and some have generated controversy.[1]

Early Life and Background

[edit]

Michael Rood was born on December 5, 1952, in Greenville, Michigan. His early years were shaped by a strict Baptist upbringing, attending Vacation Bible School and services at Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville, later transitioning to Green Corners Baptist Church in Belding, Michigan.[2] He attended one-room schoolhouses, including Cooks Corner and Piper schools, before moving to Ionia, Michigan.[2] As a child, he questioned traditional practices, particularly the observance of Sunday as the Sabbath, which sparked a lifelong interest in scriptural accuracy.[2]

Rood’s paternal great-grandfather, Anshel Rood, was reportedly the founder of the first Ashkenazi synagogue in Amsterdam and served as a cantor.[3]

Spiritual Journey and Conversion Experiences

[edit]

Rood describes several pivotal moments in his spiritual journey. The Vietnam War era profoundly impacted him, intensifying his questioning of life's purpose and prompting a deeper search for spiritual truth.[2] He recounts a vision where he saw the words "Thy word is truth" in blazing fire, which led him to re-examine scripture.[2] Despite his devout involvement in Baptist traditions, he became disillusioned with what he perceived as a lack of spiritual depth.[2]

In August 1972, Rood enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as a Platoon Guide and convoy driver for nuclear weapons. He was discharged after his religious activities, including leading Bible studies, were deemed incompatible with his unit.[2]

Rood later engaged with various evangelical groups, including The Navigators and the Children of God commune, where he experienced what he describes as a baptism in the Holy Spirit.[2] He joined The Way International in the 1980s, appreciating their emphasis on scripture study but eventually left, citing moral and ethical failures in the organization's leadership.[2]

A significant turning point came with the circumcision of his firstborn child, which deepened his interest in Jewish traditions and observances, such as Sabbath-keeping.[2]

Ministry and Teachings

[edit]

Rood founded A Rood Awakening! International, a non-profit ministry focused on what he terms the restoration of the Hebrew roots of the Christian faith.[4] The Hebrew Roots movement emphasizes the benefits of understanding scripture within its Hebraic context and observing biblical feasts.[5] His teachings often challenge traditional Christian doctrines and promote biblical interpretation based on archaeological evidence.[2]

Rood is known for his television series *Shabbat Night Live*, where he discusses biblical topics.[6] He also authored *The Chronological Gospels*, which seeks to present the New Testament events in chronological order.[7]

Ministry Structure and Outreach

[edit]

A Rood Awakening! International operates as a non-profit organization focused on teaching and media production. The ministry produces various programs, including *Shabbat Night Live*, and offers books, DVDs, and other resources.[8] Jake Hilton joined the teaching team in June 2024.[9] The organization also supports community-building activities, such as prayer networks and biblical study groups.[10]

Controversies

[edit]

Rood's past association with The Way International has drawn criticism, as the organization has faced scrutiny for its hierarchical structure and unique scriptural interpretations.[11] Additionally, some of Rood's prophetic claims and teachings have been questioned for accuracy.[12] He has addressed these criticisms, emphasizing that his understanding of biblical prophecy continues to evolve.[13]

Personal Life

[edit]

Michael Rood is married to Analil Rood.[3]

Health Issues

[edit]

In 2020, Rood suffered a stroke and underwent rehabilitation.[14] As of October 2020, he was reportedly making progress in his recovery.[15]

Publications

[edit]

Michael Rood has authored several works focusing on the Hebrew roots of Christianity, including:

  • The Chronological Gospels: The Life and Seventy Week Ministry of the Messiah (2013): Reconstructs a detailed timeline of Yeshua's ministry, aiming to clarify the chronology of the New Testament and align it with Hebraic customs. ISBN 978-0989528122.[7]
  • Truth and Tradition: Challenges traditional Christian practices by contrasting them with biblical truths, urging believers to prioritize Hebraic foundations over inherited customs. ISBN 978-1621661004.[5]
  • The Mystery of Iniquity: Emphasizes the prophetic prerequisites for the return of the Messiah, including a celestial war, the rise of the Antichrist, and the fulfillment of legal and spiritual conditions foretold in scripture. ISBN 978-1621660991.[5]
  • Pagan Christian Connection Exposed: Explores how pagan influences have shaped modern Christian traditions, advocating for a return to biblically rooted observances and practices. ISBN 978-1621660984.[5]
  • Hockin' a Chanak on Hanukkah: Provides insights into the history and spiritual significance of Hanukkah, encouraging a deeper understanding of its Hebraic origins and its relevance for believers today. ISBN 978-1621661011.[5]
[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "About Michael Rood". A Rood Awakening! International. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Michael Rood: Exposed". YouTube. 18 August 2016. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  3. ^ a b "Biography of Michael Rood (Spanish)". Un Rudo Despertar. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  4. ^ "What is A Rood Awakening?". A Rood Awakening! International. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  5. ^ a b c d e Richard Robinson (2018). Introduction to the Hebrew Roots Movement. Messianic Studies Press. ISBN 978-0978502251. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  6. ^ "Shabbat Night Live Archives". A Rood Awakening! International. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  7. ^ a b Michael Rood (2013). The Chronological Gospels: The Life and Seventy Week Ministry of the Messiah. Aviv Moon Publishing. ISBN 978-0989528122.
  8. ^ "A Rood Awakening! International Media". A Rood Awakening! International. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  9. ^ "Jake Hilton Joins A Rood Awakening!". A Rood Awakening! International. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  10. ^ "Community Activities at A Rood Awakening!". A Rood Awakening! International. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  11. ^ "The Way International and Michael Rood". Apologetics Index. 4 May 2008. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  12. ^ "Michael Rood Controversies". Christianity Beliefs. 21 June 2014. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  13. ^ "Michael Rood Responds to Criticism". A Rood Awakening! International. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  14. ^ "Michael Rood Health Update". A Rood Awakening! International. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  15. ^ "Michael Rood Stroke Recovery Update". YouTube. 14 October 2021. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Draft:Michael_Rood&oldid=1293126182"