Just as we may not legitimize an idolatrous “prophet” by asking for
more information, we may not encourage a “meisis.” A meisis is someone
who tries to persuade other Jews to worship an idol by telling them how
great it is. We are not to engage the meisis in discussion or befriend
him in any way as doing so only perpetuates his idolatrous missionizing.
If they say how great it is, without actually or explicitly saying one should worship X, is that still a meisit?
ReplyDeletechinuch (457) To not love the seducer: That we have likewise been prevented from bending our ear to the words of a seducer and that we not endear him in any manner. And the content of a seducer is one who seduces one Israelite to worship idolatry, such as one who praises the actions of idolatry to him; and he praises it in order that he will follow it and serve it and leave from under the wings of the Divine Providence. And about this is it stated (Deuteronomy 13:9), "You shall not long for him."
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