Maimonides' Law of Noahides - Revision history

פטר חמור: /* Laws of Kings and their Wars, Chapter 8 */

2021-05-10T08:27:13Z

‎Laws of Kings and their Wars, Chapter 8

פטר חמור: /* Laws of Kings and their Wars, Chapter 8 */

2021-05-10T08:08:38Z

‎Laws of Kings and their Wars, Chapter 8

פטר חמור: /* Laws of Kings and their Wars, Chapter 8 */

2021-05-10T08:04:29Z

‎Laws of Kings and their Wars, Chapter 8

פטר חמור at 07:58, 10 May 2021

2021-05-10T07:58:39Z

פטר חמור: /* Laws of Kings and their Wars, Chapter 8 */

2010-05-26T02:05:04Z

‎Laws of Kings and their Wars, Chapter 8

Elisheva at 20:36, 17 May 2008

2008-05-17T20:36:20Z

Elisheva at 20:33, 17 May 2008

2008-05-17T20:33:25Z

Elisheva at 20:28, 17 May 2008

2008-05-17T20:28:19Z

Elisheva at 20:23, 17 May 2008

2008-05-17T20:23:58Z

Elisheva at 20:00, 17 May 2008

2008-05-17T20:00:12Z

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 == Laws of Kings and their Wars, Chapter 8 ==
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 :See also:''[[The Obligation of Jews to Seek Observance of Noahide Laws by Gentiles]]''</td>
 <td align="right" valign="top"><div dir="rtl" lang="HE"><big><b>י</b>&nbsp;  משה רבינו לא הנחיל התורה והמצוות אלא לישראל, שנאמר "מורשה, קהילת יעקוב" (דברים לג,ד), ולכל הרוצה להתגייר משאר האומות, שנאמר "ככם כגר" (במדבר טו,טו).  אבל מי שלא רצה, אין כופין אותו לקבל תורה ומצוות. וכן ציווה משה רבינו מפי הגבורה, לכוף את כל באי העולם לקבל כל מצוות שנצטווה נח, וכל מי שלא קיבל, ייהרג.  והמקבל אותם, הוא הנקרא גר תושב בכל מקום. וצריך לקבל עליו בפני שלושה חברים.
+<br>
 וכל המקבל עליו למול, ועברו עליו שנים עשר חודש ולא מל, הרי זה כמין שבאומות.</big></div></td>
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-<td valign="top" width="50%">'''10''' ''[[Moshe Rabbenu]]'' gave the Torah and the commandments as an inheritance only to Israel<ref>See Laws of Kings and their Wars 10:9 where is explains that a non-Jew who studies Torah is worthy of death at the hand of Heaven, under certain conditions.</ref>, as it is written: "[The Torah is...] an inheritance of the congregation of Jacob" (Deuteronomy 33:4). Anyone who wants to may convert from the other nations, as it is written "as with you, [the same shall be] as with the convert" (Numbers 15:15). Anyone who does not wish to is not compelled to accept the Torah and commandments. Instead ''Moshe Rabbenu'' commanded, at the word of the Almighty, to compel all those who come into the world to accept the commandments which were commanded to Noah.<ref>Tosefos Yom Tov (Avos 3:14) writes "as the Rambam writes, we were commanded by Moses [to compel the non-Jews to accept the Seven Laws].  If this applies to compulsion at the point of the sword, with threats of execution,... it surely applies regarding compulsion through persuasion, to lead their hearts to the will of their Creator." The Chasam Sofer (Choshen Mishpat, responsum 85) writes that it is a mitzvah to guide the gentiles in the service of G-d.  However some authorities disagree and hold that the obligation is only moral, not a legal requirement, see introduction above.</ref> Anyone who will not accept, receives capital punishment.<ref>In contrast to the guidance mentioned previously, this law only applies when the Jews have undisputed authority of the Land of Israel, See Laws of Kings and their Wars 9:14</ref> One who accepts these [basic laws] is called: ''[[Ger Toshav]]'' in every place.<ref>According to the Rambam, the laws concerning ''Ger Toshav'' only applies when the entire (or majority) of Jewish people live in the Land of Israel (see Laws of Idolatry 10:6) and at that time non-Jews can become a ''Ger Toshav'' in any land.  Other authorities disagree and hold that one may become a ''Ger Toshav'' today.  Some authorities require the non-Jew to live in the Land of Israel  to be considered a ''Ger Toshav''.</ref> It is necessary to receive him in front of three Torah Scholars.<ref>Three Torah Scholars constitute a rabbinical court.  Some commentaries have noted that this is the same requirement for a non-Jews conversion to Judaism, inviting comparison between conversion and a "partial conversion" of the ''Ger Toshav''.  Other authorities view the requirement to appear before the court as performing a legal, rather than spiritual function, pointing out that here the non-Jew is re-affirming their covenant rather than 'switching' covenants.</ref> And all who have taken upon themselves to circumcise, and twelve months have past without circumcision, behold this person is like a heretic among the nations.<ref>The Rambam, in the Laws of Kings and their Wars 10, outlines the rules governing our relationship with Jews and non-Jews. A distinction is made between non-Jews who uphold a recognized legal system based on the Seven Laws and those who are outside any recognized legal system. A non-Jew who belongs to a nation who has taken on circumcision (generally understood to refer to the Arabs), but fails to do so falls outside the relationship defined by the Seven Laws. Other texts read "this person is like the other nations", which is understood to imply that someone who agrees to circumcise himself, i.e. convert to Judaism, but twelve months elapse without circumcising himself, his original commitment to convert is no longer taken seriously and he reverts to an ordinary non-Jew.</ref>
+<td valign="top" width="50%">'''10''' ''[[Moshe Rabbenu]]'' gave the Torah and the commandments as an inheritance only to Israel<ref>See Laws of Kings and their Wars 10:9 where is explains that a non-Jew who studies Torah is worthy of death at the hand of Heaven, under certain conditions.</ref>, as it is written: "[The Torah is...] an inheritance of the congregation of Jacob" (Deuteronomy 33:4). Anyone who wants to may convert from the other nations, as it is written "as with you, [the same shall be] as with the convert" (Numbers 15:15). Anyone who does not wish to is not compelled to accept the Torah and commandments. Instead ''Moshe Rabbenu'' commanded, at the word of the Almighty, to compel all those who come into the world to accept the commandments which were commanded to Noah.<ref>Tosefos Yom Tov (Avos 3:14) writes "as the Rambam writes, we were commanded by Moses [to compel the non-Jews to accept the Seven Laws].  If this applies to compulsion at the point of the sword, with threats of execution,... it surely applies regarding compulsion through persuasion, to lead their hearts to the will of their Creator." The Chasam Sofer (Choshen Mishpat, responsum 85) writes that it is a mitzvah to guide the gentiles in the service of G-d.  However some authorities disagree and hold that the obligation is only moral, not a legal requirement, see introduction above.</ref> Anyone who will not accept, receives capital punishment.<ref>In contrast to the guidance mentioned previously, this law only applies when the Jews have undisputed authority of the Land of Israel, See Laws of Kings and their Wars 9:14</ref> One who accepts these [basic laws] is called: ''[[Ger Toshav]]'' in every place.<ref>According to the Rambam, the laws concerning ''Ger Toshav'' only applies when the entire (or majority) of Jewish people live in the Land of Israel (see Laws of Idolatry 10:6) and at that time non-Jews can become a ''Ger Toshav'' in any land.  Other authorities disagree and hold that one may become a ''Ger Toshav'' today.  Some authorities require the non-Jew to live in the Land of Israel  to be considered a ''Ger Toshav''.</ref> It is necessary to receive him in front of three Torah Scholars.<ref>Three Torah Scholars constitute a rabbinical court.  Some commentaries have noted that this is the same requirement for a non-Jews conversion to Judaism, inviting comparison between conversion and a "partial conversion" of the ''Ger Toshav''.  Other authorities view the requirement to appear before the court as performing a legal, rather than spiritual function, pointing out that here the non-Jew is re-affirming their covenant rather than 'switching' covenants.</ref>
 :See also:''[[The Obligation of Jews to Seek Observance of Noahide Laws by Gentiles]]''</td>
-<td align="right" valign="top"><div dir="rtl" lang="HE"><big><b>י</b>&nbsp;  משה רבינו לא הנחיל התורה והמצוות אלא לישראל, שנאמר "מורשה, קהילת יעקוב" (דברים לג,ד), ולכל הרוצה להתגייר משאר האומות, שנאמר "ככם כגר" (במדבר טו,טו).  אבל מי שלא רצה, אין כופין אותו לקבל תורה ומצוות. וכן ציווה משה רבינו מפי הגבורה, לכוף את כל באי העולם לקבל כל מצוות שנצטווה נח, וכל מי שלא קיבל, ייהרג.  והמקבל אותם, הוא הנקרא גר תושב בכל מקום. וצריך לקבל עליו בפני שלושה חברים.  וכל המקבל עליו למול, ועברו עליו שנים עשר חודש ולא מל, הרי זה כמין שבאומות.</big></div></td>
+<td align="right" valign="top"><div dir="rtl" lang="HE"><big><b>י</b>&nbsp;  משה רבינו לא הנחיל התורה והמצוות אלא לישראל, שנאמר "מורשה, קהילת יעקוב" (דברים לג,ד), ולכל הרוצה להתגייר משאר האומות, שנאמר "ככם כגר" (במדבר טו,טו).  אבל מי שלא רצה, אין כופין אותו לקבל תורה ומצוות. וכן ציווה משה רבינו מפי הגבורה, לכוף את כל באי העולם לקבל כל מצוות שנצטווה נח, וכל מי שלא קיבל, ייהרג.  והמקבל אותם, הוא הנקרא גר תושב בכל מקום. וצריך לקבל עליו בפני שלושה חברים.
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 Please note when reading this translation that while [[Maimonides]] is the major source of a comprehensive Code of Jewish Law, not all authorities follow his rulings and other opinions have made their way as law.
-Concerning Maimonides obligation of Jews to seek (or force) observance of Noachide Laws by Gentiles. A simple reading of the rules of Maimonides' would indicate that Jews or a Jewish court are obligated to coerce Noachides to observe their laws. Such is not the only way, however, to interpret Maimonides' statements. See Rabbi Michael J. Broyde in his "The Obligation of Jews to Seek Observance of Noachide Laws by Gentiles: A Theoretical Review" where the conclusion is that such a view is not supported by Jewish Law.<ref>[[The Obligation of Jews to Seek Observance of Noahide Laws by Gentiles]]</ref>. The book "Torah For Gentiles" by Elisheva Barre makes a clear point that the "coercion" Maimonides talks about applies only to the Canaanite nations, as a condition for their becoming Resident Strangers (see page 22-29 and page 171 note 18).
+Concerning Maimonides obligation of Jews to seek (or force) observance of Noachide Laws by Gentiles. A simple reading of the rules of Maimonides' would indicate that Jews or a Jewish court are obligated to coerce Noachides to observe their laws. Such is not the only way, however, to interpret Maimonides' statements. See Rabbi Michael J. Broyde in his "The Obligation of Jews to Seek Observance of Noachide Laws by Gentiles: A Theoretical Review" where the conclusion is that such a view is not supported by Jewish Law.<ref>[[The Obligation of Jews to Seek Observance of Noahide Laws by Gentiles]]</ref>. The book "Torah For Gentiles" by Elisheva Barre makes a clear point that the "coercion" Maimonides talks about applies only to the Canaanite nations, as a condition for their becoming Ger Toshavs (see page 22-29 and page 171 note 18).
 Concerning Maimonides exclusive use of capital punishment for Noahide violations: most rabbinic authorities disagree with Maimonides, and hold that it means "punishments up to and including capital punishment"; that a system of fines is meant to be set up; and courts set up by Noahides themselves, not Jewish law, should determine the structure and severity of Noahide punishments in whatever manner best serves justice for their particular country.<ref>[[Capital Punishment in Noahide law]]</ref>. Barre's book "Torah for Gentiles" analyzes the application of the Noahide laws according to Maimonides.
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-<td valign="top">'''3''' Noahide that converts, is circumcised and immerses [in a mivkah], and afterward wants to return from [following] after Hashem [as a Jew], and to be ''Ger Toshov'' only, like he was previously, [the court] does not heed his request:  Instead he must be like an Israelite in all matters, or he receives capital punishment. If he was a minor when he was immersed by the court, he may object [to his conversion] at the time that he attains majority, and he is allowed to become a ''Ger Toshov'' only. But if he does not object at the time he attains majority, he is not allowed to object at a later time, but he is considered a full convert. Accordingly if [a Jew has relations with] a young girl that was immersed by court of law, [she is entitled to all] monies specified by the ''ketubah'', or fines [according to] rape or seduction, [however these monies are] are placed under the custody of the court until she attains majority and does not object to her conversion. Lest she benefit by obtaining majority and objecting [to her conversion], in this situation she obtains monies as a non-Jew  [outside of Jewish law] that she was only entitled to according to Jewish law.</td>
+<td valign="top">'''3''' Noahide that converts, is circumcised and immerses [in a mivkah], and afterward wants to return from [following] after Hashem [as a Jew], and to be ''Ger Toshav'' only, like he was previously, [the court] does not heed his request:  Instead he must be like an Israelite in all matters, or he receives capital punishment. If he was a minor when he was immersed by the court, he may object [to his conversion] at the time that he attains majority, and he is allowed to become a ''Ger Toshav'' only. But if he does not object at the time he attains majority, he is not allowed to object at a later time, but he is considered a full convert. Accordingly if [a Jew has relations with] a young girl that was immersed by court of law, [she is entitled to all] monies specified by the ''ketubah'', or fines [according to] rape or seduction, [however these monies are] are placed under the custody of the court until she attains majority and does not object to her conversion. Lest she benefit by obtaining majority and objecting [to her conversion], in this situation she obtains monies as a non-Jew  [outside of Jewish law] that she was only entitled to according to Jewish law.</td>
 <td align="right" valign="top"><div dir="rtl" lang="HE"><big><b>ג</b>&nbsp; בן נח שנתגייר, ומל וטבל, ואחר כך רצה לחזור מאחרי ה', ולהיות גר תושב בלבד כשהיה מקודם, אין שומעין לו:  אלא יהיה כישראל לכל דבר, או ייהרג.  ואם היה קטן כשהטבילו אותו בית דין, יכול למחות בשעה שיגדיל, ויהיה גר תושב בלבד; וכיון שלא מיחה בשעתו, שוב אינו ממחה, אלא הרי הוא גר צדק. לפיכך אם בא לקטנה שהטבילוה בית דין, כסף כתובתה, או קנס אונס או מפתה, יהיה הכל תחת יד בית דין, עד שתגדיל ולא תמחה בגירות:  שמא תיטול, ותגדיל ותמחה; ונמצאת זו אוכלת בגיותה מעות שאין לה זכות בהן, אלא בדיני ישראל.</big></div></td>
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-<td valign="top">'''12''' two of nations that they came to your presence to judge in laws of israel , and they want both of them , judge to them judgement torah . the one desire , and the one doesn't desire , naught compelled him to judge except in their laws . there was israel and non-jew , if there is privilege to israel in their laws , judge to him in their laws and they say to him , so your laws ; and if there is privilege to israel in our law , judge to him judgement torah and they say to him , so our law . and it appears me that naught do thus to resident alien , except always judge to him in their laws . and also it appears me that customary nation converts of resident by way of country , and philanthropy like israel , that behold we commanded to support him , that as it is said " to proselyte that in your gates give it to them and eat it " ( deuteronomy 14:21).  and this that they say sages , naught compelling to them peace , in nations , not in resident alien . even the nations , command us sages to visit their sick , and to bury their dead with dead of israel , and to support poor of at all poor of israel , because ways of peace : behold as it is said " benefit Hashem to all ; and merciful , on all actions " ( psalms 145, 9 ), and as it is said " its ways , amenity ; and all its paths , peace " ( proverbs 3 , 17 ). </td>
+<td valign="top">'''12''' two of nations that they came to your presence to judge in laws of israel , and they want both of them , judge to them judgement torah . the one desire , and the one doesn't desire , naught compelled him to judge except in their laws . there was israel and non-jew , if there is privilege to israel in their laws , judge to him in their laws and they say to him , so your laws ; and if there is privilege to israel in our law , judge to him judgement torah and they say to him , so our law . and it appears me that naught do thus to ''Ger Toshav'', except always judge to him in their laws . and also it appears me that customary nation converts of resident by way of country , and philanthropy like israel , that behold we commanded to support him , that as it is said " to proselyte that in your gates give it to them and eat it " ( deuteronomy 14:21).  and this that they say sages , naught compelling to them peace , in nations , not in ''Ger Toshav''. even the nations , command us sages to visit their sick , and to bury their dead with dead of israel , and to support poor of at all poor of israel , because ways of peace : behold as it is said " benefit Hashem to all ; and merciful , on all actions " ( psalms 145, 9 ), and as it is said " its ways , amenity ; and all its paths , peace " ( proverbs 3 , 17 ). </td>
 <td align="right" valign="top"><div dir="rtl" lang="HE"><big><b>יב</b>&nbsp; שני גויים שבאו לפניך לדון בדיני ישראל, ורצו שניהן, דנים להם דין תורה.  האחד רוצה, והאחד אינו רוצה, אין כופין אותו לדון אלא בדיניהן.  היה ישראל וגוי, אם יש זכות לישראל בדיניהן, דנים לו בדיניהם ואומרים לו, כך דיניכם; ואם יש זכות לישראל בדינינו, דנין לו דין תורה ואומרים לו, כך דינינו.  וייראה לי שאין עושין כן לגר תושב, אלא לעולם דנים לו בדיניהם.  וכן ייראה לי שנוהגין עם גרי תושב בדרך ארץ, וגמילות חסדים כישראל, שהרי אנו מצווין להחיותו, שנאמר "לגר אשר בשעריך תיתננה ואכלה" (דברים יד,כא).  וזה שאמרו חכמים, אין כופלין להן שלום, בגויים, לא בגר תושב.  אפילו הגויים, ציוו חכמים לבקר חוליהם, ולקבור מתיהם עם מתי ישראל, ולפרנס ענייהם בכלל עניי ישראל, מפני דרכי שלום:  הרי נאמר "טוב ה', לכל; ורחמיו, על כל מעשיו" (תהילים קמה,ט), ונאמר "דרכיה, דרכי נועם; וכל נתיבותיה, שלום" (משלי ג,יז).</big></div></td>
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-<td valign="top" width="50%">'''11''' Everyone who accepts the [[Seven Laws]] and is careful to do them, this person is one of the ''[[Chasidei Umos HaOlam]]'' (very pious of the nations of the world), and he has portion in the world to come. This applies to one who accepts them and will do them because the ''[[Kodosh Baruch Hu]]'' commanded them in the Torah, and informed us by means of Moshe Rabbenu, that Noahides were previously commanded concerning these laws. But if he does them because of an intellectual decision, then he is not a ''Ger Toshav'', and is not of the ''[[Chasidei Umos HaOlam]]'', he is [only] one of their ''[[Chochmei Umos HaOlam]]'' (wise men of the nations of the world).</td>
+<td valign="top" width="50%">'''11''' Everyone who accepts the [[Seven Laws]] and is careful to do them, this person is one of the ''[[Chasidei Umos HaOlam]]'' (very pious of the nations of the world), and he has portion in the world to come. This applies to one who accepts them and will do them because the ''[[Kodosh Baruch Hu]]'' commanded them in the Torah, and informed us by means of Moshe Rabbenu, that Noahides were previously commanded concerning these laws. But if he does them because of an intellectual decision, then he is not a ''Ger Toshav'', and is not of the ''[[Chasidei Umos HaOlam]]'', he is [only] one of their ''[[Chochmei Umos HaOlam|wise men]] (of the nations of the world).</td>
 <td align="right" valign="top"><div dir="rtl" lang="HE"><big><b>יא</b>&nbsp; כל המקבל שבע מצוות ונזהר לעשותן, הרי זה מחסידי אומות העולם, ויש לו חלק לעולם הבא.  והוא שיקבל אותן ויעשה אותן מפני שציווה בהן הקדוש ברוך הוא בתורה, והודיענו על ידי משה רבינו, שבני נח מקודם נצטוו בהן.  אבל אם עשאן מפני הכרע הדעת, אין זה גר תושב, ואינו מחסידי אומות העולם אלא מחכמיהם.</big></div></td>
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 Concerning Maimonides obligation of Jews to seek (or force) observance of Noachide Laws by Gentiles. A simple reading of the rules of Maimonides' would indicate that Jews or a Jewish court are obligated to coerce Noachides to observe their laws. Such is not the only way, however, to interpret Maimonides' statements. See Rabbi Michael J. Broyde in his "The Obligation of Jews to Seek Observance of Noachide Laws by Gentiles: A Theoretical Review" where the conclusion is that such a view is not supported by Jewish Law.<ref>[[The Obligation of Jews to Seek Observance of Noahide Laws by Gentiles]]</ref>. The book "Torah For Gentiles" by Elisheva Barre makes a clear point that the "coercion" Maimonides talks about applies only to the Canaanite nations, as a condition for their becoming Resident Strangers (see page 22-29 and page 171 note 18).
-Concerning Maimonides exclusive use of capital punishment for Noahide violations: most rabbinic authorities disagree with Maimonides, and hold that it means "punishments up to and including capital punishment"; that a system of fines is meant to be set up; and courts set up by Noahides themselves, not Jewish law, should determine the structure and severity of Noahide punishments in whatever manner best serves justice for their particular country.<ref>[[Capital Punishment in Noahide law]]</ref>. Barre's book "Torah for Gentiles" analyzes and explains the application of the Noahide laws according to Maimonides.
+Concerning Maimonides exclusive use of capital punishment for Noahide violations: most rabbinic authorities disagree with Maimonides, and hold that it means "punishments up to and including capital punishment"; that a system of fines is meant to be set up; and courts set up by Noahides themselves, not Jewish law, should determine the structure and severity of Noahide punishments in whatever manner best serves justice for their particular country.<ref>[[Capital Punishment in Noahide law]]</ref>. Barre's book "Torah for Gentiles" analyzes the application of the Noahide laws according to Maimonides.
-The question as to what constitutes idolatry today, and whether Christianity constitutes idolatry or a lesser form of ''partnership'', became a matter of debate in Jewish halachic literature. In any event, it has never, at any time in our history, been suggested that Christians be prosecuted according to these laws, because "It is forbidden to kill someone who is not at war with us" (Laws of Idolatry X 1).<ref>[[Christianity and Noahide Law]]</ref>
+The question as to what constitutes idolatry today, and whether Christianity constitutes idolatry or a lesser form of ''partnership'', became a matter of debate in Jewish halachic literature. In any event, it has never, at any time in our history, been suggested that Christians be prosecuted according to these laws. <ref>[[Christianity and Noahide Law]]</ref>
 == Laws of Kings and their Wars, Chapter 8 ==

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-Please note when reading this translation that while [[Maimonides]] is one of the major sources for the Code of Jewish Law, Jewish law does not always follow his rulings, and in certain cases other opinions are accepted as law.
+Please note when reading this translation that while [[Maimonides]] is the major source of a comprehensive Code of Jewish Law, not all authorities follow his rulings and other opinions have made their way as law.
-Concerning Maimonides apparent obligation of Jews to seek (or force) observance of Noachide Laws by Gentiles. A simple reading of the rules of Maimonides' would indicate that Jews or a Jewish court are obligated in (at the minimum) coercing Noachides to observe their laws. Such is not the only way, however, to interpret Maimonides' statements. See Rabbi Michael J. Broyde in his "The Obligation of Jews to Seek Observance of Noachide Laws by Gentiles: A Theoretical Review" where the conclusion is that such a view is not supported by Jewish Law.<ref>[[The Obligation of Jews to Seek Observance of Noahide Laws by Gentiles]]</ref>. The book "Torah For Gentiles" by Elisheva Barre (2008) makes a clear point that the "coersion" of the Bnei Noah laws applies only to the Canaanite nations, as a condition for their becoming Resident Strangers.
+Concerning Maimonides obligation of Jews to seek (or force) observance of Noachide Laws by Gentiles. A simple reading of the rules of Maimonides' would indicate that Jews or a Jewish court are obligated to coerce Noachides to observe their laws. Such is not the only way, however, to interpret Maimonides' statements. See Rabbi Michael J. Broyde in his "The Obligation of Jews to Seek Observance of Noachide Laws by Gentiles: A Theoretical Review" where the conclusion is that such a view is not supported by Jewish Law.<ref>[[The Obligation of Jews to Seek Observance of Noahide Laws by Gentiles]]</ref>. The book "Torah For Gentiles" by Elisheva Barre makes a clear point that the "coercion" Maimonides talks about applies only to the Canaanite nations, as a condition for their becoming Resident Strangers (see page 22-29 and page 171 note 18).
-Concerning Maimonides exclusive use of capital punishment for Noahide violations, most rabbinic authorities disagree and hold that it means "punishments up to and including capital punishment"; that a system of fines is meant to be set up; and courts set up by Noahides themselves, not Jewish law, should determine the structure and severity of Noahide punishments in whatever manner best serves justice for their particular country.<ref>[[Capital Punishment in Noahide law]]</ref>
+Concerning Maimonides exclusive use of capital punishment for Noahide violations, most rabbinic authorities disagree and hold that it means "punishments up to and including capital punishment"; that a system of fines is meant to be set up; and courts set up by Noahides themselves, not Jewish law, should determine the structure and severity of Noahide punishments in whatever manner best serves justice for their particular country.<ref>[[Capital Punishment in Noahide law]]</ref>. (On the basis of the Talmudic sources of the Rambam, this view is counter-argued in "Torah for Gentiles").
-The question as to what constitutes idolatry today, and whether Christianity constitutes idolatry or a lesser form of ''partnership'', is a matter of debate in Jewish law. In any event, Jewish law has never, at any time in our history, suggested that Christians be prosecuted according to these laws.<ref>[[Christianity and Noahide Law]]</ref>
+The question as to what constitutes idolatry today, and whether Christianity constitutes idolatry or a lesser form of ''partnership'', became a matter of debate in Jewish halachic literature. In any event, it has never, at any time in our history, been suggested that Christians be prosecuted according to these laws. Indeed, "It is forbidden to kill someone who is not at war with us" (Laws of Idolatry X 1).<ref>[[Christianity and Noahide Law]]</ref>
 == Laws of Kings and their Wars, Chapter 8 ==