I don't think this is true. Jews of the period, as Terry points out, were as diverse or even moreso than the modern-day sects of Christendom.
Pure non-sense. Show me ONE reputable scholar that would go along ANY Jewish diversity that would worship a half man half god figure.......MUCH LESS Jehovah in human form!
You guys are living in a pure historical fantasy.
Perry, I notice your proviso includes a peculiar coda about worshipping a half man half god figure.
Wuh?
1.There was a Messiah expected
2.Ideas about who/what/when/where were all over the map belief-wise and opinion-wise.
3.Diversity among beliefs in Judaism is a "given" there is no doubt about it.
4.Among those diverse opinions you will definitely find an historical example of a Jewish group who allowed for a demi-god-esque Messiah. One of the divisions of proto-christianity. This group won the lottery when Constantine arrived.
Who Jesus was IDENTIFIED with took a long time to develop into a figure who could be worshipped ON PAR with Jehovah.
Where's the rub?