Q&A: Judaism
Judaism
Question
I believe there is no God. At most, it’s an invention. I am indeed Jewish according to Jewish law, but Judaism is no more than a religion made up of a collection of historical customs, lacking relevance. That’s why I’m secular. But unlike your view, I see what is called Jewish renewal positively, because it connects us to our history without the religion. Fine, you argue that this becomes meaningless without it, but from the perspective of a modern person this is the best way. I also see the superficiality in it, but it is still relevant. So what do you think?
Answer
You’ve read my opinion. You’re asking whether I still hold it? Yes.
This collection of ‘customs’ seems meaningless to you, but connecting to the history of that same bizarre group that upheld this meaningless collection is something you see as important and valuable? Well, to each his own hobbies.
Discussion on Answer
Adams, the Rabbi has books regarding the question of whether there is a God,
and from what you say it seems you’re looking for something of value, and the Rabbi connects the two (the validity of values and morality and meaning, as well as religious values, with belief in God).
If you potentially believe that the commandments have validity, like values do, if there is a God who gave them, then apparently you already believe that now.
Sorry for the rambling, or if you didn’t mean to open that topic, but it kind of “demands” jumping in.
Because it sounds like you’re looking for “something” without knowing how to point to it, but still assuming it at least on a level that gives you some kind of “connection” to it. But that something, whatever it may be, reasonably indicates an implicit belief in God.
Whereas your opposition to His existence seems to boil down to the words “the perspective of a modern person.” In other words, you see a contradiction between modernity and faith, whereas there are those who see it as a condition for faith.
Adams, I think you need to ask yourself whether you really see yourself as a cultural Jew or as an “anthropologist.”
For example, I absolutely don’t believe in the stories of Greek mythology, and I don’t think there are gods sitting somewhere on Olympus, but I am fascinated by that culture and period and by the geography from which those stories emerged. So I see my interest in them as anthropological, external, and I don’t see myself as part of the Greek people. It may be that your view of Jewish culture is anthropological, and then at least I don’t see anything ridiculous about it. But if you do in fact see yourself as part of the Jewish people who brought forth those customs that you scorn, then I completely agree with Rabbi Abraham.
Ask yourself..