Q&A: Idolatry — Study and Research
Idolatry — Study and Research
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Is there any prohibition against studying religions and cultures that contain idolatry, such as Hinduism, Christianity, etc.?
For example, the Protestant Reformation is an important factor in the emergence of modernity, and not knowing the difference between Catholicism and Protestantism is a serious gap in one’s education.
What about ancient cultures like the Phoenicians or the Romans? Is it permitted to study their religions, their mythologies, and the like?
Thank you very much, and Sabbath peace.
Answer
To the best of my judgment, no. It’s part of studying history.
Discussion on Answer
Sounds exaggerated to me. And in general, I don’t see great value in understanding the realia that prevailed in the biblical period. But if someone wants to do that, and it seems to him that it will help him understand the Torah — good for him.
I’ve heard an even more extreme claim: that one is actually obligated to study the idolatry that existed in the time of the Torah in order to understand the Torah and the identity that the Torah addresses, and to understand the meaning of the Torah. For example, when Pharaoh says to Moses, “For evil is before you,” he is actually referring to the Egyptian sun god Ra. Do you agree with this claim?