Q&A: Belief in Facts or Opinions as a Torah Obligation
Belief in Facts or Opinions as a Torah Obligation
Question
I very much enjoyed your definition of essential and formal authority.
In either case, regarding facts and opinions, the Rabbi does not accept authority, and with good reason.
My question is:
And regarding the area of facts and beliefs in the Torah, if a person reaches a different conclusion, how is he obligated to believe it? Once again the circle comes back: if he believes otherwise, can he really bluff himself?
I did not understand the distinction between whether this is from the Torah or from the Sanhedrin-Sages-Talmud-accepted upon themselves, in the area of opinions, beliefs, and facts.
I would be happy to receive the Rabbi’s answer.
With respect.
Answer
There is no distinction at all. Even the Holy One, blessed be He, has no formal authority regarding facts, simply because formal authority over facts is impossible. Of course, if the Holy One, blessed be He, says something, then it is true, because He certainly knows and certainly does not lie, but that is essential authority. I accept it because it is true, not because I am obligated.