Q&A: Before the Rabbi answers any question of faith, is he intellectually open to the possibility that he might receive proof that contradicts his approach?
Before the Rabbi answers any question of faith, is he intellectually open to the possibility that he might receive proof that contradicts his approach?
Question
Hello,
From past experience, it seems that when speaking with a Torah scholar, the argument begins from the assumption that that person's approach is correct, and that the Torah side of the equation is basically just trying to refute my claims. In practice, even if a heavenly voice were to come from Heaven and say that I am right, it would not change anything.
My question is: in a "hypothetical scenario" in which, for the sake of argument, someone were to present you with proof that actually contradicts your approach, would you accept it and change your approach accordingly?
Answer
I hope so.
Discussion on Answer
I am not 100% certain about anything. We are all human beings, and all of us have weaknesses, stubbornness, lack of openness, and so on. That's all. It seems to me the discussion has been exhausted.
Indeed, this current discussion has been exhausted.
Thank you, honored Rabbi.
Why do you "hope" so?
Are you not 100% certain that your belief depends solely on the "absence of proof contradicting your position"?