Q&A: Deism and Judaism — How Does That Work?
Deism and Judaism — How Does That Work?
Question
Hello Rabbi, I’ve seen several of your videos, and really enjoyed them, but they also raised a question for me.
I understood that you are a deist — meaning, you believe that God exists but does not intervene in the way the world currently operates. My question is: how does that actually fit with Judaism? Why would you observe the commandments, wear a kippah, and follow the path of the Torah, when you don’t believe that God has any influence on the world today? Does this stem from your belief in life after death and in the reward you’ll receive if you follow the path of the Torah?
Thanks in advance 🙂
Answer
First of all, it’s not deism but theism. It is a religious framework with command and obligation.
You are assuming that observing commandments is only the result of self-interest.
But no, one acts because that is the truth. See Column 120.