Q&A: Pseudo-Scientific Apologetics
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Pseudo-Scientific Apologetics
Question
Does the Rabbi think there is any value in pseudo-scientific apologetics (for example, channels like Hidabroot)? Is it preferable to bring people to repentance using nonsense dressed up as substance (in my opinion, most of what’s there is cherry-picking), or would it be better if organizations like these simply didn’t exist (maybe because they make religion and believers look like an uneducated group in the eyes of educated secular people)?
Answer
Lies and stupidity are not worthy of any purpose. Besides, the verse “and he called to her” doesn’t apply here.
Discussion on Answer
Absolutely not. There are smart people on all sides.
Obviously it’s forbidden to lie, but if we look, for example, at certain groups that don’t have analytical tools or well-developed critical thinking, and without these “repentance outreach” organizations they simply wouldn’t remain religious—then what? I also think there’s no meaning to faith based on lies, but in that situation, can’t you say that people who lack critical thinking should simply rely on people who are smarter than they are?