Q&A: Performing Commandments as an Atheist
Performing Commandments as an Atheist
Question
Hello Rabbi,
If I understood correctly, in your view an atheist (at least one who reached his conclusion after thorough investigation) cannot enable others to fulfill their obligation in performing commandments, and not even himself.
If so, what is expected of him according to Jewish law?
Is there a difference between a complete atheist and an atheist who understands that there is some chance he is mistaken? (Because as you have explained honestly many times, even in theological questions there is no certainty.)
I assume religious experiences do not add or detract in this context according to your approach, but I’ll put on the table that I have those too.
Thank you in advance for the answer, and in general for your whole important enterprise, from which I have learned—and am still learning—a great deal!
May you be sealed for a good year 🙂
Answer
Hello,
I do not think that Jewish law expects anything of an atheist. He is of course obligated in the commandments, but he cannot fulfill that obligation (see the comments on Tzohar on my article about causing a secular person to sin, where people confused those two claims).
The question is not what you think the probability is that this is true, but what your ruling is in the final analysis. Everyone makes decisions in his own way. I discussed this in detail in Column 661.
As for the experiences, if in your view they reflect some truth, then you can decide that you believe. I do not put much trust in that. But each person has his own way of making decisions.
May you also be sealed for a good year.