When I see people across the entire religious spectrum (myself included)
resort to ritualistic observance of the commandments as well as faith itself it
occurred to me that many people don't believe in G-d but rather a deity known
as "Religion."
Religious practice was always intended to stimulate a thought process. Recognition of good (hakarat hatov), kindness and compassion is the foundation of Judaic dogma. All of these elements are deeply rooted throughout the Torah and the commandments. Practicing the commandments by studying the text and the rabbinic discussions is supposed instill the aforementioned elements within us through thought stimulation. Without these elements one can never truly be elevated to a purposeful and meaningful life.
What I see today is that mainstream religious practice has been reduced to a system of incantations and hocus pocus. This is perhaps due to the infusion of kabbalistic thought which has permeated religious practice for so long in a way that was never intended.
—Eilu v'Eilu
3 comments:
Religious practice was always intended to stimulate a thought process. Recognition of good (hakarat hatov), kindness and compassion is the foundation of Judaic dogma. All of these elements are deeply rooted throughout the Torah and the commandments. Practicing the commandments by studying the text and the rabbinic discussions is supposed instill the aforementioned elements within us through thought stimulation.
True. But you missed that religious practice is also supposed to instill love, awe and knowledge of G-d. This is difficult and also frightening, because G-d is alien and perfect. Much easier to take refuge in ritualistic performance.
“VeHaIkar Lo Lefached Clal”
(Breslov Jewish music video)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu54gJnv4jw
DS: Luke prefers to dwell in the bein adam l'chaveiro. As for bein adam l'Makom, he dabbles in science and physics.
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