~Ideas to share ~
I loved this talk. I think it really opens up discussion.
In the Jewish community the art of an evolving religion is natural.
Traditions stay intact but naturally differ on individual lifestyle or community.
It is a religion that is more devout to a peoples first than an obsession with God.
I like to think of the oneness of God also being viewed as a poetic term for a oneness that can be seen when many people come together for a goal to allow individuals to thrive and prosper, allowing the whole of a peoples to thrive and prosper……
It is not a “biblical” religion as it was considered long ago. But it is a rabbinical one. Even from the beginning much of the Torah was lived out through the Oral Laws. So it could be ever changing and not solid. The Oral Laws had to be written down because of things like the killing of the men that memorized the Oral Law for it to be passed down. That is the Mishnah (Oral Law). Rabbis wrote many commentaries on the Mishnah and Torah pertaining to Jewish Law, ethics, philosophy, customs and history. Which are found in the Talmud. A quick overveiw found here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talmud
Rabbinical commentary brings to life ancient times and the challenges of those times when written, unifying us to a past we would not have understood without such deal-tailed accounts on daily/monthly/yearly life.
When studying these text it is easy to see the similarities and problems. Yet we have come so far and should be proud of how hard humanity has pushed itself. For the better and the worst.
I am glad to be where I am in this place and time. I am glad that I can be religious and observant but not be expected to be obsessed with God or even believe in him/her/it.
I love being apart of humanity and being Jewish and I hope you all find your place in this time without the fear of loosing your community if you believe different or being bullied into a belief system that does not let you use your mind.
Find your place and it will create peace for all. You are beyond worth it.
~Mee
If you want more to read this is a good one. http://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Literacy-Revised-Ed-Important/dp/0061374989/ref=dp_ob_title_bk