Category Archives: Judaism
Else Lasker-Schüler (1869-1945)
This German movie is long, slow, indulgent unrhyming poetry about a crazed muse. I can’t recommend the film unless a disturbed freedom resonates with you. Before the performance, I knew nothing of this poet or her world. But her temperament … Continue reading
Filed under Judaism
Harsh Jewish Ethics
Let’s admit it — people can be real bad. So it is important to have rules to contain badness. All religions have moral rules to constrain their people. Jews have a very restrictive 613 commandments (Mitzvot). And Yahweh (the horrible … Continue reading
Language Faux Pas: Part II
My English Faux Pas Right from the early days, my life was full of faux pas. I grew up in a virtually all-white urban town where the biggest prejudices were between the various Europeans (with Poles getting the brunt of … Continue reading
Filed under Judaism
Classifying Atheists (part II)
My chart in the last post looked at two qualities of Atheists in relationship to discussing religion: their systematic interest level in religion and their religious temperament. Below is the same chart but now plainly illustrating some sub-groups. My experience … Continue reading
Filed under Atheism, Christianity, Cognitive Science, Islam, Judaism, Philosophy, Religion
ha-Shem
The other night I watched “A Serious Man” (2009) by the Coen brothers. I did not really like the film but it did offer an informative cynical peek into American Judaism through Jewish eyes. I just want to share a … Continue reading
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Atheist Practices Lent
Christians use Lent, the 40 days prior to Easter, as a time of self-reflection, self-denial, penitence and prayer. Muslims use Ramadan for a month-long time of self-restraint and day-time fasting. Jews use Yom Kippur as a day of fasting where … Continue reading
Filed under Atheism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Philosophy, Religion
An Older Bible !
Fascinating new discovery of ancient Hebrew text – 10th century BCE. This post contains some supplements to aid your understanding of this story. English translation of the deciphered text: you shall not do [it], but worship the [Lord]. Judge the … Continue reading
Atheists get more dates !
The on-line dating service OkCupid, analyzed >500,00 first contacts on their dating site to see what factors make a reply more probable. Below are some of the fun facts their data revealed: This graph illustrates that, on OkCupid, declaring oneself … Continue reading
Convert an Atheist Contest
I subscribe to a news magazine called “The Week” which is running a contest to name a TV show about Atheists. The show is a Turkish game show which pits a Greek Orthodox priest, a rabbi, a Buddhist monk and … Continue reading
Filed under Atheism, Buddhism, Christianity, Humor, Islam, Judaism, Religion, Religious Dialogue
Trading Jesus for God
I have a challenge for Christians — a mental experiment. After the experiment, please take the poll at the bottom of the post. So here is the experiment. Please entertain the following hypothetical situation: Imagine that someone was able to … Continue reading
Filed under Atheism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hindu, Judaism, Mysticism, Religion, Religious Dialogue
Curriculum of Understanding
Imagine an acquaintance … who is a non-believer but who is interested in examining your beliefs1 but who is only mildly interested and doesn’t want a large commitment they want to understand your faith from your perspective Consider developing a … Continue reading
Filed under Atheism, Buddhism, Christianity, Critical Thinking, Islam, Judaism, Philosophy, Religion, Religious Dialogue, Taoism, Theology
Goyology
Goyology (definition): One’s beliefs, attitudes and behaviors towards others outside your group Goyology exists in religious groups, philosophical circles, ethnic groups, clubs, nations or any grouping of people who self-define their group. Etymology: I found no theological category capturing this … Continue reading
Filed under Atheism, Christianity, Ethics, Islam, Judaism, Philosophy, Religion, Religious Dialogue, Theology
God’s Chosen People – No Thanks
Let’s see, a brief history of the Jews: Abraham is chosen by Jehovah to start a new race of Jehovah’s special people and they are sent to destroy the inhabitants of an already populated Canaan and to make it their … Continue reading
Filed under Judaism
