The Positive Aspects of Judaism

adara · 07-25-2007, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by bararallu

Another basic and connected factor is that from a Jewish perspective, and I've had long conversations with Christians about this, Christians do not take Freedom of will (again from a very Jewish perspective, the unfettered ability to determine good from evil, and reap the results) very seriously.

I've heard so many xtians just stand around and say, "Well, it's G-d's will," without stepping in to help a situation, and I just shake my head. It's my perspective (and oy, I hope this is a Jewish one, as well!) that we were given brains for a reason, and we're expected to use them to the best of our ability. Thus, if someone has cancer, he is expected to do everything in his power to help himself. Then, when the person really has given his all, the rest is indeed up to G-d's will.

I'm going to take timeto digest the rest of what you wrote, because it's a little unfamiliar for me.

andak01 · 07-26-2007, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by adara

This, to me, is one of the biggest differences between Judaism and Christianity/Islam. Their emphasis is on the afterlife. If a man goes out and rapes and murders to his heart's delight, but at the end, idolizes jesus, then the murderer is "saved." Yet, an elderly person who may be an atheist, but who has led an exemplary life, always giving to others, being kind to humans and the environment, apparently is doomed to a fiery inferno because he doesn't idolize a specific human man.

I must correct you on that. First off, only protestants get "saved". Second, Islamic concept of Judgement is entirely based on acts. There is no intercession of Saints or of Jesus.

Jews believe that what we do on earth is vitally important. Better to be a Jew who questions the existence of Hashem yet gives a great deal to humanity rather than someone who worships Hashem, yet is rather mean to others and doesn't contribute much to society.

We believe that you should perform your charity and good deads in rememberance of God, not in order to receive any benefit in this life. Deeds are important, but intention is also important.

Agnosthiest · 07-26-2007, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by andak01

We believe that you should perform your charity and good deads in rememberance of God, not in order to receive any benefit in this life. Deeds are important, but intention is also important.

But you must still have faith in God to be saved, right?

andak01 · 07-26-2007, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by adara

(and oy, I hope this is a Jewish one, as well!) that we were given brains for a reason, and we're expected to use them to the best of our ability. Thus, if someone has cancer, he is expected to do everything in his power to help himself. Then, when the person really has given his all, the rest is indeed up to G-d's will.

Prophet Muhammad said, "Believe in Allah, but tie your camel to a tree." Freewill is a human perspective of making choices. Since God can see the future, of course He knows the outcome and ther is no concept of freewill from God's perspective. From God's perspective, the story of all events is already written. Freewill is something that is very real, but only from a non-diety perspective.

Agnosthiest · 07-26-2007, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by andak01

"Believe in Allah, but tie your camel to a tree."

Thats a 100% deistic/agnostic-theist point of view. There is a god but you might as well be on your own.

**Kenneth** · 07-26-2007, 10:21 AM

What's that old joke about some chap stuck on a roof in a flood, and he prays for salvation. Suddenly a boat appears and offers him a lift but the man declines and says "I'm sure the Lord will save me", later a helicopter arrives and the man says the same to them, eventually the flood water rises and he drowns, when he gets to heaven he asks "why did you not save me, I was a good and humble man" and a voice answers "I sent a boat and a helicopter, what more do you want?"