1. 

   Larry Watson
   October 27th, 2009 - 05:52

   I do not have any specific religious beliefs only many questions. For example, where does the universe end, how does everything stay in place and on course, what started it all, will it end and if so when? Does science have the answers and if so are they right? It’s all pretty amazing maybe even scary. I guess man has turned to religion in an atempt to explain what can not be understood. Then if you ask the question, why you are told that there is where faith comes in. I don’t buy it. Men have committed some terrible things in defense of their religion, belief, faith. When we stop questioning and just start blindly following, history has proven we are in big trouble. All you questioners out there, keep asking those questions.
2. 

   Sara
   October 28th, 2009 - 20:15

   I can relate to what you’re saying about the status quo, just going with the flow. I still struggle with that sometimes. I know that in certain settings, I can say things that will be well-received. And I have to be very careful to not say something just because I know it’s what everyone else wants to hear. I don’t want to say anything that I don’t really believe.
   Of course there are those who say that this behavior is good, because if you speak as though you believe, eventually you will. And that’s probably true in a lot of cases. But that just doesn’t work for me. I can’t just do what everyone else is doing, simply because everyone else is doing it. I have to know WHY I’m doing it.
   Granted, a lot of them seem to be very happy. And who doesn’t want serenity in their lives. But I can’t help thinking of the old saying “ignorance is bliss.” Like what you said about ignorance of alternatives. If ignorance is the price I have to pay for bliss, I don’t want it.
   And I suppose that’s one of the reasons that Judaism has always appealed to me. As my rabbi says, “If you’re not asking questions, you’re not paying attention!” Now I’m not trying to ‘sell’ Judaism to you or anyone else. But as far as why we believe what we believe, Judaism works for me because I’m not going to denounce my questions either. The notion that we shouldn’t ask questions, well… that’s meshuggeneh. (of course that’s just my opinion)
   I’ve also encountered those with the “conversion” mindset. And yes, it does sometimes annoy me. But understanding the motivations behind the behavior helps me deal with it. I know that some of the would-be converters have found something that really works for them, something that has made them very happy, and they just want to pass it on. They want others to have what they have, to be as happy as they are. But of course they only know how it worked for them, they don’t know any other way. So they think that their way is the only way. Their intentions are good, and their hearts are in the right place, even if their actions are a little misguided.
   And then there’s the other converter type, those who react with vitriol when they encounter someone who does not believe what they do. They see the differences as a threat to their very identity because they’ve allowed what they believe to become who they are. This theory is what helps me tolerate those who make disparaging remarks about Jewish people. I know that it’s really more about them than about me. Some are sicker than others.
   So, yes, the situation you’re describing, it sucks. It’s frustrating, and disappointing, and it just sucks. Voltaire once said, “Those who walk on the well-trodden road always throw stones at those who are showing a new road.” It doesn’t seem like much has changed since the 1700s, so I don’t see any reason to think that it’s going to get better anytime soon. I wish I had some words of encouragement but honestly, I got nothin.
   The only thing that’s helped me is knowing that at least I’m not the only one dealing with situations like this, I’m not the only one who feels this way. So I’ve always been very grateful for your questioning. I really am sorry that you’ve experienced negativity because of it but it has helped someone else so at least some good has come from it. I appreciate you sharing this.

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