What you wrote indeed is an oversimplification, but simplicity sometimes brings clarity and I was touched by the clarity of your insight into my Judaism. Shabbat shalom.
I was struck by the truth of your statement that, to paraphrase, if you do not see what makes a thing beautiful or attractive to those who love it, then you don't really understand it.
I would disagree that Catholicism represents Christianity, particularly in regard to celebate orders. The vast majority of other Christian churches have rejected it as a spiritual practice. I doubt most people appreciate the variety of faith and practice within most major religions, such as the various denominations in Christianity, the three main branches and many religious groups within Judaism, and the surprising variety of Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist thought and practice. It would be interesting to discuss with you the concept of healthy and unhealthy religions / beliefs / practices (as psychologist William James termed it).
Sometimes we live with apparent contradictions in our belief systems. For instance I believe in unseen spiritual realities, yet abhor magical thinking, particularly religious magical thinking, which some would find contradictory. I veer toward Zen in my belief that often the deepest truths lie in the apparent contradictions.
Thanks for more food for thought on a cool, grey, and drizzly morning.
What you wrote indeed is an oversimplification, but simplicity sometimes brings clarity and I was touched by the clarity of your insight into my Judaism. Shabbat shalom.
Delightful exchange on a great topic! Great ideas from both of you, and I hope to read more in the future.
I was struck by the truth of your statement that, to paraphrase, if you do not see what makes a thing beautiful or attractive to those who love it, then you don't really understand it.
I would disagree that Catholicism represents Christianity, particularly in regard to celebate orders. The vast majority of other Christian churches have rejected it as a spiritual practice. I doubt most people appreciate the variety of faith and practice within most major religions, such as the various denominations in Christianity, the three main branches and many religious groups within Judaism, and the surprising variety of Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist thought and practice. It would be interesting to discuss with you the concept of healthy and unhealthy religions / beliefs / practices (as psychologist William James termed it).
Sometimes we live with apparent contradictions in our belief systems. For instance I believe in unseen spiritual realities, yet abhor magical thinking, particularly religious magical thinking, which some would find contradictory. I veer toward Zen in my belief that often the deepest truths lie in the apparent contradictions.
Thanks for more food for thought on a cool, grey, and drizzly morning.
Religions, the morals attached to them and the afterlife are of utmost importance.