Posted by Richard J Smith on July 25, 19101 at 20:45:04:

In Reply to: Re: conversion posted by Joshua Sellers on March 06, 19101 at 07:08:32:

: Mr. Smith: I wish you well into your exploration of Judaism. I myself have been fascinated by Judaism which is radically different than how it has often been perceived thru Christian eyes. I myself am Christian, though only by cultural default. My first real exposure to Judaism was thru Martin Buber's book "Two Types of Faith." I am interested in the possibilities of genuine eenical dialogue between Judaism and Christianity.

: I agree with you about many of the injustices created thru anti-jewish sentiment which begins with the "New" Testament (as if the "old" Testament were useless except to "prove" that Jesus was the messiah!)-- especially the gospel of John. Christianity, like Judaism and many other religions, have value, though not a consistent value. This is why spirituality must consist of one's own search within one (or more than one) religion to develop oneself. No 12-step programs. There is much that is admired and much that is abhorrent in each religion. We must face those elements (as Gandhi did with the "untouchables" outside the Hindu caste system) and build on those things that are worthy. This means being inconsistent with one's religion to build something new. Judaism has many ready tools for such development. Christianity does too, though they are often overshadowed by the rationalist influence (the tools I am speaking of here are the more mystical elements within Catholocism and Eastern Orthodoxy).

: Some good Jewish authors I'd like to share: Abraham Joshua Heschel and Martin Buber. Leon Wieseltier's "Kaddish" and "Against Identity" are also brilliant books. I wish you the best...

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