From: madhaus@netcom.com (Maddi Hausmann)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.jewish
Subject: Re: Why I became an Athiest (was: frustrations with christianity)
Date: 18 Dec 92 21:46:36 GMT
Organization: Society for Putting Things on Top of Other Things

jgoldber@todah.chem.utoronto.ca (Joel Goldberg) writes: >
madhaus@netcom.com (Maddi Hausmann) writes: >>
>>
>>Well, the dissatisfaction between theory and practice is what
>>started my *questioning* things as they were.  The conclusions
>>I drew were that the religion was not for me, because it was
>>not a sense of joy, comfort, or inclusion.  My first post on 
>>this thread referred to my dismay with the sexist aspects of
>>the religion.  My point was that the questioning of "Is this
>>the way I want to live my life?" had to start somewhere, and I
>>was trying to identify the events that sent me in another
>>direction.
>
>   You did not get a sense of joy, comfort or inclusion from
>   the nods in direction of Judaism made by your family, which,
>   if you will permit me, didn't really believe in what they
>   were doing and in what they wanted you to do. Is that an indictment of
>   Judaism qua Judaism or more a reflection on your family?

Obviously it is an indictment on my family, and I do believe I
tried to make that clear in my first post.  My point there was
that it is impossible to teach values one does not believe
oneself.  I think we are all in agreement here.

>   Now, I realise that this was only the starting point, that
>   which lead you to the serious thought that brought you to your present
>   point of view. May I suggest another starting point, one which is
>   symmetric? There are many, many people, men and women, highly
>   educated and participating fully in the larger community who,
>   by choice, follow the Jewish tradition. These people, apparently,
>   are not dissatisfied by the relation of theory to practice. 
>   I think that this fact also leads to serious thought no less than
>   your growing up experience did.

When I was younger, in my teens and early twenties, I concluded that
believers of any stripe were misguided fools.  However, the fact is
that many educated and thoughtful people are devout believers, and
I could no longer ignore this fact.

However, what I don't think you understand is that I did not quit
and walk away at age 12, never to return.  I did quite a bit of
research, into Judaism and other religions.  I met with a Chabod
Rabbi when I was 24.  He gave me some books to read.  We talked.
I was very clear then, and now, that this was *not* the life I 
wanted to live, and that in no way devalues this choice for him
or you or anyone else.  What I am wondering here is why you have
trouble seeing that I could reach the conclusion I did, having
full knowledge that others live differently, and choose not to
live the same way.  Look at the amount of disagrement on s.c.j
between the usual O/C/R debates!  Each is aware of the others,
and each makes the decision for herself on the right way for
herself.  How is what I have gone through any less valid?

-- 
Maddi Hausmann                madhaus@netcom.com
Humorist, Satirist, Tech Writer.  Take your pick.

Centigram Communications Corp, San Jose California  408/428-3553
Newsgroups: soc.culture.jewish