I see Judaism as a "community" working together to make this world we live in today a better place for all humanity. Our only creed is Deuteronomy VI. Does the word "faith" apply to us?
2006-06-23 02:18:42 · 13 answers · asked by Hatikvah 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
For Francis and Heron by the sea:
I think the word irritates me because it seems to be central to Christianity. I don't see anything similar in Judaism, but Heron by the sea explains it nicely.
2006-06-23 02:28:29 · update #1
There is a common misconception that Judaism is all about morality and deeds to the exclusion of beliefs. In truth, we are required to do certain deeds, be moral, and to have certain beliefs as well. For example: We are required to believe in a single perfect non-corporeal God upon whom all of existence depends. God pays attention to our actions and issues rewards and punishments accordingly. The Hebrew scriptures will never be supplanted. At the end of days, the Messiah will come and the dead will be brought back to life.
So Judaism has a definite belief system. I imagine that this qualifies it to be termed a faith.
2006-06-25 20:53:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say so. While belief may not play the strong central role in Judaism as it does in say, Christianity, faith is nevertheless important. The fact that you work together to make the world a better place indicates that you have faith that you can accomplish that. You have a faith in your duty as being tikkun olam, or reparation of the world. And you have a faith that you CAN be effective in tikkun olam. Some branches of Christianity would claim that one cannot be so effective in improving the world because they have a vision that things are only going to get worse and it doesn't matter what they do. So you must have faith that you CAN do something. So this faith is behind your good actions.
There is not "blind faith" in Judaism however. Faith in Judaism is based on reason. It's probably best to use the various Hebrew words to convey the exact meaning of what you want, whether it's trust, or belief, or whatever. I know there are words bitachon and emunah, and maybe there are others also that could be translated as "faith" but they don't have the same connotation as in Christianity.
2006-06-23 09:24:07 · answer #2 · answered by Heron By The Sea 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everything you said up to the word "faith" seems absolutely wonderful. But... why does the word "faith" seem to bother you so much ? Is it because perhaps it is the the basis of Christianity ? It is that, isn't it ? Are you stirring up problems ? I ask again, why does the word "faith" seem to bother you so much ? So how can you possibly and honesty, as you say, "...see Judaism as a "community" working together to make this world we live in today a better place for all humanity." ??
2006-06-23 09:23:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. They live in the Jewlandia region next to Mongolia and eat things like Mentos and steaks for every meal. They have regular conflicts with the Cralestinians near China. They have new weaponry that makes the enemy drool incessantly. It is laser guided technology and can also give the enemy instant buckteeth if they look at the laser.
2006-06-23 09:22:01 · answer #4 · answered by bootstrap 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What about the faith of Abraham?
You think it didn't require faith on King David's part to build the Sukkah for the Ark? He wasn't a Levite!
2006-06-23 09:36:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, 'faith' applies to Jews and their belief in Judaism. QUite simply, if you refer to Deuteronomy 6, then the reason you refer to it is your faith that it is important. The text of Deut. 6 commands us to love Gd. However, the fact that you believe it is important, perhaps a command, is, in and of itself, an act of faith.
2006-06-23 09:28:39 · answer #6 · answered by sfederow 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. The Jewish faith is the cornerstone for Christianity. Speak with your Rebbe.
2006-06-23 09:27:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, as far as I know people who practice Judiasm believe in the same God that Christians do. As do they trust in him and have FAITH in him.
2006-06-23 09:22:05 · answer #8 · answered by Chris G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course they have a faith in a protecting God like you and me do, or at least i think you do.
2006-06-23 09:21:47 · answer #9 · answered by Hafeman 5000 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you have "faith" that god exists in the first place.
2006-06-23 09:20:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋