Can you have atheist Jews in Reform Judaism?

Question

Well, my future in-laws converted to reform Judaism about a year ago, and claim it's a religion that is incredibly open to every path of belief. They also say there is an atheist Jew that is a member of their temple who plays the music there.

But what baffles me is the whole commandment: Thou shalt have no other gods before me (or something like that).

How could you be a religious Jew and an Atheist at the same time? I've heard of Atheist Jews that are ethnically Jewish but do not believe in God. But to be a member of a temple and atheist?

My in-laws just claim that this religion accepts everything practically.

I majored in Religion in college, but mostly of Eastern religions, so I don't know too much about western religions.

Answer 1

From my own personal observations Reform synagogues often act as more cultural centers than places of worship for many Jews.

Granted they take part in services, but they see it as part of their heritage more than a way to express faith.

Answer 2

through fact Reform Judaism is by ability of a techniques the main widespread denomination of Judaism, and that i think the main bright. The have been possibly attracted to Judaism by ability of attending amenities at a Reform temple. jointly because it somewhat is genuine that maximum Orthodox rabbis won't know Reform conversions, it quite is not for the main section correct to the convert. The convert would nevertheless have the superb to return to Israel as a citizen. they might nevertheless be buried in any Jewish cemetery. extra importantly, they might nevertheless be an entire member of their congregation. additionally it quite is not genuine that different Jews does no longer know them as Jews. A Jew is a Jew. it somewhat is seen impolite to communicate over with a guy or woman being a convert as detrimental to having father and mom that are Jewish. it would on no account arise except the convert brings it up. the only time it would arise as an argument would be if the convert wanted to marry an Orthodox Jew. finally the adventure offered by ability of the Reform branch of Judaism could be a rich and spiritually enjoyable one. So if it somewhat is the dept of Judaism which you're attracted to, it would make experience to have a conversion performed in the community which you intend to be a factor of.

Answer 3

the GENERAL view as I understand it is that it is *sorta* possible.

in that someone could be culturally, ethnically, and socially entirely jewish, while religiously not being observant in prayer, and being atheist.

but one CANNOT belive in something that is affirmatively CONTRARY to Judaism. such as jesus as the messiah.

Reform Judaism by its very nature is not consistent. some reform jewish groups are definitely jewish, but just not very observantly.

some are... well, much more questionable.

I might say its almost in some cases kinda like a jewish version of how I've heard the Universalist "Church" is in christianity.

*GENERALLY* speaking, all people who would be considered Jewish must belive in a few very specific certain things, such as the singularity of God. but some people are more concerned with the moral and ethical and cultural aspects, so as long as the person doesn't belive something entirely contrary to the core tennents of Judasim, they might be still ok.

part of the thing is that the Jewish concept of God is both very specific and very amorphous. the Jewish God is not nearly as personal and human-like as some. ... but at the same time, not needing an intermediary.

Answer 4

Not normally in Reform Judaism. But there are atheist Jews. Here are some organizations for that population:

http://www.shj.org

http://www.csjo.org

Answer 5

"No other gods before me" wouldn't apply to atheists: we believe in no gods.

I've known people who called themselves both jewish and atheist. I think they consider themselves to be "culturally" or "genetically" jewish.
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Answer 6

There's no such thing as an atheist Jew. Jews, by definition, believe in one God.

You can be one or the other, but not both.

Answer 7

Jew is a monotheist religion, if you are a jew, you are not an atheist.

Christians also claim they forgive everything, with strings attached. It is call hypocrisy.

Answer 8

reform jews make me giggle.... its like christians that dont belive in jesus.... its just not the same thing at all

Answer 9

you can't be atheist and be jewish, because jews believe in god and atheists do not