Comparitive Religions

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

Some people say that Judaism is the Mother of all religion.
Some people say that it is an antiquated form of a discounted and senseless religion.

What do you know of this faith, and what are your own opinions?

*is sitting by the window today, in a long white robe, smoking his pipe*

Comments

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

"I really don't know a lot about Judaism, but it seems as if it was the basis - kind of the jumping off point for a couple of other religions like Christianity and Islam. And an awful lot of people still practice it, so it can't be that discounted."

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

What else can you tell me?

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

"I, it just, well... it has this incredibly rich history and people still keeping the faith alive and vibrant today. I don't know how anyone would think it was useless." Lana pauses, "Well, actually, I guess I do. There seem to be a lot of people who want to throw out anything old and only focus on what's new and shiny right now. They forget that the new is built upon the old and without it we wouldn't have anything."

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

so how do we do that? How do we teach honor of the old, without denying the new? How do we not get trapped by it?

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

"I think it has to be somewhat about respect. I think sometimes now people forget that. To respect your elders, your heritage, your past. We need to teach our children to remember where they came from, how we got here. Not to invalidate the new, but to always be aware of what it took to get where we are now."

[threeweapons.livejournal.com]

"Um, I'm sorry sir, I know very little of your religions. However, I think that no religion can be considered 'discounted and senseless'. In every tale, in every act, there is some part of a people's history."

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

and how do we aviod getting mired then in the past?

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

so what is the magor nuicence religion in your universe, dear?

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

"We have to be aware, kind of live our life fully aware of what we are doing of the decisions we make - and the ones we make by *not* deciding. We need to remember and respect the old, but not throw out the new." She wrinkles her mouth a little, "I gues, obviously, it's not an easy thing or we wouldn't have to talk about it, but I think it's worthwhile."

[threeweapons.livejournal.com]

Alanna blinked. "I'm sorry, I don't think I understood."

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

so give me a practical example, of how we can integrate new and old, successfully?

[m-samuelle.livejournal.com]

"I don't see Judaism as discounted or senseless." Michael shrugged, "Don't all religions have a place?"

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

a religion, from your own world, which is old enough to have enemies, powerful enough to be feared, and strict enough to cause people to want to kill off its adherents?

[threeweapons.livejournal.com]

Alanna chewed on her lip. "Our relegions do not have names, but the religions of the Bahzir are often scorned. They are older than ours, and yet, because the people are not seen as a civilization, their religion is seen as nothing but a joke. Which is folly."

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

Lana thinks for a moment, "Well, I guess for a religious example, in Christianity you can teach your children about where the rituals come from. So many of them are from old Jewish traditions or ideas. But you can also talk about why changes were made in order to make the religion more accessible to the people and talk about how some people think the changes are good and others don't. And kind of emphasize that the important thing here is the belief, the *faith*, more than how someone chooses to practice it and that all ways should be honored." She flushes, "I know that's all convoluted, but..."

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

tell me about this one, in a little more detial, please?

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

why is it folly?

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

You are very good at giving me theory.... but what I am asking for is something practical.
SOmething within daily life.

[threeweapons.livejournal.com]

Alanna lifts up the sleeve on her right arm a fraction of an inch, revealing a small burn scar. "Because their Gods and stories are as real as ours. Because even though they have different traditions, those traditions have held for thousands of years."

[emo-padawan.livejournal.com]

Anakin blinked in shock. "What being would be so insensitive as to dismiss an entire culture's way of worshipping?"

[m-samuelle.livejournal.com]

"I'm not really sure what you want to know," Michael says slowly. "But Judaism is a very old religion and has influenced so many others in the world. Shouldn't it deserve respect for that if nothing else?"

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

so why is it the passage of time can make things real to us that simple beleif cant?

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

It would depend on how it has influenced things, wouldnt it? *slihgt smile*

[gandalfglamdrin.livejournal.com]

*lifts an eyebrow*

what if a religion told you that everything you beleived and trusted was wrong, and attempted to enforce its ways upon you.

Would you not fight against it?

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

"I guess I don't know," Lana says feeling a little foolish. "Something *I* personally do or have done? I don't know that it's something I've ever thought about before tonight."