Posted by Dinah on September 17, 2004, at 8:58:02
In reply to Lou's response to SLS-2 » Lou Pilder, posted by Lou Pilder on September 17, 2004, at 8:29:58
But I can't say for certain, as I'm not as familiar with the thread as to be certain.
It always saddens me to see the "God of the Old Testament" referred to as anything but the "God of the New Testament". I can't imagine that that was the idea, because it would have been all too easy to scrap the Old Testament if that were true. While it is true that I am a semitophile, I feel similar distress at similar types of statements about the "God of Islam".
Isn't it possible, and on the Faith Board preferable, to phrase one's own spirituality in such a way as to not in any way put down the God or the faith or the spirituality of another?
I don't really want to get enbroiled in this. But I love God. The God of Israel and Isaac and Jesus. I am generally considered a pariah at church for saying just this sort of thing.
I understand that others feel differently.
Perhaps it would be helpful to conduct a poll of devout Jews only? Or perhaps I could locate a website of devout Jews and ask them to come comment on whether the thread is considered respectful to their faith and their God? I hate to speak for others, and perhaps they wouldn't be offended. I don't know that it would be easy to find a group who would be willing to comment, but there are several synagogues here, and perhaps I could bring the printouts to several rabbis and see if any of the more computer literate are willing to comment.
They may not be, however. I have called the local rabbi of the reform synagogue more than once to cry on his shoulder at my distress in Sunday School at hearing the Law and the "God of the Old Testament??" and similar things spoken of disrespectfully, and he always encourages me to continue to go to Sunday School.
Toph seems to have an idea of what I am trying to say, but less colored by my distress. Perhaps Toph would be willing to explain it more coherently than I can?
poster:Dinah
thread:389694
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20040902/msgs/391883.html