Last night I went to a Friday dinner with a bunch of people I refer to as Super Jews, people who believe and observe the customs of Judaism with a serious commitment. I do have a number of Jewish friends but almost all of them share my apathy/agnosticism so I was borderline shocked that there exist people under 40 who act like a character from Fiddler on the Roof. I have nothing against it - it just came as a shock. Who knew there were after dinner prayers, the religious liquour.
After leaving the dinner, I got in a debate with my girlfriend on whether or not I understood the source of the Super Jews passion. I think that I do, that it is relatively the same level of spirtuality I feel during an endorphin rush or when I hang out with Ben and Sam or listen to the B-52s. It defines my purpose for being here, what drives me each day.
Which got me to thinking about my contemplation on adding more activities or interests to my repertoire. Get out of the box. But is that really the issue. Do I need to do more stuff or be more committed to what stirs me? Pursue my own form of religion, not add others.
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2 comments:
Really? Religious passion on par with listening to the B-52s?
I'm sure if you talked to the "Super Jews" you'd find that being stirred is a small piece of what their belief system brings to the table. As a person of faith I find emotion alone fleeting.
Your choice but I choose to leave my salvation, my afterlife up to much more than a chemical reaction.
I know most people don't like to talk about politics or religion, but you did start the discussion...
Bob
Not sure if I reply to your
comment on my blog or yours - noone ever comments on mine so I am clueless.
I oversimplified when I used the word emotion to describe what people get out of religion. My point is that, just because I am firmly agnostic does not mean I don't understand what stimulates people wh do have faith. I am sure it provides a lot of satisfaction and is quite centering. I believe that this feeling can be reached in life whether you believe in a recognized religion and singular or not.
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