Judaism (pg. 366-406) from the book
Since Jewish perceptions and community have frequently revealed the margins and flaws of “universal” practice and truth, Judaism appears to be unique to each rule in history. From ancient polytheisms and empires to contemporary Eastern Christianity and mysticism salvationism to today’s mass culture and atheism, Judaism, or a variant of Judaism, has always said “Yes, but…” to numerous worldviews and ideologies. The home is the focal point of Jewish religious practice. Sabbath customs are its most visible manifestation. Jewish religion, politics, and law are inextricably linked (Ellwood & McGraw, 2013). Outsiders have dominated the Jewish people for the most part. Freedom, the people’s bond with God, participation, the inherent dignity of humans, the Torah, and a governmental structure that protects Jewish identity and authority wherever the Jewish people are are the foundations of Jewish political and religious life. Traditional Judaism is agnostic about women’s rights. Women’s roles as wives and mothers are lauded, and examples of outstanding Jewish women are provided. It demonstrates a deep fear of women’s sexuality and autonomy, which has historically resulted in women’s subordination in the Jewish community. Judaism has been influenced by Enlightenment concepts of modernity and the 1970s feminist movement, particularly in terms of women’s equality with men (Ellwood & McGraw, 2013).
The basic worldview of Judaism is one of the chapter’s key concepts. The universe was created by God, but it is also a stage where mankind can exercise their free will while obeying God’s commands. In traditional Judaism, God is a personal creator deity who is all-powerful and holy. God wrote the origin story of our world (Ellwood & McGraw, 2013). According to Jewish belief, God will guide the world’s destiny through the ups and downs of history until the advent of the messianic period ushers in a new, perfect era. According to Judaism, God created each individual. The ultimate destination of humanity is this planet; with divine intervention and collective effort, the human situation may gradually improve into a paradisal period. The Torah, or Law, and its Talmudic interpretation serve as a bridge between the Ultimate and the Human (Ellwood & McGraw, 2013). Humans owe it to Moses, literally or metaphorically, to uphold national identity and spread the ethical vision of the great prophets and humanitarians. Jewish rituals are not limited to the synagogue or the homes of synagoguegoers.
My religious journey is founded on the Old and New Testament beliefs of the Bible. For example, I discovered that Judaism did not acknowledge the existence of the New Testament. I believe that before Christ, people inspired by God wrote the Old Testament scriptures. I understand that Jesus Christ was born in the lineage of David after the Old Testament, and thus the New Testament was written. I believe God created the universe and that anyone can serve God in whatever way they see fit. Others may prefer gods (polytheistic) in order to concentrate on believing in God. I believe that everyone is equal before God, just as Jews consider women to be equal to men. Because it is monotheistic, the concept in the chapter distinguishes Judaism from other religions of the time. Most other religions, on the other hand, were polytheistic, emphasizing living a moral life in accordance with a set of commandments established by God himself (Ellwood & McGraw, 2013). Angels are real to Jews because they believe they are divine creations; they believe Abraham, not Jesus, is the savior.
References
Ellwood, R. S., & McGraw, B. A. (2013). Many peoples, many faiths: Women and men in the World Religions. Routledge, Taylor et Francis Group.
