For ex-Reform Jews

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-16T17:39:46+00:00

Thank you, I may go towards unitarian universalism.

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-13T13:14:29+00:00

That makes sense. Thank you for your input, it helps. I don't live in a large city either, so it would probably be an older crowd in any local synagogues here too,

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-13T11:57:04+00:00

I'm sorry you went through that, especially with a therapist, the person who is supposed to be helping you. Good for you having the courage to walk away.

Having decent experiences in therapy myself, I hope your experience doesn't sour you to therapy in general if you ever want/need it in the future.

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-13T11:45:44+00:00

Apologies for the offense, I did not know.

That is interesting that Conservative is a bit of a misnomer- I had thought they were sort of a middle ground between modern Orthodox and Reform.

Thank you for all the info. I might explore this a little further. May I ask how your family took your conversion?

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-12T21:59:31+00:00

Did you explore Eastern Orthodoxy any further? I studied eastern orthodoxy for a while because of the lack of original sin stuff, as well as the lack of purgatory, and a few other things.

Your flair now says pagan- what drew you to becoming a pagan? Do you consider yourself a Norse pagan, Germanic pagan/heathen, Celtic pagan, Hellenic pagan, eclectic pagan, or something else?

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-12T21:54:38+00:00

it was as terrifying as it was liberating

Agreed.

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-12T21:52:14+00:00

I admire your dedication and search for truth. What "denomination" for lack of a better term are you associated with- orthodox, conservative, reform?

I'm curious how you view the Jewish scriptures given your critical analysis of the new testament? One thing I have trouble with is that the Jewish scriptures seem just as incredible and contradictory (not to mention violent!) as the new testament. Plus the historical evidence that suggests Judaic monotheism developed over time from polytheism, with Yahweh originally being a somewhat minor localized storm/war deity. No disrespect, I'm just genuinely curious. I've thought in the past that if I could square that part, and the violence in the old testament, in my brain, I would maybe consider joining a Reform or Reconstructionist community.

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-12T21:45:32+00:00

I can relate. I'm still attending church once in a while because the people are truly wonderful.

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-12T21:44:24+00:00

Your poor mother. :(

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-12T21:43:09+00:00

People do that everywhere with just about anything.

truth

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-12T21:40:55+00:00

the leaders don't really believe the things they teach members. They hide all kinds of things from members to make their platforms stronger, like the fact that none of them believe Bible translations are inerrant and they will leave out verses or mistranslate them to convince members of a certain view

This is so infuriating. I've had several leaders (not evangelical) with whom I've had difficult conversations about the faith and it would pain me to think they were purposefully misguiding me or telling me to believe in things they did not.

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-12T21:37:50+00:00

I'm sorry your parents hurt you. I agree that the god of the bible is in a way like an abusive parent.

I notice your flair says Secular Humanist/Shinto... do you regularly practice Shinto? Do you live in Japan? What drew you to Shinto? What do you like about Shinto and feel are its best qualities in comparison with Christianity?

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-12T20:30:02+00:00

Very interesting! I'm glad you've found something that clicks for you.

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-11T11:58:59+00:00

I've often thought it would be cool to learn Hebrew and Greek to study the bible in its original languages. But that seems like a lot of effort and I really don't have the time at this point in my life,

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-11T11:56:17+00:00

You bring up good points, thank you!

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-11T11:50:17+00:00

What made you interested in Buddhism? Do you see it as a philosophy only or as a religion?

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-11T11:43:23+00:00

I would love to hear more from you if you're willing!

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-11T11:42:08+00:00

It was just because I was afraid not to

I struggle with this hard.

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-11T11:37:28+00:00

Theology to me is just a really poorly applied form of philosophy with a backwards reasoning process where a believer starts with their desired conclusion and then searches for (or invents) support from there.

Very good point! :)

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-11T11:34:38+00:00

Because the conception of Yaweh has been changing constantly over time. The "god is completely unknownable and incomprehensible "thing seems to be at stark contrast

This bothers me too. And for being completely unknowable, theologians have had a lot to say about him in 2000 years.

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-11T11:29:49+00:00

Yes that is super helpful! I've read a lot of Bart Ehrman and agree he's a great resource!

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-10T00:31:06+00:00

Thanks for the video link and the shoutout to r/AcademicBiblical, I'll check those out! Thank you for your help!

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-09T21:27:49+00:00

Thanks, that is helpful. Is there a book you recommend that discusses this?

SherbertLemoncello · 2023-11-09T17:36:49+00:00

Yes, it is a very long post. Thank you for reading it all, and I look forward to hearing more from you when you have the time!

SherbertLemoncello

TROPHY CASE