quote:

The various denominations of Jews and Christians hold a diverse spectrum of views regarding the exactitude of scripture

quote:

Reform Judaism is the most liberal of the major movements within Judaism today. It started in the 1800s in Germany during the emancipation and encouraged the examination of religion with an eye toward rationality and egalitarianism.

Reform Judaism differs from the other major movements in that it views both the Oral and Written laws as a product of human hands (specifically, it views the Torah as divinely inspired, but written in the language of the time in which it was given). The laws reflect their times, but contain many timeless truths. The Reform movement stresses retention of the key principles of Judaism. As for practice, it strongly recommends individual study of the traditional practices; however, the adherent is free to follow only those practices that increase the sanctity of their relationship to God. Reform Judaism also stresses equality between the sexes.

Reform Judaism shares the universal Jewish emphasis on learning, duty and obligation, rather than creed as the primary expression of a religious life. Reform stresses that ethical responsibilities, personal and social, are enjoined by God. Reform also believes that our ethical obligations are but a beginning; they extend to many other aspects of Jewish living, including creating a Jewish home centered on family devotion; lifelong study; private prayer and public worship; daily religious observance; keeping the Sabbath and the holy days; celebrating the major events of life; involvement with the synagogue and community and other activities that promote the survival of the Jewish people and enhance its existence. Within each aspect of observance, Reform Judaism demands that Jews confront the claims of Jewish tradition, however differently perceived, and exercise their individual autonomy — based, as the Shema says, upon reason, heart and strength — choosing and creating their holiness as people and as community. The requirement for commitment and knowledge is repeatedly emphasized. A Reform Jew who determines their practice based on convenience alone is not acting in accordance with the recommended position of Reform Judaism. Reform also rejects the faith tenets of other religions as a matter of first principles.

quote:

Christians, otoh place enormous emphasis on the words of the entire Bible.
It is rather ironic that Christians seem to believe more deeply in the OT than do Jews.

quote:

When I read the OT LITERALLY I have a hard time relating it to the Jewish culture that I see today. Especially in the USA.

Imo, Jewish thought and Jewish culture is maybe the most rational and advanced in the world today.
And I just can't connect it with the OT/Torah.

quote:

John,

Here's the quick-and-dirty short answer: It has to do with the long-established oral tradition in Judaism, known as the Talmud. This provided a kind of "interface" that often had the effect of modifying some of the more draconian laws--such as those under discussion on the other thread--very often to the point of nullifying them completely.

Sorry I don't have time to get more deeply into this, but it's 4:21 a.m. and I should have been asleep hours ago!

--Linda

quote:

Originally posted by JohnT:
Holy,
Just for my own education, would you say that what has been summarized about Reform Judaism also applies to Orthodox?
Or would they come closer to fundamentalist Christians in their way of thinking?