Jewish Atheism (Humanists)

[theflipflop]

Originally Posted by brightdoglover

You are wrong about me, I know that, and it has nothing to do with fashion- but with logic and observation. I've never believed and would be stunned if I ever did.

You may find it interesting, that my logic and observation lead me to the same conclusion as you - that there is no G-d. But my overall conclusion is quite different, in that I have a deep and true belief that there is indeed one true G-d. I simply don't trust logic and observation. Just too unreliable for my taste.

It would be pretty weird if I had to take instruction, convert, and then be an atheist Jew.

If you were to do so, it would only be considered a valid conversion by some Jews.

I've always said to my god believing friends (or Christians) that if there is to be a judgment, I'll stand on my actions, not my beliefs and not to worry

Indeed a very Jewish concept.

[Fillmont]

Originally Posted by theflipflop

You may find it interesting, that my logic and observation lead me to the same conclusion as you - that there is no G-d. But my overall conclusion is quite different, in that I have a deep and true belief that there is indeed one true G-d. I simply don't trust logic and observation. Just too unreliable for my taste.

I believe that brightdoglover was taking more umbrage with your assumption that most atheists are actually believers in denial.

It is deeply offensive to state that the only reason atheists are atheists is because fashion dictates that we are atheist, in the same way it would be deeply offensive for me to state that "My theory, is that the majority of Jews are deeply religious Jesus believers. It's very fashioable to say Jesus does not exist. Or the Pope smokes dope. But it doesn't make it true, just to say it." I, of course, would never make that claim, as I don't believe it to be true.

It is troubling, though, that you would assume the vast majority of a group of people claim to believe, or not, based on a communal lie. Are there some "atheists" who are actually believers who feel spurned by god? Absolutely. But they were never really atheists. For real atheists, though, the notion that we're actually believers but simply in denial about it, well, that's a terrible theory.

[theflipflop]

Originally Posted by Fillmont

For real atheists, though, the notion that we're actually believers but simply in denial about it, well, that's a terrible theory.

You're correct, I believe. I'd like to take it back (if you'll let me). I think I should have just described that as my own experience, as a thoroughly untalented little leaguer afraid of a fly ball being hit my way, and left it at that.

[Fillmont]

Originally Posted by theflipflop

You're correct, I believe. I'd like to take it back (if you'll let me). I think I should have just described that as my own experience, as a thoroughly untalented little leaguer afraid of a fly ball being hit my way, and left it at that.

Consider it taken back.

[brightdoglover]

Thanks to those who responded. I have decided that I am comfortable around cultural Jewishness, don't want to consider that Reform would find me Jewish but others would not, and don't feel right thinking, "I"m Jewish." I'm back to considering the Ethical Cultural Society as my only possible spiritual home (and it's very Jewish in many ways and the people involved!) or the larger Unitarian down the road, which is older people, more intellectual, some earth-based and Buddhist stuff going on. I do want to find a gathering of people focused on positive social change and ethics without a god base.