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To: Inyokern

You are right, the two are not mutually exclusive. Except they are not a facet of the Progressive movement, merely a contributing factor, and a social grouping whose membership often overlaps with that of the Progressive movement.

Reform Judaism does deserve credit for much original thought, whatever else it may deserve or may be said about it. Leftwing ideas have been spawned there or added to, as well as assimilated. And it is not itself a leader, any more than most movements are. But it contributes a fair number of religious leaders to the Progressive movement. Furthermore, it is an important part of the New Left. Look when Jews moved over in large numbers to the Democratic party. The 30s. The New Deal. Who did FDR and the Democrats sway to get that Jewish vote? The Reform synagogues (which were still strong at the time). Prior to that, there were a lot of Jewish Republicans, I'd wager perhaps even the majority of Jewish voters in the 19th century.

Also, the Reform movement also encouraged (while at the same time it mirrored) the liberalization of many mainstream Christian Churches. Not on its own, of course, but as part of the liberalizing religion movement.

That said, I don't approve of a lot of what they do and what they teach. Being accurate though is important in an intellectual discourse.


140 posted on 11/19/2005 5:35:35 PM PST by Alexander Rubin (Octavius - You make my heart glad building thus, as if Rome is to be eternal.)
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To: Alexander Rubin

The majority of Jews in the Cincinnati metro area, almost all of German rather than Eastern European origin, who arrived on the fruited plain in the 19th century, still vote majority Pubbie to this day. One of their progeny, served as a Pubbie congressman from Cincy not so long ago. I love studying ethnic politics. It is a hobby of mine, and gives me great pleasure.


148 posted on 11/19/2005 5:54:05 PM PST by Torie
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To: Alexander Rubin
Reform Judaism does deserve credit for much original thought, whatever else it may deserve or may be said about it. Leftwing ideas have been spawned there

What leftwing ideas have ever been spawned there rather than being imported from university intellectuals or the political class? What element of the ideology of the left can anyone point to and say "Reform Judaism originated that?"

I can think of none.

However, if one were to ask, what parts of the ideology of Reform Judaism originated at the universities or in the Democratic Party, I can think of many.

184 posted on 11/19/2005 7:16:08 PM PST by Inyokern
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