Jews disagree on an afterlife Most of Judaism not concerned with afterlife

The Times-Picayune ^ | 11/24/01 | Bruce Nolan

[chemicalman]

Q. Do Jews believe in an afterlife?

A. "As many Jews as there are, there are that many opinions," said Rabbi David Goldstein of Touro Synagogue.

However monolithic Judaism might look from a distance, it contains a good deal of diversity of thought even on a question one might think as basic as whether anything lies beyond the grave -- which, incidentally, is not a question of great concern in most of Judaism, he said.

[Don Myers]

"If your life is "sorry and empty", then you are the one who may need help. If your own faith is so inadequate that you feel the need to publicly attack the tenets of others without cause, calling them "callous and unfulfilling", rather than promoting those of your own, then you may need to reexamine your own faith, your own emotional stability or your own character."

I may certainly express my beliefs of a religious practice that believes only in the here and now. I am familiar with the emptiness and unfulfilling character of a person who beleives that now is the only existence and that our only future is to be eaten by worms. If that can sustain you, more power to you. But Christians have a better way. Christians know that there is a better world beyond this one.

[Don Myers]

"Similarly, the prisons are full of people who do believe in an afterlife. Here's my point: how is this possible if such beliefs have anything at all to do with people's behavior?"

There are many reasons for a person to be in a prison. Can you narrow down that question a little?

[Physicist]

Can you narrow down that question a little?

You were the one who posed the generalization that lack of belief in an afterlife has had negative behavioral consequences for society. If that's true, it should be easy to show that there's a correlation between the two.

If you can't demonstrate a correlation, can you at least give some significant examples? The article presents Jews as a counterexample.

[Physicist]

We're all learning to listen to that quiet still voice within (anyone who wants to that is)

People of all religions--or even of no religion--listen to "that quiet still voice within"; some hear Jesus, some hear their own conscience, some hear Buddha, some hear Allah, some hear Kali. How, then, can you call that unambiguous?

[RadioAstronomer]

On a moral level, which is where most religions come into play, , if there is no afterlife, there are no or minor consequences in the minds of the people who do not believe in an afterlife.

Some of the most moral people I have ever met did not beieve in an afterlife.

[Physicist]

Now the atonement would not mean anything unless man had to do something in return for it. God chose to make that requirement simply a belief or FAITH in that Son and what He did.

But that still leaves the question, why faith? He could have required good works; that would have made practical sense at least.

Could you imagine the practical benefits of a religion that emphasized wealth creation as the road to heaven?

[Apple Pan Dowdy]

Thank you for your kind words. I wanted you to know that I didn't debate with you because you angered me (for that was not the case)......... but rather because I saw in your words a sincere open mind that is searching for the truth, whatever it may be. And so I wanted to toss out a few ideas that you could think about.

On the other hand, I also enjoyed reading your arguments because it helps me understand why the concept of "the God of the Bible" is so difficult for many to accept. I can understand your points because I was once there. I grew up in a liberal-Christian home, went to college, decided to question all that I had taken on faith to be true. I too had a major problem with blood atonement, original sin, all those concepts which seemed to be contrary to a "loving God". I poured throught he scriptures looking for answers. Then I turned to writings on other religions hoping to maybe find my answers there. Looking back now I know with all my heart that the searching was a good thing even though it made me feel excited one minute then very confused the next. The rest is a bit too personal to write about here, but I will say that circumstances led me to a day when I was on my kneees crying out to "whatever God there may be" out there listening. Saying, "Who are you? If you are real then convince me!" Trust me, my friend,.... He did convince me!

I know that this does nothing whatsoever to sway your mind. How could it, for it was my experience not yours. But what I am saying, my friend, is.... keep on searching, God is patient. You will find your answers one day.

Peace and God's Blessings go with you always.

[elfman2]

"I may certainly express my beliefs of a religious practice that believes only in the here and now. I am familiar with the emptiness and unfulfilling character of a person who beleives that now is the only existence and that our only future is to be eaten by worms. If that can sustain you, more power to you. But Christians have a better way. Christians know that there is a better world beyond this one."

Of course you "may" express your beliefs. And if you think Christians have a better way, I'm happy for you. Sing it out man! But if in your desire to promote your faith, you try to leverage off of another by degrading it, you make an jerk of yourself.

I could rip into your faith with all the viciousness that you've just done to that of most Jews, but that would be counter productive. Doing so pits good men against one another and causes the best of them to think less of the one causing trouble, even some that share his faith or ideology.

If you find that you cant' stop this behavior, I'm sure the problems not with others.

[palo verde]

that still quiet voice within is the voice of God
all who want to hear it can
it is irrelevant what religion you subscribe to
it has the solution to each of our problems
what it says is never upsetting
you have to be quiet to hear it
Love, Palo

[Physicist]

I mean,IF God used a historical figure, would it not be one whose message was spread over a large portion of the globe? Would it not be one that has stood the test of time?

That strikes me as being like asking, "IF God used denture adhesive, which brand would he choose? Would it not be the one that is dual-action?" Whether someone is marketing a religion or a product, he will point to the strengths of his brand and insist that they are vital. But in my mind, God doesn't need spokesmen any more than he needs dentures.

But let me turn the question around: IF God used a historical figure, why hasn't he been able to find someone who could speak to most of humanity, let alone all of humanity?

But were that all there was to salvation heaven would be filled with people who did not want to be there, for it is a place where His will is done.

Heaven, like America, would not hold anyone who didn't want to be there. The exit would be open to everyone.

[Physicist]

I am familiar with the emptiness and unfulfilling character of a person who beleives that now is the only existence and that our only future is to be eaten by worms. If that can sustain you, more power to you. But Christians have a better way. Christians know that there is a better world beyond this one.

I used to be a Christian. I can honestly say that my life has never been more full than it is now.

[Apple Pan Dowdy]

I said: Now the atonement would not mean anything unless man had to do something in return for it. God chose to make that requirement simply a belief or FAITH in that Son and what He did.

You said: But that still leaves the question, why faith? He could have required good works; that would have made practical sense at least. Could you imagine the practical benefits of a religion that emphasized wealth creation as the road to heaven?

My answer: Sorry so late in answering... I had to leave for a family outing. When I read your question today, I had to answer.

Why faith instead of some other requirement?... well I don't pretend to know the mind of God and why He does anything... but perhaps He made the requirement "FAITH" so that it would be easy enough for any and all. It would not require special talent or family connections. Even the severely handicapped or the uneducated could do it. No, I cannot conceive of God making "wealth creation" the road to heaven. What we consider to be valuable and thus "wealth" is imaterial in God's eyes. In fact God made that clear when the scriptures point out that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the rich man to enter the Kingdom of heaven". That is because earthly riches have a way of coming between man and God. Rather He had to make the requirement for accepting the atonement simply the act of us bowing before Him and proclaiming Him God and in doing so we realize that all that we have and all that we are able to do does not come from our own meager talents, but from God's direction and help. And in that simple act, the result is better than all the wealth of the world, burdens are lifted, a sense of freedom is profound because you realize you no longer have to strive for a level of perfection (or godliness) yourself that is unreachable, because God is God and you will never be a God. In that realization comes a "peace of mind" that surpasses all understanding.

I have injoyed our little debate, thank you.... and I wish you and your family peace and God's Blessings always.

[Moby Grape]

Jesus answered the Sadducees in Luke 20: 27-38. He contines to answer them in verses 41-44.

[Mark17]

Further Old Testament implications of life after death. Job 19:25-27 and Job 21:30. Hope that helps.