New turn in Dr. Laura's spiritual journey: Convert to Judaism says she's no longer following rituals

WorldNetDaily.com ^ | August 8, 2003 | WorldNetDaily.com

[CMClay]

Dr. Laura Schlessinger, one of the nation's most popular radio talk-show hosts and the most successful on-air counselor, is no longer practicing the rituals of Judaism – a religion she converted to a decade ago in her 40s.

''Almost 10 years ago, I talked on the air about becoming a convert to Judaism,'' she told her listeners last week. ''I was open on the air at that time about that evolution. Well, I would say within the last year I have had a de-evolution.''

Where is she now spiritually?

''Nowhere exactly,'' she chuckled. ''Suspended animation. I still see myself as a Jew. But the spiritual journey in that direction – as hard-core as I was at it – just didn't fulfill something in me that I needed.''

Schlessinger grew up in New York, the child of a Jewish father and a Catholic mother. She was a life-long atheist, who, in her 40s, began exploring and practicing Judaism.

''By and large, the faxes from Christians have been very loving, very supportive,'' she said. From my own religion, I have either gotten nothing, which is 99 percent of it, or two of the nastiest letters I have gotten in a long time. I guess that's my point, I don't get much back. Not much warmth coming back.

[ventana]

Mrs. Tiggy! My favorite BP character. I see you've been here for some time, yet I hadn't seen your screenname before! Glad to meet you. Now if you don't mind, I'll just climb up the rockery by degrees! V's wife.

[Aliska]

I'm thinking she may become catholic. She's very supportive of the catholics in general.

Maybe she misses bacon and eggs for breakfast. Or ham.

[mrs tiggywinkle]

freepmail in a sec

[Prov3456]

I don't think she's an agnostic, or a "returning atheist." I think she's a person on a spiritual plateau who is sincerely searching for who/what it is that makes that ultimate connection between God and human.

I believe that is Jesus Christ. Perhaps if everyone who believes likewise will pray for Dr. Laura (or continue to pray for her), He will be found by her. (There's an Old Testament verse in that regard, but I don't remember its specific location.)

[mrs tiggywinkle]

bingo

[sonserae]

My fiance's co-worker used to work with her at KFI. He says she swears like a sailor.

[jocon307]

"Nowhere in the Bible have I read anything about getting your needs met."

Yeah, thank you, thanks for saying that.

[FourPeas]

My thoughts exactly.

[glory]

Two things I find interesting in the article:

''I felt that I was putting out a tremendous amount toward that mission, that end, and not feeling return, not feeling connected, not feeling that inspired,'' she told her radio audience.

I see her use the word "feeling" over and over. Doesn't she chastise people on her radio show for saying "I feel like this or that"?

That aside when I read this, I can't help but think she's craving something more..a personal connection..she actually is more on her way to Christiandom than she is to athiesm after reading this quote. But starting as an athiest, then moving to Judaism, I can understand how difficult a realization that may be--Lord knows I've btdt in a different way--when you've been denying Him for so long and propping yourself up for so long as the final authority, it's hard to admit you need a savior and are aching for Him:

''I have envied all my Christian friends who really, universally, deeply, feel loved by God,'' she told her listeners last Tuesday. ''They use the name Jesus, in referring to God. My Christian friends generally talk about Jesus when referring to God. That was a mystery, feeling connected to God. To me that was a mystery, and I was very sad about that and very envious of my friends.''

[sonserae]

Jesus didn't come to abolishe the law but fulfill it.
Judaism binds people to so many laws that can't keep...Jesus frees us from the laws by being the sacrifice for our sins. It's a very freeing thing to be a Christian. Not that we may sin so that grace may abound....but that we truly are free from our shame.

[glory]

Saint, that is where I was leaning too, particularly after reading a quote about being envious of the relationship Christians have with God. I think the Holy Spirit is tugging at her and it is going to take a little bit of time for her to answer His call. I'll pray for her peace in these matters and that she may fulfill God's purpose for her.

[sonserae]

Paul even mentioned in the New Testament that the Jews would be envious of the Christians and what Christ has done in their life.

[Prov3456]

Can I say, "Amen!"

[glory]

Hmm.. I wonder if Dr. Laura knows of this quote. I can only imagine a Christian or two who wrote her sent it along. It may be interesting for her to read at the point she is now.

[org.whodat]

I don't think she's an agnostic

I don't see anything wrong with being agnostic.

[Jorge]

She's about as deep as a piece of tissue paper.

Which might explain why she is second only to Rush Limbaugh on talk radion?
Of course her extraordinary success is due to the fact she is a brilliant and talented woman.

And lets not forget, extremely offensive to those who can't stand her references to Biblical morals.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Nowhere in the Bible have I read anything about getting your needs met.

Check out Philippians 4:19

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Or Psalm 40:17

But I am poor and needy; Yet the LORD thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.

or Psalm 70:5

But I am poor and needy; Make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

Yes, I think so too.

[goody2shooz]

She adores bacon and has, in fact, crooned over how much she misses eating it!!

But I don't think that is the reason for her spiritual unease.

[Aliska]

But I don't think that is the reason for her spiritual unease.

No, I don't either. I simply do not know.