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To: Library Lady

Oh no - I of course would not say that anything is more important than fellowship with God. But that, in itself, does not absolve one of everyday responsibilities - and work, itself, is a form a devotion and prayer. We are not separated from God, when doing it.

Moreover, in the present and real world, anyone who says to a young person - just leave that task and go have some fun - your brother/sister will see to it - you are Martha and Mary, you two! Is giving them the wrong message about life.

This issue of work/prayer, dependence/independence, is more keenly reflected in the Jewish world, at the moment. Jewish communities always had a prayer life, and also a strong work ethic, and a sense that everyday labor can be sanctified through adherence to Divine Law. But in Israel a the moment, they have a big social debate about the Hassidic Jewish community, who have grown proportionally numerous, and are too much absent from the workforce and dependent upon state handouts.

There is a lot to be said on both sides, but it is basically a Martha/Mary debate. The Hassidic Jews say that their work in study and prayer is more important in keeping Israel Jewish, while the secular majority say that that’s all very well, but why should they work such long hours and sacrifice their family life, so that someone else can sit in a study house.

Everyone sees this from their own point of view.


76 posted on 05/07/2012 6:25:11 PM PDT by BlackVeil
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To: BlackVeil

It’s not a debate. Jesus said one was better than the other.


104 posted on 05/07/2012 10:13:59 PM PDT by firebrand
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