Before I actually start writing about anything, I should probably mention a little bit about myself, and what the purpose of this blog is.
I come to the blogging sphere searching for the truth, wherever it may lead, in the realm of Jewish belief. Now, obviously, there are plenty of blogs already out there that deal at length with this subject. Unfortunately, upon reading them, I find myself in the position of Elihu ben Berachel - almost none of the blogs seem to touch the crux of the matters. They often do not deal with many of the major issues, and when they do, the protagonists on both sides offer arguments that I feel I can refute.
So, I feel that it is time for a fresh start. This blog will be purely dedicated to expounding on the issues involved in belief in Orthodox Judaism. I am not afraid to challenge positions held on either side. I welcome all criticism of my positions - I wish to form correct opinions, not simply throw preconceived views at the readers. However, this does not mean that I do not have already thought about the issues - I have formed opinions based on my reflections and readings. Please bear this in mind.
Also, please note that no ad hominem remarks will be tolerated, no matter whom the come from. If I see any such comments, I will delete them. I will try to hold to this standard myself. If any reader thinks that I have made an ad hominem remark, please let me know and I will modify my post.
Now that I have introduced this blog, it is time to post.
3 comments:
Shalom, JE. I happened upon your new blog by reading your new comment to an old posting by Rabban Gamliel. I've looked for and thought about starting a blog like yours - hope you're successful with it.
Just a few opening comments: you identify yourself as a Jew, not necessarily an orthodox one (I like "observant" better than "orthodox").
Whatever kind of Jew you are as far as observance, are you really ready to let your search take you "wherever it may lead"? In other words, if you're now observant, would you become non-observant if you found something that undeniably (or even very strongly) challenged your current worldview? And vice-versa - would you become newly observant (which I think is actually a lot easier than "frieing out" - becoming non-observant)?
Are your "already formed opinions" - and actions, I would emphasize even more - really ready to be existentially challenged? If so, then there is real hope for truth to be achieved here.
I say this from recent experience. I became observant many years ago, and only recently, because of several things I've seen via the internet (that devilish yetzer hara wellspring of modern life), my observance has become seriously challenged and compromised, causing me and my family great turmoil. But at least I know that I'm being honest with myself - and that's the most important thing.
As the writer of Kiruv Awareness Network emphasized many times in a debate he posted on his site, there is almost no point in arguing with people who are not willing to change their position (except, I would add, for others who might read or hear about it and be influenced by it).
By the way, for those who also didn't know, an "ad homimen" argument is one that attacks the person (the arguer) and not the position (the argument). And you're right - it's (almost) always something to be avoided.
Best wishes for success on your "fresh start". May truth be revealed - and prevail.
fellowtruthseeker,
I speak as someone who has gone through several years of questioning already. My opinions have already changed as a result of reflection and discuission. So, yes, I am willing to change my opinion based on sufficient argumentation. I look forward to further comments of yours.
Good and fair response. Just a little more about you - you keep talking about your opinions and beliefs, but you still haven't said how they translate into action. Would you call yourself currently observant? And how many times have you changed your observance based on you investigations? Are you, like me, married with a family, where such waverings of worldview are much trickier and more delicate, since they directly affect others close to you?
I've read your ontological and cosmological posts, which are interesting, and I hope to respond to them, too. I'm sure that there are others out there who would do a better job than me - I hope they join in.
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