OK so here is a sticky subject that I still have not come to a reasonable conclusion on. We learn from the words of the master that we are to follow the decisions of the Rabbi's as they "sit in the seat of moses". (ok no problems there so far right?) It is a sort of do what they say not what they do kind of arrangement. Well here's the thing. According to the rulings of the Rabbi's (Orthodox at least) it is not permited to teach Torah to gentiles unless it is for the experssed intention to convert to Judaism. In fact to teach a gentile Torah who does not intend to convert to Judaism would be to contribute to Avot Azarah (idolitry). On the other hand to study the torah without the guidence of the people handpicked by the most high to be "given the oracles of G-d" sets us up for giving dishonour to those very writings.
So then where is the balance to be struck? I guess the easy answer is to say that the rulling of the Rabbi's doesnt fit in with teachings of the master and so this is one of the instances in which we must disgaurd their rulling, and go ahead and study on our own. However this raises another problem. How then do we keep the people from doing "what is right in their own eyes" (abreviation mine)? What is the standard going to be, and who will deicde that standard. Well I don't have any easy sum it all up answers this time. So, lets talk about it. What is a Torah observant gentile to do (please, please, please don't say just do the Noachide laws, cause you can't be a Christian and Noachide at the same time either so there ttthhhhpppp) :P
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Home Again, Home Again Jiggidy Jig
OK well I didnt buy a fat pig but I did go home for R&R and have returned safe and sound to wonderfull Aganistan. I had a wonderfull time full of friends and family, spent time with one of my spiritual mentors, did some verbal sparring with Brady (that is always fun). Nothing amazingly spiritually edifying or poignant in this post just wanted to check in and say howdy to yall (sorry, I did just get back from Texas). Hey if anyone else has anything interesting tosay feal free to post it hear,and letds get to talkin (I swear this drawl will clear up in a few days).
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