GeminiNZ
06-23-2001, 08:55 PM
Hi there
I found out a couple of years ago that I am Jewish by birth. I've identified as an atheist for years, but also wondered at times if there was more to spirituality than just the stuff I was taught in Sunday school that I didn't feel a connection with (have been asking questions here about taoism, buddhism etc). Since finding out I'm Jewish I've been even more confused. I've realised I have this longing to identify with my cultural heritage, but it doesn't seem possible when I've been a non-believer for such a long time.
I was curious to read that you stated you are a very unorthodox Jew who is in the "thank-God-I-have-faith/what-kind-raving-lunatic-would-believe-this?" stage. How unorthodox can I be whilst still identifying as Jewish? From what I've read the religion and the culture are completely intertwined so I don't have the option of saying I'm Jewish if I turn my back on the religious aspects. And I'm not sure I want to turn my back completely anyway. There is some stuff which kinda makes some sense, but still .... you don't go from being an atheist to a believer overnight
I'm very confused and your post really jumped out at me. I was wondering if you'd be willing to share how you deal with the part of you that struggles to believe, either here or via email. Or maybe point me in the direction of more literature or something that might be useful.
:peace
I found out a couple of years ago that I am Jewish by birth. I've identified as an atheist for years, but also wondered at times if there was more to spirituality than just the stuff I was taught in Sunday school that I didn't feel a connection with (have been asking questions here about taoism, buddhism etc). Since finding out I'm Jewish I've been even more confused. I've realised I have this longing to identify with my cultural heritage, but it doesn't seem possible when I've been a non-believer for such a long time.
I was curious to read that you stated you are a very unorthodox Jew who is in the "thank-God-I-have-faith/what-kind-raving-lunatic-would-believe-this?" stage. How unorthodox can I be whilst still identifying as Jewish? From what I've read the religion and the culture are completely intertwined so I don't have the option of saying I'm Jewish if I turn my back on the religious aspects. And I'm not sure I want to turn my back completely anyway. There is some stuff which kinda makes some sense, but still .... you don't go from being an atheist to a believer overnight
I'm very confused and your post really jumped out at me. I was wondering if you'd be willing to share how you deal with the part of you that struggles to believe, either here or via email. Or maybe point me in the direction of more literature or something that might be useful.
:peace