I don't have time for a real post today, but I've added some links under "Other References." These are not all things that I like or agree with, but they are famous texts (and a movie) about Atheism, and they've influenced me.
I've begun reading The God Delusion and when I get a bit further in I'll write about it. So far, I'm pleased that Dawkins does not, as Maher does in Religulous, work under the assumption that the only possible definition of God is "the character in the Bible." Maher asserts that if one purports to believe in God, then one must take responsibility for everything written in the Scripture. I think that's ridiculous, and I'm glad to read that Dawkins is arguing against all deities, everywhere.
However, I prefer Epstein's assertion that Progressive believers are our allies provided that they are working for the betterment of Humanity. I can't spend my time being at war with the religious. It's hard enough fighting the Religious Right.
Hello Wandering Jewess and welcome to the Jewish blogosphere! I love your quest and questions.
ReplyDeleteThe answers may not be as far away as you think. At least in my synagogue, the rabbis have firmly defined Reform Judaism as a "big tent" kind of Judaism that is distinguished by its willingness to welcome a variety of beliefs about God and ritual. That would include atheists like you (and me).
I suppose a lot depends on the rabbinic leadership at your particular Reform shul and the tone they set.
I am taking part for the first time in an annual project where the sisterhood writes its own Friday night service -- write personal versions of all the prayers. I wrote a version of the Ma'ariv that does not mention the word God. Everyone in the group loved it! It was spiritual without being God-centric. I don't think anyone even noticed that I left out the G-word.
My husband and I attended a Humanistic Judaism Bat Mitzvah a few years ago, and while we appreciated the effort to re-write the prayers in a more modern and meaningful fashion, it was too weird to leave out Torah completely.
Personally, I don't mind saying the word "God" in prayers. I substitute in my own definition of "miracle of the universe" so I am not saying God is holy, I am saying life and the universe are holy.