Atheism and Humanistic Viewpoints in Judaism
Do All Jews Believe in God?
The questioning of Jewish principles isn’t a new concept in Judaism. Jews are taught to question, and in fact, the process of dissecting and interpreting the meanings of Judaism’s sacred texts go back a thousand years or more to scholars such as Rashi and Maimonides. Yet for most observant Jews, the concept of a Jewish God has remained a cornerstone of their beliefs and interpretations of the Tanach and Talmud.
Atheist as a Jewish Identity
Some Jews however, see themselves as atheists, and interpret Judaism as a matter of culture and history. Many, such as members of the Society for Humanistic Judaism, and affiliated congregations, do not place their belief in God, but rather in the cultural, ethical and humanistic nature of Jews as a historic people.
Founded by Rabbi Sherwin T. Wine in 1969, the Society, as its website explains, strives to “provide a home for humanistic, cultural and secular Jews.” According to the Society, “Jews have not historically been a religious denomination.” Humanistic Jews see their affiliation with Judaism as predominantly a matter of cultural identity and fidelity, rather than a theistic belief.
Humanistic Judaism as a Religion
Yet Humanistic Judaism puts forth that in context with the definition of a religion, which is an acknowledgment of set beliefs, Humanistic Judaism is actually a religious perspective. Humanistic Judaism congregations serve as a social support for its members through affiliation, education and acknowledgment of life-cycle events, much like Orthodox, Conservative and Reform congregations do. The congregations are led by rabbis, who serve as leaders of the community and Jewish holiday events.
Congregations that endorse Jewish humanism don’t support formal conversions to the religion; rather, an individual who identifies with and wishes to be a part of a Humanistic congregation joins together with the congregation to “adopt” each other into their existence. This perspective is in part founded in the belief that Judaism should be a pluralistic existence and is enriched by others’ experiences and cultural backgrounds.
Atheism and Jewish Acts and Beliefs
Humanistic Jews believe in many of the same precepts as theistic Jews: Tzedakah, or charity, is a fundamental element in Jewish ethics, and it is no less so for Humanistic Jews. Performing acts of loving kindness (visiting the sick; doing acts of good for others) are a foundation for all Jewish congregations.
Humanistic Judaism is based on the concept that human beings are rational, reasoning individuals who are responsible for their own fate and ethical decisions. It embraces knowledge and science as fundamental parts of that reasoning process and ethical advancement. It does not accept the concept that strife and difficulty is the result of divine retribution for human acts, but rather exist as “a challenge to be overcome” by the individual.
Humanistic Judaism Congregations
There are more than 15 congregations that affiliate themselves with the Society of Humanistic Judaism in the United States and Canada. Affiliated organizations exist throughout the world. Other organizations that embrace the concept of a cultural a-theistic Judaism include the Center for Cultural Judaism, which supports secular and nonreligious Judaism; and the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism.
The Difference Between Humanism and Secularism
It is important to note that not all secular Jews necessarily believe in Humanistic Judaism. Humanistic Jews are secular in their outlook and lifestyle. Secular Jews on the other hand, can include individuals who believe in God, but live secularly, as well as Jews who maintain other lifestyles.
Readers also may enjoy reading Belief and Controversy in Judaism.
Sources:
- shj.org - Society for Humanistic Judaism
- iishj.org - International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism
- culturaljudaism.org - Center for Cultural Judaism
- kolhaskalah.org - Kol Haskalah: A Humanistic Jewish Congregation
God is a Central Figure in Judaism's Sacred Texts
|
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles