World Religions Midterm Gaskill (Judaism)

Holy Envy

admiration of aspects of other religions

4 reasons that Gaskill has spent decades studying world religions?

1. he's a convert

2. avoiding faux pas (important to seek understanding and build bridges)

3. It's his mission

4. His faith is often misunderstood (respect others if you want respect)

On the first day of class, I offered numerous quotations from various General Authorities and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—with the intent of showing what the Church's "official" position has been on non-LDS religious, and the role those traditions have in God's overarching plan. In essence, the point I made with those various quotations was what?

God cares about all of His children. If they reach out to God, God will reach back out to them.

God's work is bigger than just what the members of the church can accomplish.

God inspires founders, teachers, philosophers, and reformers of others Christian denominations.

If it is true, it is part of our religion.

Why, according to D&C 78-80, should we learn as much as possible about as many things as possible?

To be prepared

What two LDS Articles of Faith have a bearing on the Latter day Saints' view of those of other religions or religious traditions?

11 (worship God how you choose)

13 (seek out good things)

Which Articles of Faith did we say is more applicable to the Saints' ability to learn from other faiths?

Article 13- if there is anything good, lovely, praiseworthy, etc. we seek after these things

According to our in-class discussion, what are the implications of 2 Nephi 29:10-12 on the Latter day Saint search for truth?

Many nations have received divine inspiration, and God has commanded everyone to record this inspiration. This means we should seek inspiration from many religious books, because they also include God's words.

In class, we discussed the experience of Dr. Dale LeBaron (who was mission president in Africa and who interviewed 400 converts his missionaries had during his time as mission president). What was it that President LeBaron learned/realized about other religions (through the survey he conducted)? And how did that change what he had previously believed about other religions?

398 were Christian: This will make them more kind, more lovely, and more God-like.

When we truly engage with God, He will connect with us.

During our in-class discussion, I listed a handful of "cautions" for when we are interacting with (or learning about) those of another faith tradition. What were those cautions and why did I say that they are important for us to heed?

-Be careful with asking 'why' questions. (use what and how questions)

-Avoid media sensationalism, stories can be inaccurate to catch attention.

-Don't stare at people who are different

-Avoid loaded terms like: cult, normal, recruit, orthodox, sect.

-Be realistic about cultural appropriation.

-Don't step on already bruised toes (if there's something negative in the news, don't bring it up)

-Know your own beliefs before you study others'. So you don't get confused or deceived.

In class, we quoted Moroni 7:12 ("All things which are good cometh of God"). What did we say the implications of this verse are on our study of World Religions?

Finding something inspiring in religion is holy envy, not appropriation.

Any practice that strengthens your spirituality and relationship with God, no matter what culture it comes from, is holy and good.

What is meant by the phrase, "Don't step on already bruised toes" (as used in class)?

Be aware of wounds that already exist for religious groups. Don't bring up these issues.

Don't ask them questions that would make them say "ugh, here we go again."

What does the Greek word "canon" mean, and what does it have to do with studying other religions?

It means measuring rod/stick.

You can compare what you learn to what you already know. "How does it measure up/ disagree with what I believe in?"

In class, I shared a handful of things Latter-day Saints should do in order to show respect for other religions. What were the things I shared?

1. Treat religious articles and practices with respect.

2. Observe customs when you can.

3.Never ridicule

4.Avoid arguments/bashing. Be willing to listen.

5. Be kind to their representatives.

6.Remember that all of these people are also God's children.

If a man enters a Roman Catholic cathedral (in Latin America) what should he remove?

If a woman enters that same cathedral, what should she do?

Man - remove a hat

Woman - cover your head (veil)

"closed mindedness" about other religions is really a sign of what?

Ignorance and intolerance; not showing love

I offered a couple of "Keys" for comprehending the doctrines of other faith traditions. What were those "Keys" I offered during our in-class discussion?

1. What question is this doctrine trying to answer?

2. Jehovah's Witnesses and latter-day saints are unique: Most religions aren't doctrinal nor dogmatic. (Most believe whatever they want and don't worry about "orthodoxy" in beliefs or practices.)

3. Keep an open mind and be objective.

Why is the name of Judaism pronounced "Judah-ism" instead of "Judy-ism"?

It's from the tribe of Judah

Who, according to our in-class discussion, is the founder of Judaism?

Abraham

What provoked the creation of Judaism?

In Genesis 15, God made a covenant with Abraham. God commanded Abraham to leave his home in Mesopotamia and covenanted to lead him to a promised land

How does Alma 5:57 ("And now I say unto you..., come ye out from the wicked, and be ye separate, touch not their unclean things") apply to God's command to Abraham—as part of the founding of Judaism?

God continuously commands Jews to come out from wicked nations and go to a promised land

Run from evil and be blessed.

According to our in-class discussion, where and when was "covenant Israel" first organized?

Premortal life

Be able to list the six major branches of Judaism—from most observant of the Law to least observant—as described in our in-class discussion.

1. Haredi or Ultra-Orthodox

2. Modern Orthodox

3. Conservative

4. Reform

5. Reconstructionist

6. Assimilated or Hiloni

What does the word "Haredi" mean?

To quake or to tremble before God

Why do Haredi Jews not like to be called "Ultra-Orthodox"?

It has become a derogatory term, such as a "radical right" Republican.

Which denomination of Judaism seeks to separate themselves from the secular world, and reject modern clothing, entertainment, and the like?

Haredi Jews (Ultra Orthodox)

What is the difference between the "Written Torah" and the "Oral Torah"?

Written Torah is the 10 commandments, and the Oral Torah is the rest of the commandments given to Moses (613).

How many commandments does Orthodox Judaism traditionally acknowledge?

613

How many commandments are in the Written Torah, and how many in the Oral Torah?

Written: 10

Oral: 613

What is the largest difference between Haredi Jews and Modern Orthodox Jews?

Modern Orthodox feel you can live in the world, without being of the world. But Haredi Jews generally try to separate themselves completely from society.

What is ironic about the name "Conservative" Judaism?

In discussions about politics, conservative means right of center, but conservative Jews are actually more progressive. They're between modernity and tradition.

Do Conservative Jews traditionally have separate dishes, pots and pans, refrigerators, and stoves, for dairy and non-dairy items?

No

How do many Reform Jews feel about things like circumcision, a minyan, or a mikveh?

They feel like these things are outdated and generally question whether they are necessary.

What is the Reform Jewish view on female rabbis?

They see men and women as equal, so they have female rabbis.

Significantly high percentage of female rabbis.

When was the Reconstructionist movement started?

1955

The Reconstructionist movement broke off of what Jewish denomination?

It broke off of the conservative tradition, but it is to the left of reform in its theology.

It is a place for Jews who question the existence of God, the historicity of scripture, etc.

Civilization > religion.

Where does the Reconstructionist movement best fit—theologically and also liturgically (meaning, between which denominations does it fall theologically, and where liturgically speaking)?

It treats Judaism as a civilization, not a religion

Falls between reform and assimilate

Nothing normative or required for the sect

Don't take Biblical miracles seriously

Cultural Jews

According to our in-class discussion, for what purpose did Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan start the Reconstructionist movement? What need did he see that this was designed to meet?

For people who wanted to get in touch with their Jewish heritage but maybe don't believe in God.

How do Reconstructionist Jews look at "Law" or "Commandments"?

No required rules or commandments in their denomination.

Why do Reconstructionist Jews "have to" see "Commandments" or the "Law" as a suggestion?

DEI- everyone belongs and rules are restricting and no one needs to feel uncomfortable

How do Reconstructionist Jews describe God?

They don't believe in God and question his existence.

If a Hiloni (or "Assimilated"/"Enculturated") Jew describes himself or herself as Jewish, what does he or she mean by that—and what does he or she definitely not mean by that?

Jewish in nationality/ethnicity/lineage, but not Jewish in religion or belief.

Statistically speaking, most Jews lean which direction— meaning are they theologically progressive or theologically conservative?

Theologically progressive

What do scholars describe as the biggest threat to Judaism in the modern age? And why?

Successive generations are becoming less and less Jewish (watering down the faith, intermarrying, lack of belief, etc.)

Why do observant Jews avoid saying or writing the word "God"?

Only during Yom Kippur he high priest could speak God's name

What do observant Jews use instead of writing it or saying God?

Adonai or Ha Shem

G-D

G0D

Judaism was founded in what milieu—meaning most of Israel's neighbors taught what about God

Polytheistic - most people around them believed in multiple gods.

Was ancient Judaism polytheistic (many gods, worship all), monotheistic, monistic, modalistic, or monolatrist? And what are they today?

Judaism is monotheistic (believe in one God, worship in one God) today, but was monolatrist (acknowledging many gods, but not worshiping them)

At what point in Covenant Israel's history did the religion change its view on the nature of God?

6th century BCE (Judaism became monotheistic)

Abraham- talks about the gods and struggles with polytheism (his dad makes lots of idols and then Abraham destroys all of them- if they're only made up of wood and stone, why would you worship them)

According to one modern rabbi (that we quoted in class), God "has done or will do three things." What were those three things?

1. Created the universe- likely in a scientific manner

2. Reveal the torah (or His law) to guide His covenant people

3. Redeem all of His creations at the end of time.

The God of Judaism is a God of what?

Creation, revelation, and redemption.

How are the Orthodox and Reform views of God different from each other?

Orthodox: God is invisible, all knowing, personable, all powerful and answers prayers.

Reform: God is a spirit force in the universe, not a being, not largely involved in our world.

What is the 3-fold purpose of life (in Judaism)?

1. Live piously

2. Live as the "chosen"

3. Usher of the Messiah

Why do many Jews avoid trying to define what heaven is like?

We know it exists, but we don't know what it's gonna be like so we don't focus too much on that.

How do Jewish Intertestamental texts describe heaven?

similar to Christain constructs of the heavenly reward

Righteous sit with crowns on their heads, and study the Torah with the "Holy One"

Do the majority of Jews believe in a literal Messiah or more of a metaphorical one?

Metaphorical

What are some ways in which Jews conceive of the Messiah and what He will be?

Many expect a future religious leader, in New Testament times they looked for a political/military leaderMany think it is metaphorical

What is the 1948 founding of the State of Israel sometimes equated with among theologically progressive Jews?

Coming of the Messiah

Why do Jews dislike the term "Old Testament"?

It's not Old, it's not an outdated series of laws. It's still relevant.

"old" implies there is something new to replace it with.

What does "TaNaKh" stand for?

Acronym for Torah/Neviim/K'tuvim.

What is the Hebrew Bible?

TaNaKh

What is the Torah?

the law

What is the Neviim?

The prophets

What is the K'tuvim?

The writings

The Mishnah is often also called what?

Oral Torah

The Mishnah and the Gemara combined is called what?

Talmud

What does the Mishna offer commentary on?

Oral Torah

What does the Gemara offer commentary on?

Mishnah

What does Midrash comment on?

TaNaKh (Hebrew Bible)

How consistent are Jews in their use of scripture?

Depends on the jew

Orthodox: daily

Conservative: hit and miss

Reform: only in the synagogue

How old are Jewish boys when they are circumcised?

8 days old

When a Jewish boy is circumcised, what does he receive?

His name

If a man is a convert (as an adult) to Judaism, does he still need to be circumcised in order to become a Jew?

Yes

What are the three things circumcision reminds Jews of?

Who you are, what God calls you to be, and the Abrahamic covenant

Traditionally, how old are boys and girls when they have their Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah?

Boys: 13

Girls: 12

Which denominations of Judaism traditionally allow girls to have a Bat Mitzvah?

All the progressive (Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist)

(not modern orthodox or heredity)

Which denomination of Judaism invented the Bat Mitzvah?

Reconstructionist

Jews get married under a canopy that is called what?

Chuppah

The canopy under which Jews marry symbolizes what two things?

1. A new home a new unit is being created

2. God is looking down on it and approves of it.

also place of protection

What does the crushing of a glass under to foot of the groom (at a Jewish wedding) symbolize?

While this is joyous, the temple is still destroyed.

While I love you with my whole soul, there still might be challenges in our marriage

How long of a wedding reception do some Jews hold, and why?

7 day reception

7= whole/complete

Why do Orthodox Jews make a small tear in some portion of their clothing when a loved one has died?

Symbolizes that your lives had been intertwined, but now that seam has been ruptured

What does it mean for a Jew to "sit Shiva"?

Shiva = Hebrew number for 7

Weeklong period of mourning. You have a reception in the home. People sit quietly with you, talk with you, and share memories.

Lots of things you don't do during this period: shave, laundry, sex, wear leather, etc.

What articles of clothing (that have sacred significance) do Orthodox Jews have and wear?

Tallit (prayer shawl), with strings tied in tzitzit knots

Kippah, covering of the head. Orthodox men keep their heads covered even when they're sleeping.

Tefillin, little boxes on the front of your forehead and next to your heart on your left arm. Keep God at the forefront of your mind.

How many knots are tzi.tzit tied into, and why that number?

613, the commandments in the written and oral Torah

What do Orthodox Jews wear on their forehead and left arm during prayer and when reading scriptures?

Tefillin

What do Reform Jews refer to as the "Temple"?

Synagogue

What is the "Shema," and where is it found?

Most important prayer: Deuteronomy 6:4

What is a "minyan?"

The quorum required for Jewish communal worship

How many Jews are traditionally required to be part of a minyan?

10

How old are the men that participated in a minyan?

adults (13+)

What gender are the people participating in a minyan in the Orthodox tradition?

males

What does the word "mezuzah" mean?

Door post

The doorposts of what rooms are you not allowed to put a mezuzah on, and why?

Bathroom (unclean), closet, or storage (not lived in)

What is the point of touching or kissing a mezuzah?

Wanting God's assistance as you go out, thanking him for His blessings and guidance as you return

Prayer in our heart

What location is the "center of Jewish religious life"?

the home

What is the meaning of the term "Rosh Ha-Shanah"?

a new year

head of the year

first of the year

Rosh Ha-Shanah marks the beginning on what?

Begging of the heightened repentance cycle

What are you supposed to contemplate during Rosh Ha-Shanah?

How have I done this year?

What is the point of putting together a "court of three persons" during Rosh Ha-Shanah?

People that are painfully honest: what have you seen me do and what have I done wrong? This provokes repentance

What is the point of blowing the shofar (or ram's horn) during Rosh Ha-Shanah?