Am I correct in saying that most religions are quite open toward winning new followers? If I should want to become Muslim say, I don’t think the fact I am white and come from Canada would be a problem. I could also convert to Hinduism, Rastafarianism, Budhism, and most all religions, couldn’t I? But say I wanted to become Jewish. Could I do that? What’s the difference between the religion and the race here? If it is an especially rare situation - for a religion/race that others can’t join to have its own country, could this have something to do with the fact that Israel’s views on permissible levels of warfare against less powerful enemies are all out of whack with the rest of the modern world’s?
AFAIK anyone who wishes can become Jewish- it’s just not easy, in the sense that there’s a lot you have to do.
As well, I would imagine that it depends on which branch you wish to join.
Some religions regard themselves as universal and actively proselytise- Christians, Muslims, Buddhists- while others are content to look after their own groups- Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, Shintos.
To conflate Judaism’s eagerness to win converts to Israel’s tactics in war is flirting pretty close to racism/religious prejudice.
While I don’t agree with Israel’s current tactics, over their history they’ve certainly no reason to hang their head compared with anyone, considering the situation they live in.
[quote=“MikeN”]
To conflate Judaism’s eagerness to win converts to Israel’s tactics in war is flirting pretty close to racism/religious prejudice.[/quote]
Conflate? I don’t even know what that means. (…) Ahhh. Cool word. (Mix together two different elements) Well, I am trying to take a naturalist scientific approach here. I’m interested in comparing different religions to see if openness to converts corresponds to anything or is especially rare. With Israel in mind of course.
But yes, I should look into this before speculating that it may be a cause of aggressive nationalism, which certainly appears to be unlinked to religion in the historical record. I shouldn’t conflate. Still… I just wonder sometimes.
Mixing religion with politics is the recipe for the worst crimes against humanity throughout history. While faux religions such as National Socialism or Marxist-Leninism come and go in a generation because their roots are shallow, religious wars last for millenia and build up such a legacy of hate that few escape their effects.
If only George Washington could come back to earth for one day and make that plain once more while America still has time.
[quote=“spook”]Mixing religion with politics is the recipe for the worst crimes against humanity throughout history. While faux religions such as National Socialism or Marxist-Leninism come and go in a generation because their roots are shallow, religious wars last for millenia and build up such a legacy of hate that few escape their effects.
If only George Washington could come back to earth for one day and make that plain once more while America still has time.[/quote]
I don’t think this part of history is more than a blip. I do not believe philosophy is becoming more religious because of the POTUS beegist backers’ religious beliefs.
It’s a blip. Now Bushian FOREIGN policy is a different story. If even moderate success in Iraq can be had, and a longish “peace” between the Israelis and Lebanon, then Bush will have a moment of two in the history books. Remember, Cotton Mather spurgeon.org/~phil/mather.htm
, was DA Shit in his time. He’s a freak now who has little if any sway un US religious beliefs or US foreign policy.
[quote=“belgian pie”][quote=“dearpeter”]… But say I wanted to become Jewish. Could I do that?
…[/quote]
No you couldn’t … you need to be born out of a Jewish mother …[/quote]
Not true- Judaism can only be inherited from the mother; anyone can convert to Judaism.
[quote]A Ger is a convert to Judaism. A non-Jew who wants to convert to Judaism is first discouraged so that his/her true desire to adopt Judaism and enter the Jewish community is confirmed.
The great-grandmother of King David was a convert named Ruth. Two of Hillel’s teachers, Shemaiah and Avtalyon, were from the families of converts. The Torah expects Jews to treat converts as full members of the Jewish community, without any discrimination.
The more traditional (orthodox) and more progressive (reform) branches of Judaism disagree over the requirements for conversion. According to orthodox Judaism and the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law), a convert must also agree to observe the mitzvot (commandments) of the Torah.
In addition, a male convert must undergo ritual immersion in a mikveh and circumcision, and a female convert must immerse herself in a mikveh.
Today there is a growing interest in conversion due to the increase in interfaith relations and intermarriage. Orthodox Jews discourage conversion for reasons of marriage, but more liberal branches of Judaism accept conversion for this reason.
Conversion has become a hot political issue in Israel today, with orthodox Jews claiming the exclusive right to validate conversions.
[/quote]
In the current climate, he’d probably be arrested and accused of being a terrorist.[/quote]
I can hear them now. “That’s ‘old America’, George. This is (brave) new America. Go back where you came from because you’re either with us or against us.”
If I have my dogma correct it doesn’t really matter. I think Jewish beliefs state that all good people will go to heaven regardless of faith. I remember this from religious studies 'cos I thought it was really cool. Think about it you can be Christian or Muslim and good, and if you miss with you main religion you get a 2nd shot with the Jewish heaven…cool.
Edit: I should point out before anyone else does that I am probably going to Hell regardless of what I believe as I am NOT a good person.
