4 ms·
Unfortunately we see people continue gullible to extremism in order to find a life purpose, but it's maybe a commentary on our materialistic and empty capitalis
by goldfeld 11y ago
Unfortunately we see people continue gullible to extremism in order to find a life purpose, but it's maybe a commentary on our materialistic and empty capitalistic system (which has all the wrong incentives lined up to stifle education about the wealth of life experiences you could have to find purpose) that religion has been steadily on the rise. Religion gets adepts both from oppressed camps as well as disillusioned followers of the "things" religion--that is, more power and things as a life purpose. Extremism happens because it's much easier for a person made ignorant and alienated by our society to accept a system of thought wholesale, as a framework, otherwise there would be too much friction in their heads to enjoy the religious experiences (much like an athlete can't have cognitive friction when performing). It's the sense of bonding, community and shared powerful, meaningful experiences that keep extremists together. Once our educational system gets its act together on teaching how people can find these things elsewhere it should get better.
That said, in this case, the article points to some rabbis with a more progressive mindset who may shake things up a bit from inside their society. Not necessarily promising but it's nice to hear of an oasis of good sense/empathy/tolerance once in a while.
- ck2 11y agoThe most progressive rabbi would not be a rabbi at all. Fairy tales are for children, most people outgrow them. Mass religion is very damaging to mass society.
- goldfeld 11y agoActually the article states the views very clearly: orthodox rabbis who believe deeply in their mindset but accept modern life's progresses as not being a threat to them. They deeply believe something yet accept/tolerate those without the same strict views. I find it to be a good compromise (for them, not for me.) I'll give you that "progressive" was not a good word, though I was talking about whatever you'll call the rabbis described in the article.