Sumter Rabbi Josef Germaine: Are we praying to the same God?
From time to time, I either receive a knock at the door or something in the mail challenging my religious faith or lack thereof. We are oftentimes confronted with elements to find reasons to challenge one's choice of religious practice.
In a world of many religious persuasions, it seems almost ludicrous to be concerned about comments which challenge the authenticity of any religion and its doctrines. Discussions and debates about religious events as recorded in their original body of texts do not necessarily negate authenticity. What should be the question, are we all in fact praying to the same God? And if we are, how in fact do we explain differences in the apprehension of the divine message?
In today's world of "intellectual enlightenment," it seems reasonable to expect that differences in religious practice have more to do with cultural and ethnic orientation. Most accept the "big bang" theory, but no one explains who lit the match. Given that, the message should be the same. And what is that message? I should think, universal brotherhood, love for your neighbor, respect for one another despite differences in religious or political beliefs. Extremists who deny others the freedom to worship as they please should question how indeed they are in touch with the divine message. Admittedly, it must be difficult to embrace a religion and not claim and encourage superiority to the point of intolerance. Difficult but not impossible to avoid such a temptation. We are praying to the same God only if the divine message brings people closer together and not farther apart.
"And a stranger shalt thou not oppress, for you know the heart of a stranger, seeing you were strangers in the land of Egypt." ( Ex 23:9).
Rabbi Josef Germaine is a professional lyric tenor who has been a concert recitalist, cantor, vocal coach and rabbi. He received his bachelor's in music and masters degree in Hebrew education. He lives in Sumter and is a member of Temple Sinai. Reach him at tenore39@aol.com.