tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558253513796745662.post4079859484341494410..comments2023-08-13T07:09:16.921-04:00Comments on Contextual Criticism: Doug Rushkoff and Open Source ReligionLowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15305748075301453010noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558253513796745662.post-84058401645454784402008-06-11T09:36:00.000-04:002008-06-11T09:36:00.000-04:00Judaism is the religion of Jews with religion. As ...Judaism is the religion of Jews with religion. As such it is subject to five recognized major denominations, (Yes, five) in the USA and probably Canada. Most of the world, at least those in which there are some Jews left, are usually officially connected to some form of orthodox Judaism. Reform and Conservative are primarily practiced in the USA. <BR/>It is estimated that between 50 and 65% of those calling themselves Jews are unaffiliated with organized religion! The majorities of Jews, worldwide, practices no religion or are unaffiliated with any Temple or Synagogue. <BR/>When talking of Jews, I think it is a good idea to specify which definition of Jew or Jewish one means. Most anti Semites do not care what belief a Jew has. They just do not like Jews. I think a great deal of anti Semitism is not connected to religion at all. Of the six million rounded up and shipped off to death camps, no one asked about belief or membership in any organized aspect of the religion. It was based on the degree of Jewish blood one had. It is still true of the public perception of Jews. The Jews of Israel are not all religious but Israel is vilified because it is a Jewish state. It is apparent that Jews are thought of as a people or race apart from the rest of humanity. Jews are treated as if all shared some characteristics that set them apart from all others. In some cases the characteristics are complimentary and others are derogative but few bother to explain what they mean when they say “ Jews are…”. Religion is not a factor obviously.<BR/>Bob PorisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com