Hello everybody,
I’m hoping to ask a question respectfully and with genuine curiosity. I don’t practice religion, but I have a deep respect for all faiths, particularly those who gave birth to innovators and contributed to global society in a constructive way.
It is no secret that the world has been greatly advanced by the minds of notable Jewish individuals throughout history, and this has given me a deep appreciation for the culture and everything it had to endure. From my perspective as an outsider, I find it off-putting when people seem to selectively adopt parts of another culture or religion, particularly when they abandon these practices due to politics. Like they have some form of authority over the beliefs of those who have preserved the principles and meaning of it.
I’ve always noticed that particularly Christian groups and individuals seem to adopt elements of Jewish tradition, such as learning Hebrew or incorporating various rituals into their worship. I’m also aware that these same groups may not follow other key aspects of Jewish law, such as kashrut or traditional views on divorce.
My question is this: How is this perceived? Is it seen as a form of respectful cultural or religious exchange? Or is it seen as problematic due to the selective adoption of certain practices without full commitment or even with a blatant disregard towards some of the faith’s principles? Personally when I hear about Antisemitism or see it, I can’t help but wonder if this might or might not be a form of it.
As someone from Africa, where we generally have a great deal of respect for tradition and ancestry, and where we pay tribute to those who have sacrificed everything to make this world a better place for all, I’ve always been curious about understanding this from your perspective and want to ensure my question is asked in a way that respects the sanctity of your religion and heritage, so apologies if I might be stepping out of line.
submitted by /u/silvergenetic
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Source: Reditt
