Struggling with Interfaith relations
Hello! I am a reform jew, and a religious studies student. Over the years I have had many opportunities to experience and interact with other religions. I really enjoy my time usually. I have a great affinity for traditions like Hinduism and Buddhism. I really respect their philosophies and practices, and I’m delighted whenever I find an overlap between those customs and Judaism.
My problem is engaging with Christianity and Islam. The people are wonderful and I have made many friends in each religion. I just can’t help but feel uncomfortable when engaging with a Church or a Mosque. My other Jewish friends tend to be a bit more lenient than me. They have almost an agnostic view of Gd and say things like “ all religions are man made”. However I tend to be more traditional, my view of Gd is very centered in the message of Deuteronomy.
When we visit the Mosques or Churches my friends will participate in the prayers and customs, and I will not. They think I’m being rude, but I just don’t feel comfortable participating in something that I feel is kind of against my own religion. It’s hard not to think about how Christianity and Islam basically deny Judaism and the Jewish covenant.
Am I being stubborn and silly? Should I just chill out and enjoy these other practices?
Hello! I am a reform jew, and a religious studies student. Over the years I have had many opportunities to experience and interact with other religions. I really enjoy my time usually. I have a great affinity for traditions like Hinduism and Buddhism. I really respect their philosophies and practices, and I’m delighted whenever I find an overlap between those customs and Judaism.
My problem is engaging with Christianity and Islam. The people are wonderful and I have made many friends in each religion. I just can’t help but feel uncomfortable when engaging with a Church or a Mosque. My other Jewish friends tend to be a bit more lenient than me. They have almost an agnostic view of Gd and say things like “ all religions are man made”. However I tend to be more traditional, my view of Gd is very centered in the message of Deuteronomy.
When we visit the Mosques or Churches my friends will participate in the prayers and customs, and I will not. They think I’m being rude, but I just don’t feel comfortable participating in something that I feel is kind of against my own religion. It’s hard not to think about how Christianity and Islam basically deny Judaism and the Jewish covenant.
Am I being stubborn and silly? Should I just chill out and enjoy these other practices?