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OK, so you graduated college and you think you'll never be bothered by another boring lecture. But there I go and shatter your illusions. You may kick my post-erior later. My-bad (I can't believe I just wrote that). I wrote a clearly dry and academic post chock full of important historical facts presented in a manner that will rival your best insomniac-curing professor. He knows his stuff but No-Doz, Red Bull, and an IV caffeine drip can't help you focus. And still you complain?!? I long for the days of that foggy glazed-look daze.When I write a post like that I really am taking notes for myself, summarizing the major points of concern so that one day I can look back and get the whole gestalt without the fluff. Now I'm tempted to summarize that post so that your ADHD minds can get the point and move on.
So here goes. Torah ain't what you think. It's not a unified work and it has undergone major evolutionary/revisional changes over time. Judaism of first temple monarchy had different theology and concerns than second temple priestly rule. And varying and competing schools of thought merged or were rejected in a long process that leads us to what we practice today- a Judaism guided by the 'wise' interpretation of our ruling Rabbis (not priest and certainly not king).
The point was that evolution of religion was based on who was in power. Power as much as theology has determined the direction of our religion. And the winners get to tell their story.
So what do we do with this knowledge? Should this change anything we do? Well that's up to you. Some will reject religion as propaganda and a means of population control while others will accept that we are part of a long chain of good people searching for, but not always finding, the perfect unquestionable truth. And in what direction do we wish to see our religion heading? We were to be a light unto nations so should we move away from our insular nature and aim for more universal ideals? In the end we each have to find the best balance for ourselves.
For all you seekers out there, "Pilgrim, in your journey you may travel far, for pilgrim it's a long way to find out who you are..."- Enya.
Now I'm quoting Enya, kill me now!
