When I was visiting Israel in the 1990s, I heard a statement that was quite sad: “Those who do can, and those who cannot raise funds.” This statement reflected the view of congregational leaders who were doing the hard work …
Separation of Church and State — Again
This follows an earlier article. Readers should understand that my position is informed first by the Bible, then by the Reformed Protestant consensus that influenced the early formation of the United States constitutional system, and finally by the history of …
Shlomo Riskin, Judaism: A Love Story
Riskin’s Life Shlomo Riskin is an impressive rabbi. He is in his mid-80s now and has had a stellar career. He was trained as an Orthodox Jewish rabbi and was, for a season, the rabbi of the flagship and famous …
The Theology of Hymns
The Bible’s DetractorsDetractors claim that the Bible presents us with a cruel God, even a sadistic God, and that biblical faith is evil. This is because they read texts about the command of Israel to wipe out different ethnic groups …
Judaism, Christianity and the Decline of Western Civilization
I recently read a profound book by Melanie Phillips. I am familiar with her mostly from op-eds she has written for the Jerusalem Post. She is a Modern Orthodox Jew and a moderate conservative, a British Israeli. I usually find …
The Ten Percent
Very recently, Bill Mahrer and the conservative Orthodox Jewish pundit Ben Shapiro had a dialogue. Shapiro was arguing for faith in the God of the Bible and the Torah, and Mahrer was arguing for atheism, claiming that much in the …
Creation Distinctions and the Worldview Battle
Rarely does a day go by that I do not read of clashes over social issues. Yesterday, the news carried a comment by the famous English commentator Piers Morgan over an arrest in London. A comedian was when he landed …
The Hostage War
I have read much in the Israeli English press on the Gaza War. Others see what I am writing here. We could call this the Hostage war because of how this war was fought. It was very much focused on …
The Pharisees and the Post-Destruction Yavne New Beginning
How does intuitive insight provide new possibilities in philosophy, theology, science, and literature? Catholic Theologian Thomas Dubay and the noted scientist Michael Polanyi point to the mystery that understanding comes almost like revelation. Augustine taught that all progress in knowledge …
Mercy Triumphs over Judgment
But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matt …