Smith part 3

In Judaism, what is the role of revelation?

Revelation means disclosure. This means that when something comes as a revelation to someone, they understand something all of the sudden that was previously not understandable. This concept is important in Judaism because in many of the stories God’s role is unclear, then people have a revelation and realize that it’s God’s hand at work.

What is the concept of the "chosen people" in Judaism?
The concept of the “chosen people” in Judaism is the concept that the Hebrews were chosen by God and in context of the Hebrews, he would lead them to the promised land where they would be free.

1) In Judaism, what is the meaning of suffering?

The meaning of suffering in Judaism is to keep the Jewish people on the right path. It is to make sure God's will is the one being followed instead of the will of the people. The suffering of the Jewish people in the Bible and in the stories teaches them to be faithful in times of doubt, and those who do will be rewarded.

2) In Judaism, what is the meaning in Messianism?

Messianism in Judaism is the idea of the coming messiah. But, it is also hope of a brighter future for the faith. The Jews, always being the minority, had a vision for a better life which would be lead, or started with by the messiah. Everything about life would improve in this vision of the future.

3) In Judaism, what is meant by the "hallowing of life"?

Jewish life is mostly based around ritual. Rituals give meaning and perspective on life, but if one does not know what they mean the have no reason to do them, because they don't have any effect. They Smith also gives the example that if we need rituals to do the simple task of meeting someone, then imagine what kind of rituals we need to understand the world.

Chapters 6 & 7

Chapter 6

1) On page 191, why does Jacobs refer to the red heifer as not just "zany" but also "potentially dangerous"? What is his hang up with this particular idea of the bible?

Jacobs views the red heifer as potentially dangerous because when it arrives, it means that the Jewish people must rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This would not be that bad, IF the place where the temple was, is vacant. BUT this is not the case. The dome of the rock lies on the ruins of the temple, which is where Mohammed ascended to heaven. So to rebuild the temple the Jews would have to tear down the dome of the rock to do it right.

2) How does the following verse describe the author's dilemma as he is half way through his "spiritual journey"?

Because this people draw near with their mouth
and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me,
and their fear of me is a commandment of men by rote.

This describes Jacob's dilemma because he is praying to God everyday just like the bible says, but he doesn't have faith yet. He is still skeptical of God and religion, so he cannot be completely involved in the religion.

3) How does the author compare the Bible to wikipedia? Do you agree? Explain.

He compares the Bible to a Wikipedia entry by saying that it has evolved just like an entry. He thought is that things in Wikipedia are put together by different people, and just kind of pieced together. The Bible is like this because many different people wrote the stories that are in the Bible, then they have been translated and transformed into modern language. This shows that the Bible is like Wikipedia because both are pieced together from many different authors.

Chapter 7

1) On Page 208 Jacobs is told to stop using the Bible as a "self help" book. Based on the the information given by his adviser Yossi what is the role of religion and why is Jacobs on "thin ice?"

Yossi says that religion is not just about helping yourself, but praising God as well. Yossi says that Jacobs is on thin ice, because he is looking to the Bible for self help when he should be glorifying God and Praising him.

2) On page 219 - 220 Jacobs describes his experience of being "hit" with a realization like a punch in the stomach and then he "praises the Lord." What was his realization and how does this reconcile a problem he previously had in his search of religion?

Jacobs earlier problem was that he wasn't able to praise God sincerely. This realization opened the door for him to do that. He understands now that God did not create everything and make everything so good for his benefit, but for ours. This allows Jacobs to connect on a deeper level than he has before with God.

Psalm Analysis

Psalm 8:

Write a summary

Choose TWO of the following questions to answer: 1, 2, 3, 4

This Psalm is about praising God for all animals on the earth, and praising God’s greatness. It is about praising God for how great he is and all the things he has done on the earth.

2. The tone of the first verse is just praise and adoration toward God. It sets the tone for the rest of the psalm because the rest of it is about praising God’s greatness and such. When the first phrase is repeated it sets great emphasis on the rest of the psalm by putting even more emphasis on the praise of God.

4. Poetry is a good way of expressing praise because it can sound especially dramatic, and overemphasizes things when they are repeated. It is also good because writing good poems can take a lot of effort and be very thoughtful.

Psalm 19:

Write a brief summary

Answer the following questions: 1 and 4

This psalm is about the speech or the teachings of God. It also talks about how God’s judgment is more desired than Gold. It is weird though because it seems like the psalm is a combination of two different ones. It seems like this because the praise and the direction of the psalm is toward two completely different subjects.

1. The first part of the psalm praises God’s speech, and the call of the heavens. The second part of the psalm, on the other hand, praises the righteousness of God. It praises God’s judgment, and the fear of him.

Psalm 23:

Write a brief summary

Choose TWO of the following questions to answer: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6

This psalm is talking about how God is a leader, and shows the way through life. It also talks about how if God is followed through life, then you will live in his house after death, meaning heaven.

5. This showing that God is like a shepherd is like in David and Goliath, when David says that God will lead him through the struggles forthcoming. This is the same as showing that God is a shepherd because the shepherd leads and guards his flock through hardships.

6. This psalm is recited in a person’s final moments of life to help them remember that God is with them, and that he will guide them to his house.

Psalm 137:

Write a brief summary

Choose TWO of the following questions to answer: 1, 2 or 3

This psalm is from the viewpoint of a person who was kidnapped from Jerusalem, who is being forced to sing by his captors. This reminds him of Jerusalem and saddens him because they are in a strange land that is unaccustomed to God.

1. This situation is different because the one who wrote it is mourning instead of worshiping. He is still praising God, but he is not praising his greatness in writing in the psalm. The problem this presents is that they aren’t able to praise God out loud, and was being suppressed by their captors – who don’t believe in God.

2. This psalm would appeal to God’s pity and mercy. This is because the people are mourning about no being able to praise him openly.