Each Sunday morning, some TV preachers hold up Bibles in their hands and presume that ultimate authority can be lifted straight out of that book.  They argue that the Bible says it, so that settles it, as though the presence of the book renders human input unnecessary.  Many Jews have adopted that same approach, insisting that “Torah” Judaism is one in which the Torah has the final word—specifically that the p’shat (contextual meaning) is final.  Thus, anyone who acts against the p'shat of the Torah is violating the will of God, and thereby going against the teachings of Juda Read more...

As modern people accustomed to worship through prayer, study and through the performance of loving deeds, we are repelled and shocked by the notion of serving God by killing animals.  Yet,  most people throughout the ancient world, and in many contemporary communities as well, worshipped by  providing offerings of animal or human flesh,  as though God would eat.   Read more...

Ours is a culture which glories in individuality and autonomy. The foundation documents of theUnited States affirm the right of each individual to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Pilgrims fled England and Europe, so we are told, to practice religious liberty and to find individual freedom as well. Read more...

Finally, our society is beginning to discuss the countless ways in which we have made life difficult for the people who are lame, blind, deaf, mute, or who suffer from one of the many physical impediments that can restrict their lives.   Read more...