On Thu, 01 Apr 2004 15:31:27 -0500, Ben > wrote:

\
>Off topic but since you mention it. Conservative "Judaism" and Reform
>"Judaism" are religions that contain many Jews but calling themselves
>"Judaism" does not make it so.

It is this attitude, which I consider offensive, that prompted my
initial response.

>Seems like everyone today adds an adjective to
>the word Judaism and it magically becomes authentic because it is the American
>way to say 'who are we to judge these things' therefore they are all equal
>etc. etc. I'm waiting for Budhist Judaism to be invented.

But you do realize that the reform movement began in Germany, not the
US, but don't let that stop your bigoted ideas.


>> Why do you assume that no one who has attained professorial rank is
>> capable of answering religious doctrine questions?
>
>When I have a medical problem I don't necessarily go to the doctor but if I
>want some serious answers in that area I won't mess about asking the opinion
>of people not immersed in the topic. Same goes for legal advice and the same
>goes for religious advice. A person certainly doesn't need the title "Rabbi"
>to qualify to answer questions on Judaism, but if you want a more
>authoritative and reliable source of information you go to someone whose
>profession covers that area of knowledge and who is dedicated to understanding
>that area of knowledge.
>

Professors of medicine, law or religion are generally qualified to
answer questions in their area of expertise as well as the average
practitioner could be expected to be, and may even have more thorough
training and experience in parts of it.

Boron