osaraba | Things that stay with you.

I was taking a faith/spirituality quiz on beliefnet.com and I started looking at the descriptions of the sets of beliefs for several different religions. On a whim, I clicked on the details for Reform Judaism, which is what my mother is, although we never practiced. It was really weird to read it and see the ethics and morals she'd taught me (and is still teaching me) while growing up-- right there in print. And I felt really proud that I've - even after realizing I'm an atheist - retained most of the ethics and morals of what she taught me. You can see that, when comparing Reform Judaism to several other religions, it is one of the most liberal - yet moral and ethical - religions. ~~One of the~~… THE most important issues to me - in any topic (religion, politics, personal daily life) - are contemporary issues (namely abortion and gender/sexuality), and Reform Judaism is as liberal as I could want in a religion.

Of course, the main thing that separates me from most religions is that I don't believe in a "God" (i.e., a higher/supreme spiritual being, etc.), not to mention that I don't particularly care for all the trappings and traditions that tend to go along with religion (even liberal religions), and I certainly don't believe there is any inherent meaning in one's life but what you make of it (and that you're not bad or a disappointment of some kind if you choose not to make your life "meaningful") ...but atheists still have morals and ethics, y'know.

REFORM JUDAISM:

Belief in Deity
Beliefs vary among adherents, including that of nonbelief or questioning belief, and all are welcome and considered personal, but the official stance is that there is one God Almighty--Creator, all-powerful, ever-present, and all knowing--formless, incorporeal spirit.

Incarnations
None, as only God is worshipped. Moses was the greatest of all prophets.

Origin of Universe and Life
Most believe that Genesis is to be understood symbolically. God created and controls all phenomena revealed by modern science.

After Death
Reform Jews believe in the world to come and a messianic age (but no individual Messiah). Personal beliefs in the details of afterlife are diverse, as there is no official position. Some believe in heaven and hell but only as states of consciousness; some believe in reincarnation; some believe God is all-forgiving; and some may not believe in an actual afterlife. Regardless, Judaism generally focuses on living a virtuous life, rather than working toward reward after death.

Why Evil?
No original sin. Most often, Satan is interpreted symbolically to represent selfish desires that are inherent within all. God gave people free will, and people are responsible for their actions.

Salvation
The main emphasis is on living the kind of life that God commands, which will surely be rewarded if there is an afterlife. Most believe God is forgiving of all; there is no hell to which some are condemned. Salvation is achieved through faith and prayer to God, good works, concern for the earth and humanity, and behavior that does no harm to others. The extent to which one follows Jewish Law is an individual decision.

Undeserved Suffering
God gave humans free will to feel pleasure and pain, and his purpose in allowing deep suffering of the innocent must be good even if mysterious. It is generally believed that God suffers along with the sufferer. More important than knowing why God allows suffering is to work to help those in need.

Contemporary Issues
Judaism holds that human life begins upon first breath, and Jewish law requires abortion if necessary to save the mother's life prior to birth. Most believe potential human life should never be terminated casually, but it is generally regarded as a personal decision, especially within the first 40 days of pregnancy. Homosexuality: Homosexuals are God's creation, and Jewish instruction is to love our neighbors as ourselves. Reform (and Conservative) Judaism have a long history of support for homosexual rights.