Bibical beginning

[Guest guest]

Bob

 

I have spent the last 45 minutes looking back over the relevant emails, and

have a few things to say. (Maybe I shouldn't comment as it is Peter's

argument, but then I have a few things to say anyway).

 

Peter has not ridiculed anyone's religion or beliefs. He has not been rude.

I was unaware of the use of the name of the Holy One offending anyone - just

as they seem to be unaware that viewing the description of magician as an

insult could offend Pagans. It doesn't really matter that it offends

Pagans - there is little point in getting upset about perceived insults

which are not intended as such - if you see what I mean!!!!!

 

I do not see the " certain flavor which would upset a Traditional Jew such

as Debbie " , nor do I see the connotations of racism or mockery and insults

to which you allude. And no, I do not understand Debbie's feelings. In

my opinion her reaction to this discussion was overly sensitive and

aggressive.

 

The email, an answer to a question from yourself, copied here, is what

apparently started the accusations of racism:-

 

" Hi Bob

 

> Since the Torah is written without vowels, where does the a or e

come from? That's just a guess.

 

All of the early OT stories are drawn from much earlier Sumerian

myths - Yahweh (written as Yhwh in Hebrew - OK, obviously using

Hebrew lettering, but I don't have the font!) was a minor Babylonian

storm god. I don't speak or write ancient Hebrew, but I believe the

written language does have the occassional vowel. The best book I've

read on the breakdown of the two gods which became the god of

monotheists is Karen Armstrong's " A History of God " .

 

> No one can say the holy one's name.

 

This is also a throwback to much older religions. In ancient belief

systems there is much more importance on the specific sound

vibrations made by words - this had specific importance to magic and

invocations: if the name of a god was pronounced, the speaker had the

power to control that god. That is why, when Moses (the great

Egyptian magician) sees the burning bush, Yahweh refuses to tell

Moses his name and simply says " I am who I am " - if Moses had known

the name of the god, he could have had power over him. "

 

Can you please point out where the ridicule, insult and racism are?

 

We have belonged to the Anti Nazi League and have demonstrated on many

occasions for equal rights for many races.

 

I am offended and upset at the implications that my son is racist when he

has said nothing in his emails which could be construed as such.

 

BB

Jo

 

 

> Peter, I note that you ignore any of my questions which appear

> inconvenient. For example, your continued use of the name

> of the Holy One, (which can be considered offensive to many).

>

> I asked repeatedly where you get the name that includes vowels,

> when the Torah contains no vowels. I provided examples of many

> religions that did in fact use the names of their various dieties.

> You continued to use that name of Holy One with vowels. Who gave

> you the vowels?

>

> Also, you called Moses an Egyptian " magician " . I asked on what

> basis you declared that description. That question was also ignored.

> Please note that Moses was probably the single most important

> historical figure in Jewish history, a man who historically

> existed, and forsaked royalty and wealth to stand up for his

> people. Even ignoring any religious flavor, calling him an

> Egyption Magician really is worthy of an explaination.

>

> Those statements have a certain flavor which would upset a

> Traditional Jew such as Debbie. Had someone said similar statements

> about Jesus, other people would have found that offensive.

>

> Perhaps this will help you understand her feelings, and why any

> Jew would find what you wrote offensive. I happen a very liberal

> Jew, but even I found what you've written offensive, and could

> be considered mockery or even racist.

> I'm not saying you intended it as such, but the mockery and insults

> are clear.

>

> Bob

>

>

>

> To send an email to -

>

>