On closer inspection, it seems more akin to ecology than to ethical monotheism... yet this one elegant idea developed by a child some 3,800 years ago, has transformed the world forever
6 Comments Posted
perhaps do random acts of kindness, as well as a well thought out (premeditated one). random is always, always good.
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"Knowing that everything that happens, happens for a reason, Abraham set out to discover that reason."
Why is that a priori true that everything that happens, happens for a reason? Obviously, if you believe in G-d that's true. But Abraham (it seems, according to the article) used the statement in quotes to prove existence of G-d, so the statement in quotes must be true by itself. Why?
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One thing you fail to appreciate in this article is that Abraham was only three or four generations away from contemporaries of Adam. If you take the genealogies of pre and post flood line as found in Genesis you will see that although living for hundreds of years Adam was a contemporary with Noah's grandfather, and if you follow the genealogies after the flood Abraham was only a couple of generations removed from Noah. So maybe Abraham knew more about G-D than we give him credit for. Maybe he didn't have to work it out, but knew of G-D the creator, and saw through the futility of the pagan worshippers.
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"With time he realized that neither [sun or moon] is the ultimate answer, and so he came to the conclusion that there must be one Creator with unlimited power and knowledge"
This citation makes a cause-effect link between discovering that the sun and moon are not rulers of the universe and the consequent existence of a single all mighty G-d.
this way of thinking only inspects the world from a theological perspective and never takes into account the other point of view i.e. that there is no all powerful being ruling the universe.
This logic is analogous with noticing a wallet filled with cash on the floor as 2 individuals are walking away from it. Believing it belongs to one of them, the witness asks both persons if it is their wallet. On getting a negative response from both of them, the witness finally concludes that the wallet stuff with bills must belong to the town's richest man.
This conclusion is as absurd as the one sated above.
Can the author please answer me back.
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"discovery of G-d" correctly surmises that the Talmudic legend does not give all the details of Abraham's logic.
Unfortunately, however, his post gives no indication of having read past paragraph 3 of a 19 paragraph essay.
His very question is raised in par. 6 and almost all of the rest of the article is busy explaining it in a logically coherent and plain English.
The "Abraham Principle" described herein is a normative, rational analytic tool for analyzing correlation and inferring causation from it.
What many readers react against (for whatever subjective reasons) is that the very same logic, ie, that correlation implies causation, underlies both of those great socio-cultural enterprises: Ethical monotheism and modern science.
Indeed they are synergistic approaches to one and the same world.
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Shalom,
if I were the author, perhaps I would not address your comment. So I will, seems that you are wondering if G-d is real, I assume this because why else would you have read this article [ Chabad ] if you totally believe as an atheist? Say you have never been to Brothers Or., [ pop 16 ] obviously, you would not know it. The only way to truly know it, is to experience it. The same is true with G-d to an infinite degree.
To discover the reality of G-d, your curiosity must become sincere desire, then, with all the might of your will, reach out to Him, perhaps you will have to try very hard, many times. When you connect, G-d will become your reality, as He is mine. There are no travel expenses, and nothing to loose. Find out for FREE! Also, the sincere study of the Torah & Kabbalah will illuminate you. Blessings, may you know.
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