Does G‑d matter?

Question:

Does "G‑d" matter in the present world, especially since He has been associated with oppressive ideas such as racism, sexual repression, and androcentrism/anthropocentrism?

Answer:

Let's take the first scourge you mention, racism, as an example. The term itself is an invention of science. From the 18th century all the way up to recent times, most scientists believed that humanity is divided into different races, the Caucasian race being inherently superior to the others.

The point is: science can be hijacked, so can G‑d.

The ideal objective of science is -- as the early scientists, Galileo, Descartes, Leibniz, et al proposed -- to improve the quality of human life.

The entire concept of G‑d is to know that we are not freaks of nature in a mechanical universe. Rather, we are in an intimate relationship with a sentient universe. We have purpose and life has meaning. If that's not relevant, then what is?

Read also Children of the Universe.

Let me know if this helps. Keep in touch.

Rabbi Tzvi Freeman for Chabad.org