seniors aging gracefully

When people find out that i am Jewish, one of the first things I am asked is, do you believe in Jesus. And these days, I may be asked how I feel about what’s going on in Gaza.

As far as the first question goes, I sometimes feel somewhat offended as how many Jews believe in Christ. I am open minded and there have been times that I have joined my Christian friends to their place of worship and have even gone on a retreat where we studied the Bible.

THE BIBLE

while it is difficult to read, I have read portions. I am not real fond of the Old Testament, too much fire and brimstone. It has many odd stories like Abraham begetting so many offspring, I lost count. He must have been one horny dude. And God’s retribution if you break a commandment, forget about it.

so the New Testament, it is definitely easier to read full of messages of redemption, salvation, and hope, and you gotta love the Psalms.

back to Jesus, do I believe he was the son of God, the jury is still out on that one. I do believe he was awesome person, one with infinite compassion who had a great ability to forgive, even while on the cross he asked God to forgive those who killed him.

but as far as his appearance, he often is depicted as a white dude with long flowing blond hair. Anyone who has been to the middle east knows that the people there are dark skinned and if you see a blond, it is likely that he has dyed his hair. but let’s move on….

Christianity has various fractions, there are Protistans, seventh day adventist, Babtist, to name a few. And there are other religions that have something to say about creation, morality and the belief in a higher power – Buddhism, Hindus and Muslims. Unfortunately religious beliefs have resulted in many wars to this day.

So at the end of the day, what do I believe in. While I consider myself Jewish, that is how I was raised, I have a hard time with Jewish rituals like writing stuff to God on a small piece of paper on Yom Kippur and somehow thinking if you drop this note in a body of water, God will read it.

While I like John Lennon’s song in which he lists all the things he does not believe in, ending, I just believe in me, I find that message to be a bit self centered and cold.

I believe that what you do on your time on this planet matters. I believe in being kind to others and helping your neighbors and giving back to your community. I believe in caring for animals, they don’t have a voice and they bring such joy in our lives. I believe in nature, it also brings joy and these days, it certainly needs our help. I believe in starting the day with a positive attitude and not dwelling on what is wrong with the world or your personal short comings.

just sayin