Elisha ben Abuyah is depicted in the Talmud as a heretic to the Jewish faith. He was originally a respected rabbi who was well known for his knowledge of the Talmud. After seeing the ironic death of a child who died performing a mitzvah that brings long life, Abuyah denounced the Jewish faith saying "There is no justice, and there is no Judge."
He was excommunicated and warnings against "outside learning to those who are unprepared" were written; Abuyah was the example given for the negative repercussions of such acts.
Factual Question: What event caused Abuyah to denounce his faith? Answer: The child dying during a tradition that promotes a long life.
Discussion Question: Were the rabbis right to blame outside learning for Abuyah's rejection of faith? Or was that just an excuse to keep people from questioning God?
Factual question: What was the phrase Abuyah used to denounce his faith? Answer: There is no justice, and there is no judge.
ReplyDeleteDiscussion: How strongly does "outside learning" contribute to a person's evolution of faith? And what makes someone "unprepared" to obtain outside knowledge?
Factual Question: What was Elisha Ben Abuyah's nickname as shown in the Talmud?
ReplyDeleteAnswer: Aher or "the Other"
Discussion Question: In the reading it tells how Abuyah kept "forbidden books" in his clothes. Do you feel that religions have the right or at least the place to state what books are forbidden and which ones are not? An example of this is how many school districts ban books from their libraries and so on.
In response to Nick's question: I do see why the rabbis felt that Abuyah's "outside" reading was the cause of his apparent rejection of faith, but I do not agree with it. I feel that it is possible that learning non-faith based ideas can lead someone to change their religious view, but those views must have in some way already been weakened. I do feel though that all people should study or learn about religions other than their own, so that they can truly say with no doubt that they have true faith in their religion. Without truly knowing the options a person cannot make the truest or soundest decision.
Also, I will not be in class today(Thursday) as I am very sick, will see you guys on Tuesday next week. Hit me up on here if I miss anything important. Thanks
ReplyDeleteYay! Finally able to post a comment! I've been trying all day, how come this only seems to happen to me?
ReplyDeleteAnyhoo....
Factual Question:
True/False: Before his excommunication, Elisha Ben Abuyah was a highly respected rabbi?
Answer: True!
Discussion Question: Do you believe for one to be respected in the faith they must have always believed and lived according to their "Word", or do you permit natural human doubts and mistakes, like those made by Ben Abuyah. In other words, can a person be religious even if they have mixed emotions about their religions?