Did you get what I meant in this video about not taking a hard line? Everyone loves a guy with a big opinion. We read hot headed blogs like there’s no tomorrow. And we love that someone has the guts to say what we’ve been thinking all along.
But when it comes to spirituality, it’s different. The topics we talk about here are much more subtle and have deep ramifications. I can’t spew and criticize. I mean, like my friend Rachel says. “who knows who’s closer and who’s further? We can’t judge from appearances.
And if this goes for the guy who is not wearing a yarmulka but truly is very spiritual, it most certainly goes for the religious guy who you think looks repressed. Maybe he’s not. Maybe its an expression that he likes.
But alas, nothing is perfect. Joe Good Guy, can he really be as spiritual as he could potentially be if he doesn’t observe the Torah’s mitzvos?
And the religious guy, can he really be as true to himself as he needs to be if he’s comfortable with that much conformity?
But I’ve found, that consistently we are most critical of religious people. If they act out in any way, we feel ripped off, up in arms; “You faker!”
It’s a big responsibility wearing one of these things on your head. People have expectations, as they should! But folks, lets give other folks a break. We’re all only human. We make mistakes, we struggle with the same things that everyone else does.
The only difference is that we’re willing to make the committment and say. “I may not be perfect but I’m going to set out to take the high road. ”
The problem is, that when we don’t live with Hashem, we live with fear. To live with Hashem means to trust in the greatness of every human being. When we live with fear, instead of belief, we end up making rules, upon rules, upon rules, creating a sub culture that has nothing to do with truth.
