J-Quote: Mordecai Kaplan on "Belief in G-D"
Judaism, Integral Judaism, Eco-Kashrut, Jewish Quotes, On G-D, Jewish Spirituality May 5th, 2007
A couple of weeks back I found this quote by Mordecai Kaplan somewhere online and saved it for later use in a post. However it’s been so long that I seem to have forgotten just where I snagged it from. I know that it was online and I’m sure it was taken from a relatively reliable source. Come to think of it I have this vague sense that this quote may have originally been in Kaplan’s classic book “Judaism as an Evolving Religious Civilization” but I can’t say for sure.
Anyhow it’s a great quote regardless of where it came from so here it is.
“To believe in God means to take for granted that it is man’s destiny to rise above the brute and to eliminate all forms of violence and exploitation from human society.”
This quote captures with great elegance and simplicity my own recent thinking on what it means to believe in G-D as well as the implications that such a belief holds. Of course if I want to be picky I can point out that his use of the term “man” is somewhat pejorative towards approximately 50% of those who believe in G-D. However considering that it was most likely written at least 50 or 60 years ago I think that it’s OK to let this one slide
.
It is a quote that speaks to me in so many ways and on so many levels. It informs me that to believe in G-D means that I must elevate myself above my own inner darkness and lower nature. I read Kaplan’s words as a call encouraging all of us to stop engaging in violence against ourselves, each other and the world we inhabit. I believe this quote pithily points out the incredible incompatibility between a truly spiritual life and the willful engagement in exploitation, no matter how small it maybe.
I read this as a simple instruction to open my eyes, mind and heart, so that I can better see how it is that I am manifesting in this life I’ve been given. Also just beneath the surface of this quote. I suspect that Kaplan is imploring us to remember that we are but stewards here for a short time and are responsible not only for our Neshamah’s work in this life but also the legacy we leave behind for future generations.
I think Kaplan’s quote grabbed my attention because not only does it speak to the parts of me that I am aware of but also to the parts of me that are just now beginning to emerge as I work my way up the ladder one rung at a time. Reading his words today I couldn’t help but reflect on my last post and think to myself “ yes I understand what you’re saying and in my own muddled way, I’m indeed working on it.”
And on that note Shavua Tov.
Technorati tags: Mordecai Kaplan, Believing in G-D, Exploitation, Violence, Tikkun Olam, Spiritual Responsibility, Integral Judaism
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May 8th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Yes, a great quote. It pretty well encapsulates my thinking, too. I suppose I am repeating myself, but there is a lot on Reconstructionism that I find appealing, though their rejection of “chosenness” is not one of them.
I mean, I think my take would be that it’s our covenant with The Eternal to spread the message that Rabbi Kaplan’s words, quoted above, encapsulate.
Some day I have to read his book, although one of my rabbis warned me that it’s not exactly a page-turner.
May 9th, 2007 at 9:15 am
hi zed
I do think it’s a great quote that really provides a progressive inclusive framework for thinking about the Jewish spiritual mission.
anyhow takes for sharing your comments.