Organised religion – Ask the Rabbi
Q. I don’t go to shule or take part in organised religion, but I believe in God and worship Him in my own way. Do you approve of me?
A. The question is not whether I approve of you but whether you approve of yourself.
The Torah warns us against doing what is right in our own eyes (Deut. 12:8). This says two things, one negative and one positive.
Negatively, when you want to do your own thing it may be too difficult and you need the support that comes from being part of a community.
Positively, if you succeed in creating a link with God you may be able to help others find Him. Being part of the religious community will help to make this possible.
You have to decide whether you aren’t running a spiritual risk by opting out of organised religion.
As far as I am concerned, I recognise your need to be true to yourself.
