Comments | zerozero: “The greatest single antidote to violence is conversation”

zerozero

“The greatest single antidote to violence is conversation”

Aug 29, 2002 10:31

[LJ specific]
Two extracts from Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sack’s new book at the Guardian website. Well worth reading for those of you interested in globalism, economics and world peace.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Print/0,3858,4489093,00.html

Comments 5

kixie August 29 2002, 06:26:57 UTC

Yes, he's made quite a few enemies, hasn't he? Was in yesterdays news, and day before.

Although a lot of people are supporting him. Just no one who actually lives in Israel.

Re: zerozero August 29 2002, 07:12:14 UTC

i'm looking forward to reading the book, idealism and realism all in one.

Re: kixie August 29 2002, 07:17:02 UTC

A rare treat. I look forward to reading it too, if only that it'll be really refreshing to read after...well, it's about time SOMEONE spoke up and said something, hey?

I cried when Yisztak (sp!?) Rabin died and now I really feel like we're suffering from his loss all the more.

chiller August 29 2002, 14:04:20 UTC

I read it, and his words are wise and correct. But you'll forgive me for having a sneaking feeling that ... coming from a key figure in organised religion, they ring a little hollow. Organised religion exists to iron out differences (using more or less force, according to the religion in question, but force nonetheless). And they're saying "vive la difference"? Hmm.

The next time I see a bunch of Hasidim wandering up the road towards me, with t-shirts and funny coloured hair, I'll concede that perhaps what he said means something. In the meantime it sounds like hypocrisy - we should celebrate difference in OTHER people, while endeavouring to maintain the solidity and integrity of OUR people.

I'm not saying that my point relates particularly to the Jewish faith - it doesn't. It relates to all organised religion.

zerozero August 29 2002, 14:28:57 UTC

My disdain for organized religion in general is what makes me all the more pleased to see the good rabi making such (in my opinion) good sense. If all religious leaders felt that way? If we all did?

I reserve full judgement till I’ve read the whole book, but it was a timely reminder (for me) not to let my prejudices stand in the way of listening to what people have to say.