Hi, as of late I've been more and more convinced that (I'm not sure how to explain this) the Jewish idea of Gd is correct, and the Noahide Laws are the path to follow (as I am not a Jew (IDK what I am to call myself to other non-Jews)), merely from watching and reading about Jewish culture, theological ideas, beliefs and history online.
But one big problem: I have no yet read the Tanakh, although I own a copy, but have only read into Genesis and cannot see myself reading it entirely anytime soon. I digress, I'm really curious whether Jews interpret the Hebrew Bible literally or in a metaphorical sense. Because in all honesty, I really cannot believe in a literal Ark with two of each animal on it, not to mention the countless flaws in family trees of the hundred+ year old prophets and the mythological inspirations from several other Middle-Eastern religions. I don't mean to exclude a good portion of Judaism, but I find the beliefs surrounding Hashem and our tenets compatible, but to believe that the Tanakh is the literal world of Gd without any flaw is something that I struggle to understand.
I am also curious about the role of sacrifice found in early Judaism. Such a practice (I don't mean to offend) seems barbaric and something that mimics what pagans have done. Could of our relationship with Gd changed to some extent that these practices (along with a variety of other practices that are no longer compatible with much of modern culture) be excluded. By no means do I want Jewish beliefs to suit human beings, I'm just confused about whether polygamy and controlling who your daughter marries is still fine by modern Jewish standards.
Anywho, I'd really like to thank the responses in advance!
^_^
But one big problem: I have no yet read the Tanakh, although I own a copy, but have only read into Genesis and cannot see myself reading it entirely anytime soon. I digress, I'm really curious whether Jews interpret the Hebrew Bible literally or in a metaphorical sense. Because in all honesty, I really cannot believe in a literal Ark with two of each animal on it, not to mention the countless flaws in family trees of the hundred+ year old prophets and the mythological inspirations from several other Middle-Eastern religions. I don't mean to exclude a good portion of Judaism, but I find the beliefs surrounding Hashem and our tenets compatible, but to believe that the Tanakh is the literal world of Gd without any flaw is something that I struggle to understand.
I am also curious about the role of sacrifice found in early Judaism. Such a practice (I don't mean to offend) seems barbaric and something that mimics what pagans have done. Could of our relationship with Gd changed to some extent that these practices (along with a variety of other practices that are no longer compatible with much of modern culture) be excluded. By no means do I want Jewish beliefs to suit human beings, I'm just confused about whether polygamy and controlling who your daughter marries is still fine by modern Jewish standards.
Anywho, I'd really like to thank the responses in advance!
^_^