Mind Someone Else's Business

March 01, 2011 by Yitzchok Adlerstein

Continued from Page 1

We should be able to apply the same thinking to larger issues. Many of us find it uncomfortable to speak up about important moral and ethical issues because we know we will encounter much pushback on the other side. By doing this, however, we abdicate moral responsibility, and give the impression that what we believe in simply "works for us," but is not part of a G-d given system of right and wrong. Our own silence empowers the wrong people.

We could have the best of both worlds by using a depersonalized approach to remonstrance and rebuke. First of all, those of us in the Judeo-Christian world need to speak up more in the public forum, especially in general media. We need to convey our positions on moral issues to people outside our communities, not just the captive audiences in our churches and synagogues. We must do more than assert that our positions are moral and just, and develop the arguments with which we can win over the minds of others. Broadcasting reasoned arguments, rather than debating individuals, is a form of rebuke that is depersonalized and non-offensive.

Secondly, we should be more forthcoming to others about our core values. When we try to address front-burner issues like abortion, or end-of-life care, or immigration, we will encounter resistance, whatever side we are on. It might be more prudent to speak about the values behind the key issues of the day, such as the blessing of life itself, the closeness of G-d to Man, imitating G-d through giving.

If we can influence people regarding those values, they will express themselves at the proper time in regard to specific issues.

It is certain, however, that silence is not an option. If we believe in Divinely defined right and wrong and we are not indifferent to other people, then much of the business of others has to be our business as well.

Page: 2 of 2

3/1/2011 5:00:00 AM

Jewish

The Velvet Kippah

Ethics

Interfaith Dialogue

Sacred Texts

Judaism

more at patheos

Why Do Americans Convert to Catholicism (JD Vance Included)?

Richard Ostling

PGA Tour Bans Alleged Druggie But Not a Destructive Star Pro

Kermit Zarley

Pope's June Prayer Intention is for the Value of Sports

Rebecca Hamilton

Mark Lee Talks Third Day 30th Anniversary Reunion Tour

DeWayne Hamby

About Yitzchok Adlerstein

Yitzchok Adlerstein is an Orthodox rabbi who directs interfaith affairs for the Simon Wiesenthal Center, and chairs Jewish Law at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. He is hopelessly addicted to the serious study of Torah texts.

Patheos Logo Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Subscription Support Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In

Follow Patheos