Most people, even the devout, struggle with beliefs about G‑d. It is easy, for example, to affirm the basic tenets of Judaism during a prayer service, but when it comes to trusting G‑d with our daily decisions, many share a secret, painful fear that G‑d isn’t really looking out for them. Many of us have been brought up under the assumption that mainstream science is incompatible with our Jewish faith. So when we see compelling evidence for biological evolution, for example, we feel forced to choose between science and our faith. Wrestling with Faith was created to tackle questions like these—the “big issues” that keep people from an intimate relationship with G‑d. The course acknowledges the often unspoken doubts and fears that all people share, and seizes their invitation for us to dig deeper for the answers.
Lesson 1
I Have Trouble Believing In G‑d
There are many things about G‑d that bother me—for starters, what is G‑d? Besides, I can live perfectly well without Him: Why do I need Him in my life?
Lesson 2
Does God really care?
Many Jewish observances seem petty and burdensome, and they interfere with the way we choose to run our lives. Why can’t G‑d just leave me alone?
Lesson 3
Jewish Beliefs Seem Primitive
G‑d seems to espouse outdated beliefs such as the notions of a “chosen nation” and designated gender roles. Plus, He interferes with our choice of lifestyle.
Lesson 4
A Good G‑d Who Does Bad Stuff
How can we understand and relate to G‑d’s intimate and caring presence in our lives amid the experience of suffering and tragedy?
Lesson 5
Are Religion and Science at Odds?
How might a scientific person embrace beliefs that cannot be proven in a lab, or reconcile compelling evidence for the theory of evolution and the age of the universe with a literal reading of the Bible?
Lesson 6
How Can I Relate to a G‑d I Cannot See?
Can a finite human have an intimate relationship with an infinite G‑d? If it is indeed possible, where do I start?