religion

I've spent the last few days with some colleagues. They find out I am Jewish and of course the discussion veers towards...religion. Ok sure.

One colleague tells me about this book he is reading on how religion is man made and it just pre-disposes people to certain principles (hmmm like don't kill??).

Another talks about the "science" of spirituality and how physiologically there is a positive response to spiritual experieneces, making them, i guess, good.

Somehow i am irritated. I am irritated that they are attempting to reduce my faith to man made and scientificially explained.

I looked up religion. Its belief in a supernatural power that controls our destiny. Interesting.

1) I don't think of Hashem as a super natural power. I just have this image of a super hero in blue tights and a Magen David on his chest.

2) I don't believe Hashem CONTROLS my destiny. In fact, one of the MAIN principles of Judaism is that we have LOTS of control over our destiny. The consequences, well, that is for Hashem to decide. I don't think of that as the same thing.

3) Judaism isn't a religion. We live and breathe our Jewish faith. Every meal and every action has purpose.

4) Sure you can explain the physiology of a spiritual experience (i.e. the how?). Still can't tell me WHY its one way and not another, eh smart guy?