Religion Must Not Cling to What We Know Isn’t True, Says Rabbi Rami Shapiro

(PRLEAP.COM) Join host Alex Tsakiris when he interviews Rabbi Rami Shapiro about his work, his writings and his creative views of Judaism, and contemporary American religious thought. During the 45-minute interview, Rabbi Rami explores the difference between faith and belief, and explains why modern religion must remain grounded in what science has revealed: “If science can disprove some aspect of Judaism, then to hold on to it makes me, I guess, a loyal Jew, but a stupid human being… If my religion says that the world is flat, and I can show a photograph that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the world is round, but as a faithful person I’m going to hold onto the flatness of things, then yea, I’m a faithful idiot.”

He also offers a path forward for religion based on a letting go of that which science has proven to be false: “What’s left when you remove all the B.S.? Well, what’s left is hopefully the truth… If religions depends on clinging to things that we know aren’t true, from a scientific perspective, then what does that say about religion? That it is simply this passionate fear of letting go… So, I think that it’s great that we deconstruct this. I don’t think though, that deconstructing this stuff is the same thing as tossing it out.”

The interview is available for immediate free download at: www.skeptiko.com/index.php?id=26.

Rabbi Rami M. Shapiro is widely recognized as one of the most creative figures in contemporary American Judaism. An award-winning poet his prayers are included in worship services across the denominational spectrum of American congregations. In addition to his many books, Rabbi Rami is the author of a new column, Roadside Assistance for Your Spiritual Journey, in Spirituality & Health magazine.

About Skeptiko

Skeptiko is the first scientifically oriented Podcast exploring new research in controversial areas of science such as telepathy, psi, parapsychology, near-death experience, reincarnation, and after-life encounters. Each episode features open, honest debate on new scientific discoveries. The show includes interviews with top research scientists and their critics.

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