Hassidic Jews seem to get it. Why don't more other religious types?

Question

There's a famous story told in Hassidic literature about a master lecturing his students about how everything in the world should be appreciated since God created everything to instruct a lesson. One student then asked, "What about atheists? Whay did God create them and what lesson could be learned from them?"

The master responded, "God created the atheists to teach the most important lesson of all - that of true compassion. You see, when an atheist performs an act of charity, visits someone who is sick, helps someone in need or cares for the world, they do not do so because some religion said they should. They do not feel that God commanded them to perform that act. In fact, since they do not believe in God at all, their actions are based on an inner sense of morality. They look at the kindness they can bestow on others simply because it feels right."

The master continues, "This means, when someone reaches out to you for help, do not answer 'I will pray to God for you.' Instead, for that moment, become an atheist who does not believe there is a God that can help and and say '*I* will help you.'"

Ambi valent · Accepted Answer

Those wonderful Hasidic stories are appreciated by all Jews, not only the Charedi.  I love the story you've told, one of my favourites, not least because both my parents were atheists (although my father was born and brought up a Jew).

Anonymous · Answer

EDIT:  I misread this question completely.  I read it as saying Hassidic Jews thought this but less religious Jews didn't.  So I'm going to adjust my answer for the correct question!

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This story is part of Judaism, Hassidics included.  It's one religion, same theology & values.  It's a great story, I've heard many times before.  It's another thought in Talmud, that Gd appreciates more an atheist who is moral, than a devout man who is not.  I tend to lean to Reform/Reconstructionist.

If you think this story is great, maybe you'd like to learn more about Judaism.  Take a class or something.  You don't have to convert.  http://www.jewfaq.org and if you like hassidism http://www.chabad.org

In every religion, some people actually get & implement this -- and others don't.  We humans are a tough batch to deal with!

Judaism is about action, not belief -- which is why it would place righteous action above righteous belief.  While it's true that if you think righteously, your actions likely will follow... if you act righteously - you've acted righteously & you & your soul will follow that...

Dylan · Answer

I also want a source. I don't doubt its existence, but want to know which Tzadik must of said this.

Kevin7 · Answer

Short and Sweet is right

Anonymous · Answer

The occasional rabbi, just like the occasional cleric in all other faiths, seems to "get it". 

That doesn't mean that all Chasidic rabbis "get it," any more than all other clerics do.

Anonymous · Answer

Ooooh - I like that one - do you have a source?

Zvi

Anonymous · Answer

Chasid = fundamentalist. 

I don't think that means they "get it".

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Hassidic Jews seem to get it. Why don't more other religious types?

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