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You Don't Have to Be Wrong for Me to Be Right: Finding Faith Without Fanaticism
“We live in a world,” says Brad Hirschfield, “where religion is killing more people than at any time since the Crusades.” And when it comes to fanaticism, Hirschfield is not speaking abstractly; he once embraced it. As a young man in the early 1980s, he left his family’s upscale North Shore Chicago neighborhood for the West Bank city of Hebron, where he joined a group of s...more
Hardcover, 288 pages
Published
December 31st 2007
by Harmony
(first published 2007)
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On a recent visit to family out of state, my husband picked up a copy of Rabbi Brad Hirschfield's book, You Don't Have to be Wrong for Me to be Right: Finding Faith Without Fanatacism.
I thought it an unusual choice for Bob as he usually leans toward action, mystery, intrigue and science fiction in his reading. Yet, within a couple of hours, he's telling me how much he likes what he's reading. He's even sure I'm going to enjoy reading it.
When we returned home, I made a point to check the book out...more
I thought it an unusual choice for Bob as he usually leans toward action, mystery, intrigue and science fiction in his reading. Yet, within a couple of hours, he's telling me how much he likes what he's reading. He's even sure I'm going to enjoy reading it.
When we returned home, I made a point to check the book out...more
So close to being a good book.
But he attempts to come at the topic from too many angles, and as a result doesn't do justice to any of them. Overall it's a bit too lightweight to convince anyone who doesn't agree with him, and also too lightweight to be interesting/intriguing for those who do agree with him. It's less than preaching to the choir; it's waving casually to the choir.
But he attempts to come at the topic from too many angles, and as a result doesn't do justice to any of them. Overall it's a bit too lightweight to convince anyone who doesn't agree with him, and also too lightweight to be interesting/intriguing for those who do agree with him. It's less than preaching to the choir; it's waving casually to the choir.
Wow, was a wonderful book. I don't recall how I came across this book in the first place (a common theme that I need to rectify), but it probably had much to do with the fact that I find so little compassion, respect within religions for the "other guys".
I have always felt that in any situation (not just religion), if there is a "have vs have-not" or an "us vs them" mentality, there is always something missing, something weaker than it could be, weaker than it has to be.
This is by far my favorit...more
I have always felt that in any situation (not just religion), if there is a "have vs have-not" or an "us vs them" mentality, there is always something missing, something weaker than it could be, weaker than it has to be.
This is by far my favorit...more
Namby pamby. Throughout the book he defends engagement with people we might find ourselves radically at odds with, which is all well and good. One personality he celebrates, Mo Hassan, who sought with his wife to create a "spirituality both genuinely Islamic and deeply American" - just beheaded his wife. Not sure what Rav Brad going to do with that one. Both dumb, illogical and good things are said in this book.
This is a wonderful book. Even thought I already agree with its philosophical and social message, I was enriched by reading it. I received deeper understanding of how to express my pluralistic views, as well as some techniques for dealing with the difficult interfaith situations I sometimes encounter in my work,
Very insightful and refreshing. Rabbi Hirschfield has a very global perspective and encompases the dignity of all people. Not to mention I love how he can relate just about every religious teaching to something in pop culture, like Dr. Suess! I would highly recommend this book.
This is one of those books that every person of faith should read. Our faith and our belief systems have much to do with our perspectives and our experiences. This is a well written work, and it doesn't matter what your faith tradition is, please read this one book.
This is a great book about listening to one another, but I am afraid that it felt like he was preaching to the choir. The people likely to read the book are the ones that are already more likely to be open to listening to other perspectives. I enjoyed seeing his strategies though.
The book was written in a conversational style so was very easy to read.
The book was written in a conversational style so was very easy to read.
Rabbi Hirschfield has written one of the few books, that I think need to be required reading by all thoughtful persons. This is all about engaging others in thoughtful, and respectful dialogue. Just because I may not agree with someone I need to respect their rights as human beings (with the free will, that I believe God gave to all) to have their opinions. Once I take the need to be right out of the picture, and respect other people's need to express themselves then maybe we can begin to create...more
I am enjoying this book so far. I am learning about the Palestinian Israeli conflict and also about finding ways that we can all talk to one another and respect each other's opinions.
Learned that it is possible for people who are not fanatics to get along with each other. Just wish there were fewer fanatics in the world.
Nov 13, 2012
Donna
added it
Lots to live by. Helps you follow your faith, and helps you to see the world's faithful as all part of God's world.
May 13, 2011
Faramir10
added it
I'll take paperback, also.
In his youth, the (American-born) author was part of a hard-core right-wing settler group in Israel. A particular incident forced him to rethink his priorities. Now, many years later, he's an ordained Orthodox rabbi & a copresident of
CLAL (The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership). He's written a thoughtful & sometimes wordy book on religious tolerance & on respecting other faiths besides one's own. For me as a reader, he was preaching to the choir, but he did raise so...more
CLAL (The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership). He's written a thoughtful & sometimes wordy book on religious tolerance & on respecting other faiths besides one's own. For me as a reader, he was preaching to the choir, but he did raise so...more
Oct 23, 2012
Jill
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Jill by:
Heard author speak February 2012
When I bought this book, I joked that it would become my interfaith bible, and I think it has! I know that I will struggle with people (both friends and strangers) who I disagree with, but I have this book's teachings to remind me of the importance of recognizing the humanity of everyone -- especially those who disagree with me. This book is a wonderful mix of realism and idealism that combines stories (both from Hirshfield's life and Jewish tradition) and ideas in a profound, often humorous man...more
I tend to love any books I pick up written by Rabbis :)
This one was no exception. Sometimes its hard to rememember I am not the only one out there that believes in the acceptance of all religions.
And that loving and accepting one another is the true path to any path.
Awesome book! Perfect timing :)
This one was no exception. Sometimes its hard to rememember I am not the only one out there that believes in the acceptance of all religions.
And that loving and accepting one another is the true path to any path.
Awesome book! Perfect timing :)
I admire the rabbi's faith and his ability to maintain it while still asking questions and allowing that maybe he isn't right. I want a faith that strong.
Apr 20, 2008
Mollie
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Everyone.
Shelves:
religion,
non-fiction
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was well written, interesting, and entirely following my line of thought. so clearly I loved it.
The title says it all. My hope for the next generation. Not just tolerance but respect for the views and beliefs of others.
The title says it all.
excellent one
Mar 25, 2013
Samuel Nolley
marked it as to-read
Mar 20, 2013
Simcha Wood
marked it as to-read
Mar 02, 2013
Lori
marked it as to-read
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Sep 18, 2008 05:28pm