What are Judaism's viewpoints on same-sex marriage and abortion?
597000
In Jewish law, although the soul exists before birth life begins at birth when the child is half-way out of its mother. Jewish law not only permits but in some cases requires abortion.where a mothers life is in jeopardy,because of the unborn,abortion is mandatory.The Talmud makes no bones about it.The unborn has the status of "potential human life" and is valuable and may not be terminated casually but doesn't have as much value as one in existence, its mother. \nThe Torah clearly forbids sexuality between men.it is abhorrent and punishable by death. It is important to note, that it is the act that is forbidden not the orientation. the desire is not a sin so long as he doesn't act on it.In fact it could be said that a desire not acted on is worthy of greater merit. female sexual relations are not forbidden by the Torah, and very little in the Talmud only that it does not disqualifies her from privileges of the priesthood or whether is is grounds for divorced without her consent or without ketubah. the site below is great for real answers to any questions you might have.
212013
I lost the longer answer I wrote :(\nI've included a very good link below which argues Why Abortion is Biblical: How anti-abortion activists misrepresent the biblical record\n\nAlso check out the book  "Beyond Choice: Reproductive Freedom in the 21st Century" by Alexander Sanger. I'm reading it now and it's an excellent book. \n\nThe other links I copied from a prochoice list I found, but they look interesting as well.\n\nHope this helps!
823080
The Bible is the words of God. Jesus is the Third Person of the Trinity. Therefore Jesus is God....SO\n\n\nQuestion:  "What does the Bible say about abortion?"\n\n\nAnswer:  The Bible never specifically addresses the issue of abortion. However, there are numerous teachings in Scripture that make it abundantly clear what God’s view of abortion is. Jeremiah 1:5 tells us that God knows us before He knits us in the womb. Psalm 139:13-16 speaks of God’s active role in our creation and formation in the womb. Exodus 21:22-25 prescribes the same penalty for someone who causes the death of a baby in the womb as the penalty for someone who commits murder. This clearly indicates that God considers a baby in the womb as just as much of a human being as a full-grown adult. For the Christian, abortion is not a matter of a woman’s right to choose. It is a matter of the life or death of a human being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6).\n\n \n\nQuestion:  "What does the Bible say about homosexuality ?\n\n\nAnswer:  The Bible consistently tells us that homosexual activity is a sin (Genesis 19:1-13; Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). Romans 1:26-27 teaches specifically that homosexuality is a result of denying and disobeying God. When a person continues in sin and disbelief, the Bible tells us that God “gives them over” to even more wicked and depraved sin in order to show them the futility and hopelessness of life apart from God. 1 Corinthians 6:9 proclaims that homosexual “offenders” will not inherit the kingdom of God.\n\n \n\nGod does not create a person with homosexual desires. The Bible tells us that a person becomes a homosexual because of sin (Romans 1:24-27), and ultimately because of their own choice. A person may be born with a greater susceptibility to homosexuality, just as people are born with a tendency to violence and other sins. That does not excuse the person choosing to sin by giving into their sinful desires. If a person is born with a greater susceptibility to anger / rage, does that make it right for then to give into those desires? Of course not! The same is true for homosexuality.
84713
According to Judaism, all the righteous in the world, Jewish or not, have their portion in the world to come.\n\nFirst and foremost, Jews believe strongly in the concept of Chasedei Umos Haolam (lit. Righteous People of the Nations of the World) that they are abundantly and lavishly rewarded for their good deeds. So, according to the jewish view, salvation is truly for every good-doer or do-gooder in the world, regardless of faith or heritage.\n\nHowever, for a more in depth discussion, this question is quite tricky. First and foremost, the term "salvation" or in hebrew, Yeshua, does not relate to personal salvation, heaven or hell etc.\n\nIt is not an individualistic concept, but is more specifically used in reference to deliverance from exile, a future messianic era where moshiach, lit. meaning "an anointed one", will bring peace to the world and lead the entire jewish nation to congregate in israel at the future third temple. While there is no temple, the jews are considered a scattered people. \n\nThis future period is a time of peace for everyone. It is not exclusionary. The world will presumably be business as usual. But people, enlightened by a high ethical and moral understanding, will get along better with each other. And war and strife and fear will not be a staple of daily life (as they are now, during this period of exile). Thus it will be a time of deliverance from persecution and plague for everyone alike.\n\nAs for going to heaven vs. hell, judaism teaches us not to focus our energies on this aspect of existence so that we don't constantly think about getting rewarded (see ethics of our fathers). And rather do good deeds for the sake of doing good deeds.\n\nAll in all, according to judaism, if you're a good person, you're going to heaven!
933718
hmm lets see\n\norgan donation is a hot topic  in the Orthodox movement. \n\nanything doing with ethical issues with the Israeli military conduct in war.\n\ntheir is a huge fight brewing in the Conservative movement over Homosexual issues.\n\nthose are the ones off the top of my head I recommend 1 or 3
321159
No.  Homosexuality is considered a violation of the Torah (Bible), thus it is not allowed. However not all Jews are religious, i.e. abide by the Torah, thus there are many homosexual Jewish people.  \n\nHope that answers your question.
404834
Abortion is totally against halacha. The only exception is if it would be a threat to mother's life but even this is not a straight and simple answer.  It's a very complex issue, involving many factors.
1048311
You seem to be a little confused about Judaism. It is totally different that Christianity. We only believe in G-d. We also believe that Moses was a great prophet and leader of the Jewish people. Jesus has nothing to do with our religion. To us he was just a Jewish person who sinned greatly and turned his back on G-d and his religion. He was a heretic who betrayed his people and was the cause of many problems for them. We don't even believe he was a prophet. \n\nHere is a description of a Jewish wedding:\nThe wedding day is a very important and special day for the Bride or Kallah in Hebrew. This is a day when she has a special connection to G-d and he listens intently to all her prayers. This is the time when she prays to have a successful marriage, good kids who will follow in the Torahs way, health, a livelihood, and anything else that she needs or will need in the future. It is a very serious day for her and she fast all morning.\n\nShe gets her hair and makeup done and usually wears a white gown. (some people prefer to wear off-white or light pink - its just a matter of opinion). The Kallah is not supposed to see her Groom or Chasan - in Hebrew for at least a week before the wedding (many Hasidim dont see each other at all during their engagement). Therefore before the actual marrying ceremony which is called the "Chupa" the 2 families take separate pictures.\n\nThere is a reception with a smorgasboard, and the Choson and Kallah sitting in separate rooms receiving their guest and accepting well wishes. Of course, by Jews the men and ladies are always separated into different rooms at all times, or there is a divider in middle of a room to separate the men and woman. Then the men come into the ladies let by the Choson and he "Bedecks" his bride - he covers her with a veil that she will be wearing at the Chupa. During this time the bride usually prays/says Psalms.\n\nThen the Choson and kallah leave the room and the people head outside (sometimes its inside and e/o sits but its usually outdoors and everyone stands). The chupah is the ceremony where the bride and groom are actually married. It is the mosts important part of the wedding and said that all the bride/grooms grandparents and ancestors souls come down from heaven to view it. This is what its like:\n\nThe Chosom walks down the aisle with his father on one side and father in law on his other side. They each hold a candle. The chosson wears some special clothing - a white Kittel because he is like the white angels on this day - clean and free of sin.  There is usually someone singing. The Choson stands there for a few minutes and prays and then the Kallah walks in. She is accompanied on one side by her mother and other side her mother in law - each holding a candle. She walks down the aisle (she wears a veil the entire time, so people cant see her face) and then circles the Choson seven times. \n\nThen the "kesuba" is read (a Jewish document - which is a must have for every marriage. It is in hebrew and says their names, and that they are agreeing - really the man to take care of his spouse , and some other things. If a couple loses this document they may not even sleep in the same room together until it is replaced). Several blessing are made by prominent people or relatives. The Choson says "Harei at mikudeshes le" and places the ring on her finger. This is what makes them officialy married. Then the Choson stomps on a glass and when it breaks everyone yells "Mazal Tov!" The bride raises her veil and the couple leaves the room holding hands. \n\nThe reason why a glass is broken is because since the Temple was destroyed we are not supposed to have a perfect true "Simcha" or happy occasion. By breaking something we are remembering the temples destruction.\n\nAfter the chupah the guests head down to eat the meal. The Chosson and Kallah are supposed to be in a room alone for a couple of minutes - its called
467199
Yes generally Jews believe in Heaven (for the most part) but not Hell.\n\nBut there is no mention of an afterlife in Torah and it is accepted that performing Mitzvot (good deeds) should not be for the attainment of rewards in the after life.\n\nJews approach the afterlife with hope but feel we have an extraordinary opportunity to live life in the present, and to make it special and worthwhile.\n\nIt other word we like to think there is one, but we know we have this life so let's not squander it.
875679
What's so ironic, that there can be a gay jew or that jews can by ignorant homophobes just like the rest of people?\n\nJewish people are quite adept at reverse discrimination.  Don't believe me?  Try and marry one!\n\nIncidentally, Orthodox Jews are kind of ****.  They don't really get along with the rest of Jews in Israel or outside of Israel anyway.  Not so dissimilar from America's religious right.
1094855
Personally, I say yes, but that is definetely not the stance of most churches. I am a Christian, and I am against the government controlling womens choice (which lumps me in the pro-choice category) even though my church (Catholic Church) is anti-abortion.\nAs for the gay/lesbian issue, this is one where people are taking scripture out of context, and judge people based on their own misconception. While the bible does say that homosexuality is an abomination to God, it is just another sin like lying, and all sins are equal. as a Christian you should be accepting of everyone and not judge anyone based on their sin as you are not free of sin either, so you should be fine with that. Unfortunately ignorant and rude "Christian" people hate the gay/lesbian community because they live sin also, and those people don't look into themselves and see that they aren't any better.
236789
Steve is Eve after a sex change operation . . . lol\n\nThis is something religious nuts say . . . when talking about gay marriages . . . . "Adam and Eve and not Adam and Steve" . . .
344824
Wow there are alot of choices that have different views. Not sure what you are looking for but here are some debates:\n\nAbortion, gays adopting, spanking children, immigrants, etc. \n\nI will still think about this one and get back to you.\n\n\nETA: Polygamy, Same sex marriages
418160
I would like to first address the use of the term marriage in relationship to same-sex unions. Marriage is a religious definition in use for four or more thousand years to signify the union of a man and woman for the purpose of procreating and maintaining a long term relationship to raise the children of this union. It is also necessary to have this union to exist within a community. Marriage has at its' heart the goal of extending ones' heritage and history. \n\nThe Old Testament of the Bible which is the basis for Jewish Religion, combined with the New Testament which is the basis for Christianity and is a revered book of Islam support this  definition. With this in mind, same-sex unions do not fit the definition for marriage.\n\nNow laws that forbid same-sex unions have been in effect for this same period of time. The reasoning for this is that they do not serve  needs of the community and are viewed as deviant behavior in nearly all cultures that exist today.\n\nOnly in cultures that place the needs of the individual higher than the needs of the community, is there a tendency for homosexuality and same-sex unions to be allowed.\n\nLaws forbidding these unions exist in matriarchial societies as well as patriachial societies. Other reasons given for laws governing marriage and sexual behavior are to maintain the health of individuals within the community. Another reason given is that this behavior does not follow within the norm for the behavior for a culture.
709213
Sorry, there are no authorities about this.\nThere are only opinions based on religion.\nAnd oddly, the religious differ a great deal.\nI've seen hard line conservative Christians say that it was OK, and I've seen very liberal Christians say no way.\nSame with Jews.\nFor me, I have some gay friends, some lesbian friends, and what \nwhat they do has no effect on me.\nLive and let live, as it should say in the Bible.
494030
Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people with around 15 million followers as of 2006 [1]. It is one of the first recorded monotheistic faiths and one of the oldest religious traditions still practiced today. The values and history of the Jewish people are a major part of the foundation of other Abrahamic religions such as Samaritanism, Bahá'íism, Islam, and Christianity .\n\nJudaism has seldom, if ever, been monolithic in practice, and has not had any centralized authority or binding dogma. Despite this, Judaism in all its variations has remained tightly bound to a number of religious principles, the most important of which is the belief in a single, omniscient, omnipotent, omnibenevolent, transcendent God, who created the universe and continues to be involved in its governance. According to Jewish thought, the God who created the world established a covenant with the Jewish people, and revealed his laws and commandments to them in the form of the Torah. The practice of Judaism is devoted to the study and observance of these laws and commandments, as written in the Torah.\n\nJudaism does not fit easily into conventional Western categories, such as religion, ethnicity, or culture, in part because most of its 4,000-year history predates the rise of Western culture, or occurred outside of the West. During this time, Jews have experienced slavery, anarchic and theocratic self-government, conquest, occupation, and exile; they have been in contact with, and have been influenced by ancient Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, and Hellenic cultures, as well as modern movements such as the Enlightenment (see Haskalah) and the rise of nationalism. Thus, Talmud professor Daniel Boyarin has argued that "Jewishness disrupts the very categories of identity, because it is not national, not genealogical, not religious, but all of these, in dialectical tension."\n\nAccording to traditional Judaism and modern scholars, a number of qualities distinguish Judaism from the other religions that existed when it first emerged. One characteristic was monotheism. The significance of this idea, according to critical historian Yehezkal Kaufman, lies in that Judaism holds that God created, and cares about, humankind. In polytheistic religions, humankind is often created by accident, and the gods are primarily concerned with their relations with other gods, not with people.
342511
Hi mary!\nI'm not sure I understand your question.\nI agree with you that Islam and Judaism have much in common, and that it would be wonderful if we could explore these similarities instead of being divisive.\n\nI think that Judaism is all about finding the differences between right and wrong, moral and immoral, ethical and unethical, and then following the rightous path.  This is very difficult, but should be a goal of every person.