Why Bernie Sanders doesn't participate in organized religion
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Source: Washington Post
Growing up, Bernie Sanders followed the path of many young American Jews. He went to Hebrew school, was bar mitzvahed and traveled to Israel to work on a kibbutz.
But as an adult, Sanders drifted away from Jewish customs. And as his bid for the White House gains momentum, he has the chance to make history. Not just as the first Jewish president — but as one of the few modern presidents to present himself as not religious.
“I am not actively involved with organized religion,” Sanders said in a recent interview.
Sanders said he believes in God, though not necessarily in a traditional manner.
“I think everyone believes in God in their own ways,” he said. “To me, it means that all of us are connected, all of life is connected, and that we are all tied together.”
<snip>
Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/bernie-sanders-finally-answers-the-god-question/2016/01/26/83429390-bfb0-11e5-bcda-62a36b394160_story.html
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As an atheist it would be nice to have a president not doing the god thing all of the time.
merrily
(45,251 posts)I take him at his word, as I know of no reason not to take him at his word.
Eko
(9,974 posts)Only that it was cool as an atheist myself to not have to listen to the god thing. As always Merrily you disappoint.
Truprogressive85
(900 posts)What a beautiful response
Gregorian
(23,867 posts)I have a feeling I may be waiting forever.
passiveporcupine
(8,175 posts)This is so nice to hear.
For a split second, I hesitated at,
“I think everyone believes in God in their own ways,” until I realized he started with, "I think..."
That's good. He says it's his opinion. He could be wrong, and he's admitting as much. I can live with that.
Voice for Peace
(13,141 posts)consulting his own brain and heart
retrowire
(10,345 posts)And they kind of criticize him for it?
Good. Religion has no place in politics. I like Bernie even more. No disrespect to the Jewish faith or anything.
But I agree with the separation of every church and state ya know?
Feeling the Bern
(3,839 posts)Last edited Thu Jan 28, 2016, 05:05 AM - Edit history (1)
if a group of judgmental, aloof, haughty and superior thinking followers of an invisible, yet to be proven exists Sky Daddy, think he isn't devote enough in his belief in the Sky Daddy.
Fairy Tales are for children, not people trying to become president.
Eko
(9,974 posts)Bam!!!
Nyan
(1,192 posts)All in all, very good article.
But it shouldn't be so surprising that Bernie's not trying to make "connections" with fellow Jews.
He doesn't pander. And he's not in it for building clout to grab more power. Everybody should realize that by now.
onehandle
(51,122 posts)Summary article, at most.
mhatrw
(10,786 posts)
bananas
(27,509 posts)bananas
(27,509 posts)Bernie Sanders Opens Up About God
No lack of faith here.
01/27/2016 07:42 pm ET
Antonia Blumberg
Associate Religion Editor, The Huffington Post
Bloomberg via Getty Images
Sen. Bernie Sanders' Jewish upbringing may have influenced his views on morality in politics.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has mostly avoided discussing religion during his Democratic presidential campaign. Unlike some other candidates, he sticks to politics.
But he offered a rare glimpse into his spiritual views in an interview with The Washington Post published Wednesday.
<snip>
bananas
(27,509 posts)Jan. 27 2016 11:44 AM
Bernie Sanders Denies Being a Sinister Atheist
By Ben Mathis-Lilley
Bernie Sanders was raised in a Jewish family that, according to his brother, was "basically secular" and did not frequently attend synagogue. As an adult, he's reportedly not observant and speaks very rarely about his personal religious beliefs—a characteristic that was underlined during Tuesday's Democratic town hall in Iowa when Hillary Clinton described herself as "a Christian" and a "person of faith." Asked whether he believed in God during an October 2015 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show, Sanders answered elliptically. A 2015 Gallup opinion poll, meanwhile, found that 40 percent of Americans say they would not vote for an "atheist" in a presidential election.
With this all in mind, it seems somewhat inevitable that Sanders would be asked about the subject again, and it looks like the Washington Post got to him first:
“I am not actively involved with organized religion,” Sanders said in a recent interview.
Sanders said he believes in God, though not necessarily in a traditional manner.
“I think everyone believes in God in their own ways, “ he said. “To me, it means that all of us are connected, all of life is connected, and that we are all tied together.”
Is that answer enough to satisfy people who don't want to vote for a nonbeliever? It's certainly the most tentative claim of spiritual belief that's been made by a major-party candidate in recent memory, right?
madokie
(51,076 posts)before the English settlers came here they had no organized religion other than many gods or what I think of as higher powers, ie thankful for what nature gave them. I used to think like Bernie but then somewhere along the road I realized I didn't believe in a 'god' by any stretch and once I've come to that realization I've been a much happier person. when I die it will be no different than the bug that hit my windshield last. I'll simply be dead. I'm not going to waste my time here in life worrying about should I do this or that because god wants me too rather I'll do this or that based on if its the right thing to do period. If its not the right thing to do I'll simply not do it.
Organized religion is why we have so much strife in this world today. Everyone needs to take John Lennons Song Imagine to heart, it's what I do and what I think we all should do.
Our Native American ancestors were pretty good stewards of this land, best I can figure out anyway.
At any rate I think the world of Bernie and one of the reasons I do is for that answer he gave. He is based on facts as he sees them and what he sees is a whole like what or how I see things too.
Bernie has my vote.
If I have to I'll vote Hillary in the general but only if I have too. She is way 100% better than anything the 'CONs have to offer.
azurnoir
(45,850 posts)I believe in G-d not religion, something I understand and agree with
bananas
(27,509 posts)Bernie Sanders not 'actively involved with organized religion'
By Tom LoBianco, CNN
Washington (CNN)Bernie Sanders is opening up about his religious views and his Jewish heritage, saying he believes generally in God, but not necessarily organized religion.
The man who has the potential to become the nation's first Jewish president has generally shied away from talk of his upbringing and his faith, but in an interview with The Washington Post published Wednesday, Sanders said he was not "actively involved with organized religion."
"I think everyone believes in God in their own ways," he told Post. "To me, it means that all of us are connected, all of life is connected, and that we are all tied together."
<snip>
Behind the Aegis
(56,102 posts)But, being Jewish is much more than just religion; there are cultural aspects to being a Jew. However, in this country, despite the so-called "acceptance" of Jews, there is a huge vein of anti-Semitism and it isn't just on the right. So, if he feels it best not to talk about his being Jewish, I can understand it and, at the same time, feel a slight sadness. Being Jewish isn't just about the number of times you daven, it isn't about how many muzzuzahs you have in your house, or about going to synagogue every week or just on High Holy days, and it is the cultural part which shouldn't be "put away in a box."
I really do understand though, I simply have to look up and know why.
Voice for Peace
(13,141 posts)in friendships, extended family, relatives of friends, and the neighborhood where I lived for five years (populated by old-fashioned believers, beards, somber dress, submissive wives, exclusive of those unlike themselves, and unfriendly.)
My Jewish friends & extended family came mostly from families like Bernie's. The parents uncles and aunts were active on the edge of social change, particularly in public education. Intelligent and talented, open-minded. They celebrated the jewish holidays and made it fun, never oppressive. Being Jewish wasn't religious, it seemed more tribal. Also a broad brush never can paint the fine details of people's individuality.
"What is your religion?"
"Striving to be human. Not for the faint of heart."
Behind the Aegis
(56,102 posts)For many Jews, it is. We do have a range, but most of the Jews I encounter, aren't what I would deem "religious". I would say "traditionalist." We had a Seder when my parents visited. My husband isn't Jewish and we didn't go crazy with the religious parts, but we did a modified version. The funniest thing? I tried to serve kosher food and not mix meat and milk, and gave my parents Kraft Ranch Dressing for their salad, only I didn't read close enough; it was "Kraft Ranch Dressing with bacon! 
Obviously, I don't keep kosher in my home. Of course, preparing a kosher meal in small town Oklahoma was a fucking challenge in of itself. There wasn't even Matzoh at any store in our town, not even Wally World! My parents had to bring it.
The only ones who should be 'debating' who is and isn't Jewish are Jews, and even we don't do it right. The one truth I have learned from being Jewish is: Two Jews, three opinions! That really does explain quite a bit because we are all, most of us, are expected to challenge the things, ideas, and people around us for the betterment of all peoples. It is one thing about Judaism I still hold dear.
libodem
(19,288 posts)
Dawson Leery
(19,566 posts)It is his right to not be part of organized religion. I am like him in this respect.
Ned_Devine
(3,146 posts)"...all of us are connected, all of life is connected, and that we are all tied together."
Voice for Peace
(13,141 posts)His religion is called Public Service.
🌟✨💛⭐💥⭐💥🌟💥😎🌟⭐💥
❤💜💙💚💛
silverweb
(16,410 posts)[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]Yes!
LiberalElite
(14,691 posts)
pnwmom
(110,254 posts)It isn't a coincidence that the Democrats with the highest percentages of believers are African Americans and Latinos -- and those are two of the groups where he has the lowest support.
Fearless
(18,458 posts)Are always economically disadvantaged regardless of race?
Truprogressive85
(900 posts)I do not care if he dosent practice a specific religion
are you HRC suppprters waiting for a Rev. Wright type vidoe type to leak ?
pnwmom
(110,254 posts)Voice for Peace
(13,141 posts)some might even say racist in its claims about who is or is not being reached.
Unfortunately for his opponent, and according to good sources, there's a substantial re-education taking place. Minority voters are taking a look at facts in regard to how Clinton policies have not been so great after all for black lives.
Private prisons, 3 strikes etc. Not a nice story.
pnwmom
(110,254 posts)is to continue to imply that minority group Democrats are more ignorant than white Democrats in states like South Carolina.
MasonDreams
(777 posts)And the interconnectedness of climate change
Uncle Joe
(65,062 posts)Thanks for the thread, bananas.
scottie55
(1,400 posts)And ignore pretty much all Jesus taught.
Not Bernie.
Faith = Works in my book.
Hulk
(6,699 posts)The evangelicals are going to have a stroke!
merrily
(45,251 posts)Being involved in organized religion is a different animal from being religious.
bananas
(27,509 posts)merrily
(45,251 posts)Behind the Aegis
(56,102 posts)Religion implies "ritual". He very well may be to some extent, but many Jews are secular and only follow "rituals" out of tradition. A pagan who believes in nature can be spiritual without being religious, but a pagan who utilizes rituals, would be religious. At least that is how I see a difference.
merrily
(45,251 posts)To me, any believe in God or the supernatural is religion, even if it's one's own variety of religion.
Again, going to my personal experience, people who use the term "organized religion," as opposed to simply "religion" think it's possible to be religious without being part of an organized religion. Again, this is only my subjective understanding.
I have not attended religious services or participated in any rite regularly since I was maybe fifteen, but there were chunks of my life when I prayed (in my own head, not aloud) spontaneously and often. I considered myself religious then.
In any event, I think Bernie chose his words very carefully when asked about religion and we should respect that and try to stay as close to his words as possible, without leaping to "not religious" or "atheist." He said neither of those things.
Behind the Aegis
(56,102 posts)I would not describe you as "religious", but rather "spiritual." You don't rely on "ritual", though I guess some could say praying is 'ritual' but I don't see it in that way. But, like you say, it is rather subjective.
I do agree his wording was carefully chosen, but it can have repercussions, though not some of the ones others are claiming in this very thread (and a few other threads). Of course, "atheist" and "not religious" also have different meanings too and would lead to a variety of other discussions.
merrily
(45,251 posts)Prayers can be ritualistic, but my own prayers were not. For example, I would consider the prayer of observant Muslims rituals--the floor covering, facing Mecca, praying at set time of day, etc. Same for a group saying the "Our Father in unison, if they do it whenever they convene.
I think we have to respect how people perceive and describe their own personal beliefs. "If I were to say I am religious, but I don't participate in organized religion or specific rites, I would not appreciate someone else "correcting" me.
ETA: Just looked at a dictionary definition:
re·li·gion (rĭ-lĭj′ən)
n.
1.
a. The belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers, regarded as creating and governing the universe: respect for religion.
b. A particular variety of such belief, especially when organized into a system of doctrine and practice: the world's many religions.
c. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
2. The life or condition of a person in a religious order: a widow who went into religion and became a nun.
3. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion: a person for whom art became a religion.
Idiom:
get religion Informal
1. To become religious or devout.
2. To resolve to end one's immoral behavior.
I closed the window too quickly, but it's one of the first definitions in the Free Online Dictionary.
If a religion is defined as a belief in a supernatural power, then having such a belief is being religious.
Behind the Aegis
(56,102 posts)spiritual
Also found in: Thesaurus, Medical, Legal, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
Related to spiritual: Spiritual healing
spir·i·tu·al
(spĭr′ĭ-cho͞o-əl)
adj.
1. Of, relating to, consisting of, or having the nature of spirit; not material; supernatural: spiritual power.
2. Of, concerned with, or affecting the soul: spiritual guidance; spiritual growth.
3. Not concerned with material or worldly things: led a spiritual life.
4. Of or belonging to a religion; sacred: spiritual practices; spiritual music.
n.
1.
a. A religious folk song of African-American origin.
b. A work composed in imitation of such a song.
2. often spirituals Religious, spiritual, or ecclesiastical matters.
Same source as you used for the definition of "religion".
"Supernatural" is used in both definitions. I agree we have to respect how people perceive and describe their own personal beliefs, and mine is that religion involves ritual and ceremony. Stating otherwise, or when people do otherwise, is not disrespecting their beliefs, simply stating mine, from my perspective. I am not judging it "right or wrong". I would be just as unappreciative if someone "corrected" me if I said I was religious not spiritual because I believe (uncertain) in things outside of my scope of knowledge and sometimes acknowledge it.
"Grant me the serenity. To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference."
If said, even with a deity as the first word, would not define someone as "religious" to me. As written, it is "spiritual" because it invokes an unknown, perhaps even self, but it isn't a certain. Would you also define superstitions as "religious"?
The definitions are somewhat fluid. How someone defines themselves is how they defines themselves, even if we don't agree.
merrily
(45,251 posts)According to these definitions, someone with a belief in the supernatural can be correctly described as either spiritual or religious, or both.
How someone defines themselves is how they defines themselves,
I have been saying that all along.
Behind the Aegis
(56,102 posts)Actually, you said: "If he believes in God in any way or in anything supernatural, then he is religious." When you asked for another possibility by stating "Bernie said he believes in God in his own way. Which word would you use to describe a belief in God?" , I said "spiritual." Which led to "To me, any believe in God or the supernatural is religion, even if it's one's own variety of religion. "
The point is the definitions still lend themselves to subjectivity.
merrily
(45,251 posts)did say, starting in Reply 42, that we have to respect how people define themselves.
Behind the Aegis
(56,102 posts)He said: "“I am what I am,” he said. “And what I believe in, and what my spirituality is about, is that we’re all in this together.”" This sounds as if he is defining himself as "spiritual", not "religious".
Your comment, " If he believes in God in any way or in anything supernatural, then he is religious." is inconsistent with "According to these definitions, someone with a belief in the supernatural can be correctly described as either spiritual or religious, or both."
merrily
(45,251 posts)article. In this article, he said he is not actively involved in any organized religion and he believes in God. That more than fits the definition of religion.
Behind the Aegis
(56,102 posts)“I think everyone believes in God in their own ways,” he said. “To me, it means that all of us are connected, all of life is connected, and that we are all tied together.”
The article said: Sanders said he believes in God, though not necessarily in a traditional manner.
And once again, you said: "According to these definitions, someone with a belief in the supernatural can be correctly described as either spiritual or religious, or both." And it now seems you have returned to your original claim: "If he believes in God in any way or in anything supernatural, then he is religious."
merrily
(45,251 posts)Again, I am not sure what it is about my original claim that you find inconsistent with the definition of religion that I posted. I am also not sure what Sanders said that you find inconsistent with the definition of religion that I posted.
Also, are you saying that these two statements are inconsistent with each other? If so, I am not seeing how.
(1)"According to these definitions, someone with a belief in the supernatural can be correctly described as either spiritual or religious, or both."
(2) "If he believes in God in any way or in anything supernatural, then he is religious."
Behind the Aegis
(56,102 posts)Your original claim was belief in the supernatural means "religious", then you modified it to include "spiritual." It was you, in your very first post who claimed he was religious, not Sanders, himself. You made this claim based on your own beliefs.
ETA:
(1)"According to these definitions, someone with a belief in the supernatural can be correctly described as either spiritual or religious, or both."
(2) "If he believes in God in any way or in anything supernatural, then he is religious."
Seriously?
someone with a belief in the supernatural can be correctly described as either spiritual or religious, or both."
And
"If he believes in God in any way or in anything supernatural, then he is religious."
What happened to "either spiritual...or both"?
merrily
(45,251 posts)Full quote:
According to these definitions, someone with a belief in the supernatural can be correctly described as either spiritual or religious, or both.
I am still not seeing any inconsistency between saying that and describing Sanders as religious.
It was you, in your very first post who claimed he was religious, not Sanders, himself.
Sanders himself did not claim he was spiritual either. However he said things that justify describing him as either religious or spiritual or both.
Sorry, repeating to me what I said is not explaining what inconsistencies you are seeing with describing Sanders as religious.
Behind the Aegis
(56,102 posts)YOU are the one you claimed he was religious, then further demonstrated by stating, "and we should respect that and try to stay as close to his words as possible, without leaping to "not religious" or "atheist." No one said he wasn't "non-religious".
merrily
(45,251 posts)Your claim is that he does not consider himself religious. I don't know how you get that from what he said. However, at this point, I am concluding that, for some reason, it's important to you to say he is not religious.
If I say, someone is 7 feet tall, I have not used the words "unusually tall." Yet, what I did say was a description of someone who is unusually tall and it's fair to say I described someone unusually tall, even if I did not use those exact words.
Sanders described his beliefs. His beliefs fit the definitions of both religious and spiritual. Therefore, based on his words and dictionary definitions, he can correctly be described as religious or spiritual. It doesn't matter that he did not use either word. Both words do fit what he did say. "Not religious or "atheist," as stated on this thread, would not be correct descriptions of what he did say.
olddots
(10,237 posts)hopefully people won't hold that against him because people don't seem to believe in people or peace lately .
trillion
(1,859 posts)I'm sure many here can apply their own beliefs to what he said.
Helen Borg
(3,963 posts)...
slipslidingaway
(21,210 posts)for misbehaving and or not adhering to their strict rules.
Ultimately I believe as he does ....
“I think everyone believes in God in their own ways,” he said. “To me, it means that all of us are connected, all of life is connected, and that we are all tied together.”
Still I cannot tell you how many times I have prayed for good health for our family. Religion is not worn on one's sleeve, it is about how you live your life.
Just another reason to support this amazing man!
etherealtruth
(22,165 posts)SoP for LBN:
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