Yesterday was the last programme in the radio series 'Humphrys in Search of God'. John Humphrys' final interviewee was the Chief Rabbi Dr Jonathan Sacks. To my mind this was the most satisfying of the three interviews.
When asked how he was going to convert John to be a Jew, Sacks replied that he wasnt going to as Judaism is a religion that does not believe in converting others, as it accepts that other religions are equally valid. He also makes the very interesting point that people need to believe in something and if they dont believe in God they turn to other beliefs, be it fascism, communism, celebrity or some other form of idolatry which can lead to great violence and upheaval.
When John asked his killer question 'Where was God in Auschwitz?', the rabbi replied that he was there in the commandments Thou shalt not Kill and Love thy Brother, and if the germans chose to ignore these commands then they would have to take the consequences.
Judaism, the rabbi said, is a faith where you are expected to question everything. I got the impression that, of the organised Western religions, Judaism is the more tolerant and the least hide-bound. It certainly differed from my pre-conceptions. But why not listen yourself and see what you think at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/noscript.shtml?/radio/aod/religion.shtml?radio4/humphrysinsearchofgod"
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