the history of a religion, the 20—THE JEWISH NEWS
Dr. Hershman Lays Bare Ethical Culture's Fallacies
Friday, September 14, 1951.
important events connected with
it, are integral parts of the reli-
gion itself. The experiences of when Spinoza did not practice
a people, the mores it has culti- what he preached.
On learning that his friend
rated in the course of time, the
institutions it has developed, its and benefactor DeWitts, the
ever, that the Jew speaks of God traditions, concepts, ideals and liberal Dutch statesman, was
By DR. A. M. HERSHMAN
Rabbi Emeritus, Congregation Shaarey Zedek
as "our father" and "our king" all that tends to deepen its his- torn to pieces by a maddened .
in the same breath? Obviously torical consciousness are essen- mob, Spinoza was disconsolate.
ETHICS AS A RELIGION. By David Saville Muzzey.
Published by Simon and Schuster, New York
he feels no incongruity in coup- tials of its religion. They are the He told the philosopher Leibnitz
In his recent book entitled "Ethics as a Religion," Pro- ling both designations. Here is mould into which its personality when the latter visited him that,
been cast, the anvil upon
fessor Muzzey pleads for a "new religion," a religion stripped what George F. Moore has to has
which its individuality has been on the night of the brutal mur-
of the accessories of creed and ceremonial, but which "cen- say on this subject:
beaten out. For a. people is his- der, he felt an inner urge to
ters its interest in man and puts its trust in the . capacity of
"It must, I fear, be con- tory-made. Hence a universal rush to the scene of the crime
man to rise by his untiring effort to ever higher levels of
religion is a mere chimera. No and to post on the wall of one
life." Such a religion, the author contends, is the religion of fessed that the Jews had never single
ingle religion can serve as a
thought of the advantages of platform on which all man could of the neighboring houses a
Ethics—a religion which is note'•!>
notice with the inscription "con-
form
concerned with the existence or the physical world is based on a limited monarchy as a
unite.
nonexistence of God, but has as moral law. This creed is the of divine government, to say
Dr. Muzzey stresses the "infin- temptible bargarians;" but that
its sole preoccupation man and
nothing of the democracy ite worth of every human being." his landlord, fearing the out-
his relation to others. God, in pivot around which the whole which some modern theolo- He is right. Such is the high come of such rash action, locked
the new religion thus urged, be- movement revolves. We ask,
gians are proclaiming as the estimate . which Judaism, has the door and would not let him
comes, to borrow a felicitous what warrant is there for this
next advance in religion . . . formed Of man that it ascribes leave the house. 0 Spinoza!
phrase, "an elective in the uni- faith? Professor Muzzey rejects
The prophets and psalmists human dignity even to the de- What of your teaching that hate
versity of life." Morality—such
would
have been surprised to prayed and the criminal (Deu- is evil at all times? Did you not
is the thesis of the book under . the belief in a personal God, hear that when they called teronomy 21:23; 25:3). Dr. Muz- say that "hatred is increased by
discussion — is sovereign, ade- whether theistic or deistic.. He God 'King,' the word con- zey adds, however, that "in being reciprocated, and can on
quate to meet the higher needs uses the term God as "a symbol noted the' arbitrariness of a ty- Judaism the doctrine is char- the other hand be destroyed by
of man. It is a platform on for the highest aspirations of rant and the jealously guard- acterized by the introduction of love?" Did you not say, "The
which all men of good will can our lives," for the sum total of ed seclusion of a despot. He . a racial element: namely, the wise man, in so far as he is re- •
all
stand and join hands.
goes on to say: "That God
all that is ideal in man. Dr. did rule the world as the al- idea of a chosen people, the garded as such, is scarcely at
seed
of
Abraham."
An
amazing
disturbed
in
spirit,
but
being
We ask, to begin with, "Is the Adler has discarded the God-
mighty power directed by per- statement, this! Adam, the very conscious of himself . . . never
new religion held out to us
`creedless'?" By t h e author's idea and replaced it by that "of feet wisdom and perfect good- first man, who according to bib- ceases to be, but always possess-
own admission, an ethical view a universe of spiritual beings." ness; that its history was a lical geneology preceded Abra- es true acquiescence of his
of life presupposes a sustaining Dr. Muzzey employs they word whole divine plain, the end of ham by nineteen generations is spirit?" But it is one thing to
and abiding faith, the belief God but he is in perfect accord which was the good world to said to have been created in the enunciate great principles and
that at the core with what Dr. Adler says. "God be, when the Lord should be image of God. One of the olden another to apply them to one-
of the universe is the power within ourselves," King over all the earth, his Rabbis finds in the ascription of self. Hence the rule, "Do not
there is a moral but he may have no objective sovereignty acknowledged and God-like qualities to Adam the unto others what is hateful to
righteous and beneficent most comprehensive principle of you," or "Do unto others what
law—a belief re- reality. Now, there is no deny- his righte
by all creatu
is
the law governing man's dealing you would others do unto you,"
jected by the ing that there is much that is
avowed materi- good in man. He is dowered this is the very essence of f re- with his fellow—the image of that is, your fellow man is your
igious monotheism." (Juda- God must be reverenced in our alter ego, your other self. He is
alist, and yet with divine impulses, but there
common humanity. Says George entitled to the same treatment
one that cannot is also much that is hideous and ism I, 432).
be dispensed reprehensible in him. Pascal Starlit - Heavens and Moral Law F. Moore, "The divine likeness you would have him accord you.
with. Cast aside calls him "the glory and the
Mathematical demonstrat i o n was the common inheritance of It is unfortunately true. as
this faith, and scandal of the universe . . . a of the existence of God is im- _ mankind—that was the point on Dr. Muzzey points out, that
monster
even
beyond
apprehen-
life becomes
possible. But theere is ample which Jewish thought seized to creeds and rites often flourish
m eani ngless, sion.". Let it be borne in mind evidence to bear witness to it. draw from it a moral conse- at the expense of morality.
devoid of moral that most, of the evils from "Two things," says the philoso- quence, a universal principle of Ethics is quite frequently sub-
br. Hershman purpose and sig- which we suffer today are man- pher Kant, "fill the soul with conduct." That the doctrine of ordinated to the other ingre-
nificance. It becomes "a tale made.
ever new and increasing admira- the chosen people has no bear- dients of religion. Yet religion
Dr. Muzzey points to man as tion and reverence: the star-lit ing 'whatever on Judaism's ap- cannot do without either creed
told by an idot, full of sound
and fury, signifying nothing." he can be and should be, and in heavens above me and the praisal of man can be clearly or ceremonial. Creed has its
Says Dr. Felix Adler, founder of his luminous hours is, and as- moral law within me." Judaism seen from the following sublime place. It is an attempt, often a
the Ethical Culture Movement, serts the faith "that in striving makes abundant use of both statement by Rabbi Akiba: "Be- feeble attempt, to state religious
"We need the conviction that for ethical perfection we are in
loved in man, for he was cre- concepts and spiritual , experi-
o u r c e s . of inspiration. . Says
this world of ours is not a colos- harmony with a universe in s Isaiah,
"Lift
up
your
eyes
on
ated
in‘ the image of God; but ences in terms of knOwledge.
Isaiah,
sal loom on which the shuttle which physical order is based
and see: Who hath cre- it was by a special love that it But it must be borne in mind
of chance weaves the garment on moral. law." Others, how- ated these? He that bringeth was made known to him that he
of unreason and despair; that ever, point to man as he ordi- out their host by number." So, was created in the image of God tude
in matters
of creed.
that Judaism
allows
wide Says
lati-
our ideals are not mere wishes, narily is, to all that is . mean and too, the psalmist bids us turn • • . Beloved are Israel for unto Israel Abrahams, " In matters of
with no surety of fulfillment; base in him and exclaim, "Van- to the glory and majesty of na- them was given the desirable dogma there never was any tor-
action at all." There was,
but that at the heart of things ity of vanities, all is vanity. ture, "The heavens declare the instrument; but it was by spe-
ture,
there is that which will make Man is not worthwhile!"
glory of God, and the firmament cial love that it was made known for instance, opposition on the
them real." This view is fully
showeth His handiwork." Again to them that that desirable in-
Inviolate Personality
shared by Dr. Muzzey. He says,
the of
Articles
of Faith thinkers
drawn up
many Jewish
to
Theistic religion posits a God, and again, the Rabbis speak of strument was theirs, through part
"He (the follower of Ethical Cul- who is the Creator of the uni-
by Maimonides. Moreover, as
"apeal
to
the
conscience"
or
which
the
world
was
created
..."
ture) retains as firm a faith as verse and the Author of the an
Dr. Muzzey does not altogether Dr. Shechter puts it, "Judaism
any founded on the creeds of moral law. It says to us, "The "things that are committed to approve of the rule, "Do unto does not ascribe to them (dog,-
the
heart."
Christendom."
place where thou stooclest is
But Judaism goes, further others as you would have them mas) any saving power. The
A Claim Wide of the Mark
holy ground," for this is God's than Kant. It asserts that the do unto you," on the ground belief in a dogma or a doctrine
without abiding by its real or
The question naturally arises, world. Let but man bestir him-
"that is unrealistic and suppOsed consequences is of no
Does not belief in the existence self, and all will be well with intellect, the power of mind, too, that
even
suggests
something
in
the
is God-given. "The, brain of
of a moral law in the universe him.
nature of a bargain." I presume value." Nor can religion dispense
Constitute a creed? To be sure, "The world is no blot for us man," says a famous Hassidic that he would not altogether with observances and institu-
it is a different kind of creed No blank; it means intensely Rabbi, "is like unto the Ark and approve of the negative form in tions. The latter vitalize the
the Two Tables of the Covenant
from that professed by the the-
which Hillel phrased the maxim, ideal and ideals which religion
and means Good."
. . . Whosoever thinks unholy "What is hateful to you, do not seeks to instill into its adherents.
ist, but a creed it is. Dr. Muz-
The paramount aim of re- thoughts is placing an idol in unto others," although the latter
zey's claim that Ethical Culture
The exigency of space does
is "a creedless religion" is there- ligion is the regulation of con- the Holy of Holies . .. " There
not perMit me to deal with this
is
a
story
to
the
effect
that
an-
does
not
savor
of
a
bargain.
He
religion at full length.
fore wide of the mark. Its mot- duct, the hallowing of life. The
other Hassidic Rabbi was told would replace this rule by the phase of
to "Deed, not Creed" is in need God that theistic religion pro- that
Spinoza
maintained
that
one
urged
by
Dr.
Felix
Adler,
of revision or interpretation. claims is an ethical God. The man has the same nature as "So act as to elicit the latent practical observances accentuate
The construction which our au- first Word in the Decalogue, the animals, and is in no way supe- spiritual possibilities in others, But
the as
distinctiveness
a group
I have already of
indicated,
and bring into bold relief its
thor puts upon it is, "Deed bedrock of Judaism, reads, "I am
comes before Creed, because it the Lord thy God, who brought rior to them. The Rabbi laughed and thereby in thyself."
is conduct which testifies to the thee out of Egypt, out of the and said: "One should ask this The 'Golden Rule'
detracting from its spirituality.
soundness of belief." In other house of bondage," that is, the free-thinker whether the ani- He evidently regards the max- uniqueness, without in any way
mals
can
produce
a
Spinoza."
It
im
favored
by
Dr.
Adler
as
an
God
of
Freedom.
Personality,
words, conduct is the test, the
hams, "is the great upsetter of
tend-
touchstone of faith. Creed must whether that of an individual or is needless for me to say that advance over the "golden rule." "Judaism," says Israel a Abra-
Spinoza
was
not
the
author
of
'I
differ
with
him.
The
latter,
express itself and work itself of a people, it asserts, is sacred,
envy
in Judaism
and predict its
the
statement
ascribed
to
him.
whether
in
its
positive
or
nega-
the
probable.
Analyze
inviolable; seven of the ten
out in action.
logical consequences and then
But the answer is most instruc- tive form, is far superior to that look in Judaism for consequence
I submit that there is nothing words embodied in the Deca-
formulated by Ethical Culture.
logue
deal
with
great
ethical
tive.
The
novel in this viewpoint. Juda-
More than this. Judaism af- If lived up to, it would remove sacrificial system should have
ism has anticipated it long ago. principles. The God which Ju- firms that God reveals Himself what I do not hesitate to pro- quite
other than these . . ..
It has assigned to conduct a daism postulates is not an ab- to man in the history and nounce the most serious impedi-
sentee
landlord,
who
having
position of preeminence, placing
double
standard
p r o d u spirituality;
c e d the Psalter,
'The
careers of individuals and na- ment
to all
moral employed
progress: by
the the
destroyed
in fact,
it
it above beliefs and rites. Com- made the world retired to the
l
far-off
heavens.
He
rules:
He
t says
i o n George
s . "Jewish
monotheism,"
menting upon the passage in
F. Moore, "was generality of men and women— hymnbook of the second Tern-
Isaiah, which reads, "Open ye is King, a holy King. No indi- reached through the belief that a lower standard
1 y or by
unconsciously
led to Pharisaism
externalism;
in fact
did
which they ple.'
ought
to it
have
vidual
or
nation
can
disregard
the gates, that the righteouS
s
the will of God for righteousness consciou
scrupulously in rite and pietistic
nation that keepeth faithfulness His laws with impunity.
not, for somehow excessive
This notion of God as King, is supreme in the history of the measure themselves, and a high-
exercises went hand in hand
may enter in," the olden Rabbis
world . . . In this -way a national er one which they apply to with • simple faith and religious
call attention to the fact that Ethical Culture maintains, is an- God
became the universal God. others. We • are all prone to inwardness . . . ."
the Prophet does not say: •"the tiquated. Says Dr. Adler, "The
Its
origin
was thus, to put it in judge ourselves leniently and to
conception
is
monarchi-
.
theistic
priests, Levites, or Israelites;"
- Creed and rites are component
word, moral, rather than judge. others • harshly. Who of
he says "the righteous," that is, cal." "Just as sovereignty in the a
physical
or
metaphysical;
and
it
us
is
free
from
this
moral
de-
factOrs
of religion. "To be ethi-
any one who is righteous, re- state is no longer incarnated in was therefore essentially per- fortuity ? Who can claim im- cal," says Professor Everett, "re-
gardless of creed, race or social a single individual, but is dis-
munity from it? . ligion does not, of necessity, cast
position. There is, moreover, the seminated through and perme- sonal."
It is interesting to note that Spinoza is a case in point. Dr. off its credal or even its ritual-
.. matchless pronouncement by a ates • the whole people, so the
later authority, "I call heaven sovereignty of the universe can even Edward Gibson, the author Felix Adler says of him, "No istic character." I would not
and earth to witness that Israel- no longer be lodged in an indi- of "The' Decline and Fall of the man more fully lived his teach- omit the word "even," for in an
ite or Gentile, man or woman, vidual spirit but must be dis- Roman Empire," .skeptic 'though ingS." Bertrand Russell describes historical . religion, like Judaism,
freeman or slave, all may hope seminated through the entire he was, said, "I shall not, I hope, him as one who "not only be- the ceremonial, though primar-
to receive the Divine Spirit. Ev- world of spirit." Dr. • Muzzey be accused of superstition, but I lieved his own doctrines, but ily but a means to an end, looms
them." Russell adds, large. It was Renan, I believe,
erything depends on their ac- speaks in the same vein. "All must remark that even in this practiced
the great religions of the world worth the natural order of "I do not know of any occasion, who said that "Israel was saved
tion."
events will sometimes afford the in spite of great provocation, in by His ritual." The ritual, i.e.,
A World Based on Moral Law originate in Asia. It was a land strong appearance of moral which he was betrayed into the 'the practical observances pre-
of
absolutism
.
.
.
nevertheless
Ethical Culture, I repeat, has
kind of heat or anger that his served him as a distinct people,
its creed—one which, not but- traces of Asiatic origin continue retribution."
Religion means faith in God
ethic condemned." Is Russell's
to
exist
..
."
Would
Drs.
Adler
tressed by the belief in a Su-
true?
I
am
constrain-
and
faith in man, in His spiritual
Essentials
of
Religion
assertion
preme Being, is much more dif- and Muzzey prefer that God
It follows from what was said ed to answer this question in the possibilities and powers. Ethics is
ficult to prove than the exist- should be referred to as "Presi-
one instance therefore not enough,
ence of God. It affirms that dent"? Is it not strange, how- in the last. two paragraphs that negative. I know of
Extols Judaism as Faith in God and Man
And in Spiritual Possibility of Mankind
th