RELIGION.

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Abraham Joshua Heschel led a phenomenal life envisioned through his actions, his belief and the teachings that he promoted. Early on, he embraced the practice to dialogue with religious leaders of different faith to achieve great ends for all humanity (Simkins 3). He was a radical, engaging Martin Luther King Jr, a Christian, even when fellow Jews frowned upon such partnerships. He challenged ideologies of many, especially the Catholics who harboured a deep-seated dislike for Jews (Simkins 3). In his understanding, he felt that God was keenly interested in the experiences of human beings and was wounded whenever they suffered injustice. He emphasised that religion is a powerful tool to right wrongs as its message primarily rests on compassion, justice and integrity.
Abraham felt that Judaism had taken a back seat to the issues that people were experiencing. He thought that Jews had long abandoned their traditions for religion and become too ‘organised’. What this meant is that they were no longer wonderstruck by God or passionate about life (Abraham n.p). As such, the practice of faith was dull and did not hearken to provide solutions to the anguish in people’s hearts. I think that Abraham served as a conduit to awaken the sleeping giant in this case. Through this observation, he penned that it was the beginning of the indifference people had towards acts of cruelty and little regard for the sanctity of life.
Concerning religion, many believed that it had no place in politics, a notion that Abraham blatantly disagreed with.

He references to the bible during the interview, stating that God himself was involved in politics and social issues (Abraham n.p). Numerous times, he asked prophets to appoint leaders for the Israelites who would lead them. While most people run to religion to gain a sense of ‘inner peace’, Abraham believes this to be an exercise in futility. Again, throughout the Bible, individuals faced tribulations (Abraham). God himself, he says, faces problems with a man all the time through disobedience etc. Religion is not an escape. If it were, it would be contrary to the nature of life and God.
To this respect, I see that Abrahams thoughts of religion intermingling with politics hold. The hallmark of religion may be to win people from everlasting damnation but to emphasise this without meeting the physical demands is hypocritical. Belief should rise to a higher standard where it advocates and gets involved in the physical, mental and emotional wellness- of all people. I think that religion does offer peace, that even in situations of great tribulation; we can make it to the other end where there is hope.
I agree with Abraham’s sentiments that we are in partnership with God in carrying out his work. We learn that he has given us free will to do all things, and thus will never impose his wishes upon us (Abraham n.p). To work together with him, we must invite him in; we must agree to be his servants.
He continues to cite that “God is either the father of all men or no men” on tackling racism. Further, we cannot determine worthiness to individuals based on their skin pigmentation. It is a fault in our outlook towards others and fails in religion (Abraham n.p). I believe that God is concerned with all humankind as he created us in his likeness.
He also echoes the role of the prophet in these modern times as one of offering unwavering hope and showing love towards all (Abraham). According to me, these are the most crucial times when we require such prophets. There is no longer love, and people follow what suits them. Additionally, Abraham says that prophets have to be involved in the sufferings of men. In my opinion, they should be vocal about exclusion, because in this day and age something as subtle as that means the lack of education or affordable healthcare.

Works Cited
“Abraham Joshua Heschel-1972.” YouTube, uploaded by Freire Elizabeth on 3 December 2015, Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fexk9xcrcho.
Simkins, Ronald A., et al. “Bibliographies for Theology: Spirituality and Mysticism: Spirituality & the World Religions.” (2017).