Does GoD Care if ....

[Absolute Zero]

We belive in Him ? Would he be mad if we didnt ? would we recieve some sought of punishmeant If we did not belive but lead a good life ?

[Tarheeler]

I think that what we do is much more important that what be believe.

So, no, I don't think that there is punishment awaiting atheists. And I think a similar fate awaits everyone who acts justly and with mercy, regardless of what they believe.

[Levite]

Originally Posted by Absolute Zero

We belive in Him ? Would he be mad if we didnt ? would we recieve some sought of punishmeant If we did not belive but lead a good life ?

While the Jewish tradition is pretty clear that, in some sense, anything but monotheism is incorrect and unacceptable, we also pretty clearly state that God wants certain kinds of behavior more than certain kinds of belief. Ideally, it should not be an either/or scenario: people should be good and act decently, and also believe in the One God and worship him. But if it does come down to an either/or, far better to treat others well, seek social justice, and help those in need of help, while not believing in God, or believing in some theologically unacceptable position, than to hold the correct theology but treat people poorly and act narcissistically, from greed and lust for power.

We believe that, in the end, if we act decently and treat others well and try to establish justice and peace in the world, that is basically sufficient for non-Jews. Jews are subject to the demands of the covenant, and so they must do more than that.

[dantech]

Originally Posted by Levite

While the Jewish tradition is pretty clear that, in some sense, anything but monotheism is incorrect and unacceptable, we also pretty clearly state that God wants certain kinds of behavior more than certain kinds of belief. Ideally, it should not be an either/or scenario: people should be good and act decently, and also believe in the One God and worship him. But if it does come down to an either/or, far better to treat others well, seek social justice, and help those in need of help, while not believing in God, or believing in some theologically unacceptable position, than to hold the correct theology but treat people poorly and act narcissistically, from greed and lust for power.

We believe that, in the end, if we act decently and treat others well and try to establish justice and peace in the world, that is basically sufficient for non-Jews. Jews are subject to the demands of the covenant, and so they must do more than that.

Well said!