Modern Orthodoxy and Free Thought

Modern Orthodox Judaism constantly claims that it encourages questioning and free inquiry, confident that it can confront and surmount any intellectual challenges. This sounds great, but it is simply not true. A recent article in Stern College's Observer inadvertently touches on this issue. Check out the following quotes:

"....Posnick also recalled Mrs. Sapirstein labeling certain courses taught by individual teachers as 'apikorsus (blasphemy).'"

"....we were told to stay away from science classes that teach evolution because it’s problematic."

These quotes are by seminary students in reference to classes taught at Stern College for Women, an Orthodox institution!

Briefly, Modern Orthodox Judaism encourages questioning and free inquiry, but only within the pre-limited halachic framework.

Why Orthodox Jews Should Think

I was recently chatting with an Orthodox friend who argued that "there is nothing to lose" from being an Orthodox Jew. I respectfully disagreed. I think that there is a lot to gain, but also a ton to (potentially) lose. There are many reasons for an Orthodox Jew to critically consider their beliefs. Here's why:

1. Orthodox Jews spend well over an entire month each year abstaining from productive work (and depending on one's ideas of fun, that too)
2. Persecution
3. Inaccess to food and services can severely restrict travel options
4. Potentially wasting one's time praying to a wrong or nonexistent God, learning wrong or meaningless books
5. Being an Orthodox Jew can cost a ton of money
6. Restricted marriage options

I think that this list could go on, but the point is made. There are a crapload of reasons for Orthodox Jews to think critically about their beliefs. It's absolutely not a "nothing to lose" situation.