What is your best proof the torah is divine?

amother

Thu, Jun 27 2019, 8:22 am

Dh is struggling with this. He doesn't want to hear that he should listen to a 10 part lecture by rabbi so and so. He likes things short and simple. Is there such an answer to this question? what would you respond?

Mommyg8

Thu, Jun 27 2019, 8:33 am

There is no short and simple answer to this question. And to be honest, if someone is struggling with this, it's very unlikely that a short and simple answer would be helpful.

But as a starting point- our tradition, and the tradition of about half the world's population (Christian and Muslim) agrees with this.

1ofbillions

Thu, Jun 27 2019, 8:38 am

Every time I hear about another incident of antisemitism, my belief in Judaism’s veracity is renewed.

It makes no sense that our nation has been persecuted so maliciously throughout history, in nearly every country we’ve ever been in. It makes no sense that the media is in the side of the 70 nations against our tiny state, despite the fact that Israel has liberal values and Muslim countries decidedly don’t. It makes no sense that my grandparents are ashes in Europe for no reason other than their religion.

Antisemitism transcends logic. It is ugly and omnipresent, and I believe that the only possible explanation is that God is ensuring we remember we’re in Galus.

Last edited by 1ofbillions on Thu, Jun 27 2019, 10:44 am; edited 1 time in total

zaq

Thu, Jun 27 2019, 10:05 am

1ofbillions wrote:

Every time I hear about another incident of antisemitism, my belief in Judaism’s veracity is renewed.

It makes no sense that our nation has been prosecuted so maliciously throughout history, in nearly every country we’ve ever been in. It makes no sense that the media is in the side of the 70 nations against our tiny state, despite the fact that Israel has liberal values and Muslim countries decidedly don’t. It makes no sense that my grandparents are ashes in Europe for no reason other than their religion.

Antisemitism transcends logic. It is ugly and omnipresent, and I believe that the only possible explanation is that God is ensuring we remember we’re in Galus.

None of which proves the divinity of the Torah. Even if one believes in G-d, one doesn’t necessarily have to believe that the Torah is anything other than a giant national mythos created by human beings—divinely inspired, perhaps, but not divine itself.

iluvdovi

Thu, Jun 27 2019, 10:14 am

I'm so sorry that your husband is struggling with this.

The divinity of the Torah is one of the 13 principles of our faith so if he is struggling with this there has to be a deeper rooted belief issue.

It would seem impossible that he believes everything else but this one "issue" bothers him.

I dont think a brief answer will convince him, or satisfy his questions.

Maybe he would benefit from a spiritual mentor, if he is willing.

amother

Plum

Thu, Jun 27 2019, 10:19 am

If there were a single perfect proof, the world would be full of believers. Struggling is part of the program. The fact that your husband struggles means that he actually cares and thinks deeply about things. That probably puts him ahead of 99 percent of the population.

Doubt isn't fatal. But know that plenty of smart people have managed to find their path in Torah, even without definitive proof.

yksraya

Thu, Jun 27 2019, 10:20 am

I don't need proof. I simply feel it. When I'm more spiritual, I feel uplifted. only Emes makes one feel real simcha. Materialistic goods only make you feel happy temporarily.

leah233

Thu, Jun 27 2019, 10:23 am

If he (or you) are looking for proofs of the Torah's divinity, imamother is the not the place to look for them.

If you are conditioning that the proofs he (or you) are looking for have to be kept short and simple then you aren't legitimately looking.