Hello,
We continue our study of the third chapter of Brit Shalom.
Once again, we are dealing with the laws of idolatry (avodah zarah). Here, we need to distinguish between worship and belief.
For instance:
- If a person actively worships the sun, this constitutes idolatry.
- However, if someone believes that the sun is a deity but does not actively worship it, this does not fall under the prohibition.
Just as it is permissible for anyone to believe that the sun provides warmth or light, the prohibition applies only to an actual physical act of worship.
This is clarified in paragraph 13:
"The mere belief that a person or nation is governed by some force—whether physical or spiritual—lower in rank than the Creator of all is not prohibited, as long as it is not worshipped."
This means that one may believe in the existence of a spiritual force, such as an angel or some other entity, that influences individuals or nations. However, the prohibition is against worshiping that entity. Ultimately, worship and reverence are reserved exclusively for the Creator of the world.
The Error of Enosh
The error of Enosh, the son of Seth and grandson of Adam, as explained in rabbinic tradition, was his belief that God desired humanity to honor His creations that possess power and glory, just as one honors Him. This was his mistake. Jewish law clarifies that worship is due only to the Creator of the world.
Belief in Dualism
What about dualistic beliefs (dualism)? Regarding this, it is written:
"One who considers that there is a god over the entire world apart from the Creator of all is called 'a denier of the fundamental principle.'”
This means it is permissible to believe that lesser forces exist and influence the world, but to believe in a power equal to God, one that parallels the Creator of the world, is forbidden. Such a belief is considered a form of atheism disguised as dualism.
