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Definition:
Reconstructionist Judaism is a modern Jewish movement founded by Mordecai M. Kaplan
(1881-1982) in the early 20th century in an effort to further reform Judaism for the
modern era, and especially for American culture. His book Judaism as a Civilization:
Toward a Reconstruction of American Jewish Life sets forth his goals and ideas most
clearly.
Reconstructionist Judaism treats Judaism as a culture which constantly adapts in order to ensure its own survival. Such adaptation is not bad, but is instead simply a natural part of the social process. Thus, in some ways, Reconstructionist Judaism can be even more liberal than Reform Judaism - it doesn't even require members to be theists or, if they are, that they believe that God singled out the Jewish people in any fashion. In other ways, however, Reconstructionists can be more conservative because they observe more of Jewish law. Even then, though, they do not do so merely because it is traditional.
Also Known As: none
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Related Resources:
What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism? For that matter, what is and is not a religion?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear.
