You can learn a lot from reading books. I find you can learn even more by doing and seeing.

I’ve been fortunate that my travels have taken me to some very special places like the Galapagos Island, where Charles Darwin initiated his theory on evolution. And, I just returned from Tanzania in Africa where I enjoyed a three day safari.

In the case of the Galapagos and Tanzania, I experienced something that was contrary to what one reads in books, and one book in particular, the Bible.

When you see examples of evolution with your own eyes in the Galapagos, it’s hard to ignore the reality that evolution happens, challenging the creation story in Genesis. And, when I saw hundreds of different species of animals in one small area – I realized how impossible it was for Noah to gather two of every kind of animal to put on his ark.

So, this past weekend when I went to Beth El for naming of my niece, Millie, it was helpful to hear Rabbi Steve Schwartz’s take on the Bible.  Rabbi Schwartz told his congregation that the Conservative movement teaches every word was not given to us by God, but we are still to follow every concept brought forth by Jewish texts.

Between seeing for myself items that contradict stories in the Bible and hearing Rabbi Schwartz, I still held true to my religious beliefs that strengthened my resolve to not let American laws be based on religious texts.

Conviction - you nailed it!  Sorta… kinda… well not really.