Welcome to the Barry Greenblatt Ministries page. Well, sorry, truth is, there is no Barry Greenblatt ministry. I just like the sound of it.
First of all, let me say, I am Jewish, but non religious. (See In The Media for book review of "One People, Two Worlds": A Reform Rabbi and an Orthodox Rabbi Explore the issues that Divide Them.) I guess I can best be described as an athiest "'who acts as if" there is a Higher Power, and wants to beleive that there is, but remains a skeptic. I am open to learning about other religions but question when one group says they are "the one and only way to salvation." If only one is the right way who do you know which one to choose?
I beleive in Science and Evolution. "Intelligent Design" is very interesting but it is not science. I beleive the Earth is about 4.5 Billion years old, and was not created in six days. The Bible is an interesting book and has a lot to offer the human soul, but when religious groups use it for mind control I think it causes more harm than good.
Now, having said all that, there is someone I do recommend listening to for inspiritual growth. That person is Joel Osteen. I watch his program and have read his books. I saw him in Madision Square Garden when he visited NY in 2007 and enjoyed the event. I did not convert. I remained seated when everyone else was asked if they would stand up and accept Jesus, but out of respect for my Judism, I did stand up when he read an old testiment prayer.
On his show, Joel Osteen mentions Jesus at the beginning and the end of his broadcast. Throughout his program he refers to "GOD" when he is talking about the lord, so you could still be a devoted Jew and still get something out of it. What I do is I "take what I like and leave the rest."
I do in fact sometimes pray. It can't hurt any. I give whatever "Higher Power" that exixts the benefit of the doubt. I follow the new age ideas of the Secret and the Laws of Attraction.
I am greatful for my exixtence, my health, and all the good things I have in life. I am in awe of the mysteries of the universe, and when I get a little down I try to put things in perspective and wait it out knowing things always get better. You can remind me of that when I am sad if I should ever forget my own advice.
Thank you for letting me share these thoughts with you.
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On January 25, 2011, I posted the following comment on my Facebook page:
I know I have often questioned my belief in a "higher power" as most people think, (ie, GOD), but surprise, surprise, my position changes yet once again. As of right now, ...as of now, this moment, in spite of my past doubts, I am of the feeling that YES, it seems to me that there is a GOD for which I am thankful for my existence and all of my blessings. I don't believe it is a Jewish GOD, or a Christian GOD, or a Moslem GOD, or a Hindu GOD, or an eastern new wave, special ritual GOD. HE, SHE, IT, doesn't care if I keep Kosher, or have sex out of marriage, or pleasure myself, and does not care if people of the same sex or opposite sex love each other, or what race a person is, even if they are a Church or Temple goer, and does not care if people observe Bible rituals, or even observe a special evening or day or week. All HE/SHE IT cares about is if we treat HIS/HER/IT's creations with decency, respect, and perhaps an occasional acknowledgement that HE/SHE/IT/ or what ever form our Higher Power takes is responsible for our existence and that HE/SHE/IT loves and cares for us....so, Thank You, Higher Power, for allowing me to wake up this morning, see, hear, walk, talk, eat, eliminate, for my apartment, my car, all my technological toys, for the life and well being of all my friends and family. I Thank You.
One More Update,
Yes, again, I question the "higher power (ie GOD) question. I don't Know the answer. I sometimes Pray and it sometimes gets answered, but when I do so I just speak/think in plain English. No ritual, no special religious Hebrew prayer, just plain old fashioned regular thoughts.
What ever you may think about all this, the fact is, we are here for a very short time, and we have no control over that, so we might as well just make the most of the time we have here, treat everyone with respect, and life our lives the best we know how, and if there is a loving higher power out there, that is what that higher power would want for us.
Finally, I might be taking this page down sometime soon, but if enough folks look at it and think I should keep it, let me know. It will be my decision, of course, but would be interested to know if enough people like it that much I just might keep it.