[NGFP-BookClub] Organized Religion

[Danielle James]

I lived in Malaya, a Muslim country, over 50 years ago.  At that time 
it was administered through Whitehall by colonial officers.

Although Islamic, Malaya was a multi-racial, multi-religious, 
multi-ethnic country.   The service paid to Islamic identity was that 
no-one was permitted to attempt conversion of Muslims, there was a 
sense of 'modesty' in clothing worn by non-Muslims (Europeans), 
official holidays reflected the Islamic calendar.  But everyone joined 
in celebrating other religious festivals.  Everyone was familiar with 
the regular Islamic call to prayer.

Whilst pork and alcohol were served at official functions, it was not 
offered to Muslim guests, who were provided with food that complied 
with their
strictures.

Overall, there wasn't any agonising over what could be/could not be 
done.  Halal food was sold in bazaars alongside Chinese selling pork.
Respect, demonstrated above, was paid to the dominant religion, but 
there was freedom to practice other religions, or no religion.  
Restaurants reflecting this position catered to individual groups - and 
there were many of them.  Everyone knew what to expect when dining out, 
and each  made informed choices.

I have not visited Israel, but do not Israelis eat  at non-Jewish 
restaurants - are the latter also to be caught up in the Kashrut 
debate?

Obviously, when having diverse positions within Judaism, the 
practicalities of catering to the IDF etc., should cover all points of 
belief.  In such cases, Kashrut would seem the way to go.

When entertaining various guests at home, I always ensure all points of 
dietary needs are covered in one shared meal.

Barry and Manfred, I attended a catholic boarding school in senior 
years.  We had to attend daily morning mass, which meant fasting till 
after mass;  on Sundays we attended two morning masses.  This was 
besides the various evening services during the week.  Christianity 
never imbedded within me, and I converted to Judaism later on.  School 
friends made their own decision on leaving school whether they were 
practicing/non-practicing catholics.
However, whether lapsed or  practicing, the vast majority would 
identify with being christian.

Danielle