G-d as a Metaphor

The Reconstructionist website is the least professional-looking of the three websites. That's not to say it's not informative, I just think that may allude to the smaller size and possibly smaller income of the Reconstructionist movement compared to the other three we discussed. I was really surprised to find out that the Reconstructionist movement grew out of the Conservative movement. I first heard about Reconstructionism at a Schusterman summer conference a few years ago. When the rabbi said that the movement rejected the idea of miracles, the Chosen People, a messiah, and I think something about the exodus, I pictured the movement as being to the left of the Reform movement in that hierarchy of Jewish sects. As I've learned more about the individual movements, it's become clear that the hierarchy idea doesn't actually apply. The actual movements denote philosophical differences, not levels of observance.

The website had a really interesting quote:

Reconstructionism has stressed belonging over believing when to comes to Jewish identity. Belonging to a group with common commitments, culture and memories has given us a valuable sense of peoplehood and mission that has power regardless of what we believe about God.

On one hand, the philosophy behind the movement does sound really vibrant and beautiful. Thinking of yourself as a people devoted to erasing all the evil in the world like the article states gives you a really noble mission and reason for living.

On the other hand, I don't know why the two have to be mutually exclusive, why G-d can't be an actual body AND the Goodness inside of people. On a deeper level, the thought that there aren't miracles and there won't be a messiah and that there isn't a G-d in a traditional sense is sorta depressing. It's also really interesting when you keep in mind that Judaism is a religion, at least on some level, but the quote above makes me think more of a social club or even a high school clique.