Making Sense with Sam Harris cover image

Making Sense with Sam Harris

#2 — Why Don't I Criticize Israel?

Jul 27, 2014
16:21

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The speaker highlights the importance of maintaining proportion when discussing Israel and Judaism, acknowledging their criticisms while recognizing the historical persecution of Jews and the need for a place of refuge.
  • The speaker argues that there is a moral disparity between Israel and its enemies, with Israel pursuing peaceful coexistence while its adversaries aim to implement a seventh-century theocracy, emphasizing the danger posed by those seeking to impose religious views on others.

Deep dives

Criticism of Judaism and Israel

The speaker addresses the misconception that he never criticizes Israel or Judaism. He highlights that he has indeed criticized these subjects, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proportion when discussing these topics. He mentions the diversity within Judaism, including atheists who still identify as Jews, and acknowledges the existence of religious extremists. While critical of the idea of a Jewish state, he also recognizes the historical persecution of Jews and the need for a place of refuge. However, he believes that a religious state is ultimately untenable.

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