I didn’t realize Prager held these opinions. I sensed something was off about him prior to 2020, but couldn’t figure out what it was, so I just quit listening to him.
Good post, I'll offer some nuance that I think is consistent with its thesis.
I am not a Christian or Jewish theologian, and my natural religious inclinations are Buddhist (though admittedly corrupted through a Western understanding thereof). My own take is that there is a space between thought and action, and a lot happens within that space: a thought can be reinforced to the point where it bears fruit in the form of action, while on the other hand a thought can be released or iteratively weakened through negative feedback, to the point where it eventually disappears.
The question of lust and pornography is a clear application of this principle. Yes, nearly every adult can, from time to time, experience a transient feeling of lust. It isn't a good idea to pretend that never happens. But *feeding* that lust is another matter. The more the monster is fed, the stronger it grows, until it eventually prompts action. The better course is to acknowledge the lustful thought and then release it. The principal message of Buddhism (for me anyway) is that the will is exercised in the decision to feed the beast or starve it. As anyone with sufficient awareness knows, pornography only feeds the beast and leads only to greater and greater vulnerability to lust and its consequences.
Prager went on my probation list when he failed to adequately question Larry Elder losing to Newsom. His unfailing support for Ukraine is troublesome. And now this? Controlled opposition comes to mind.
I haven't seen the clip, but I have read several of Dennis Prager's books on the Torah. Are you *sure* he's not being a devil's advocate here? Because Dennis has said that he believes that when he disagrees with Torah, the Torah is right and he is wrong.
Very thought provoking as is the norm with your writing. I like that one has control over one’s actions and isn’t just a mindless human being controlled by one’s own impulses or desires. Isn’t it strange then how many people from all walks of life colluded in the false narrative of the “vaccines being safe and effective” when in their hearts they knew this not to be true and today these same people disavow they had any knowledge otherwise and will not accept any responsibility whatsoever for the great harms they are responsible for and have inflicted on people all around the world.There is a lot of corrupted hearts one must surmise when the vaccine injuries and damages are so extremely disturbing severe and debilitating and have thus ruined so many innocent people’s lives those that it didn’t kill altogether. I think we have a problem with how many seem to have no heart at all anymore.
It's clear Prager has fumbled and dropped his ball. He took his eyes off the ball and was tempted.
One of the commandments is "Thou shalt not covet" and in the Lords prayer "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil". Lust and the desire to possess what others have is envy which leads to jealousy and that can lead to all sorts of evil deeds. Don't eat the apple on that tree "forbidden fruit "
I wonder if he will acknowledge this error in judgement?
Regarding: Dennis Prager - with all of his apparent knowledge on Torah and the Talmud - stated that he ‘did not care’ about what someone thought, but rather how they acted. Hmmmm
Genesis 6:5
“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
Adultery - Matthew KJV
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.
28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
If we would take into account that Prager is an orthodox Jew who rejects the New Testament, that would explain his opinion, and also reveal that he is in dire need of the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit and of having a *major* heart operation under the hand of the Great Physician.
Our old hearts will defeat us every time a temptation comes up, but a new heart goes off with red lights flashing and horns blaring at the scent of sin, all through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit and the grace of God.
A born-again Christian is not sinless, but he sins less and less!
I don't know who Dennis Prager is. I have not read the Torah. I am not religious in any way. My sister believes Jesus is always on her side. Even when she connived to get the better of her husband's assets! We humans are very good at self indulgence. Whether that be our current 'beliefs' or the justifications we use to reach into the animal brain of ours for pleasure as and when it suits us, regardless of our belief in some book or other. Whether we will EVER truly evolve to see the truth of our deplorable 'nature' is debatable. But 'debate' we will. Until a nursing home finishes us off that is. And the cycle repeats. LOL
I think his disconnect arises from the fact that the Torah expects us to learn with the goal of doing. Since he believes that learning leads to doing, full stop, the end is his focus. He sees it as axiomatic that he who learns WILL do. Marcus Jastrow is proof that that is a false assumption. Jastrow knew the Torah well enough to write his Dictionary of the Talmud, yet he smoked on shabbos. This is the problem that we all face. Not only in Judaism, but in all ethical pursuits. Virtue signaling is the "non-Torah" product of the concept of a pure heart having primacy over deeds. It's very possible that his dismissal of pornography (and other sins of the heart) is an outgrowth of his concentration on the deed in his effort to battle the zeitgeist we see now. He attempts (with good intentions) to politicize Mussar. It's a financially rewarding path in his case. (With that monetary success he gains a platform to improve the world via his intentions.) As if to say, if it's a choice between adultery and watching porn, of course it's OK to watch porn. He's right, as far as that goes. He's missing the point simply because he must believe that man is incapable of purifying himself to that degree. He's aiming for the low hanging fruit. Man must strive to purify his heart AND act. We are capable of that but it's definitely not the path of least resistance.
"You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:27)
Having check out his stuff on numerous occasions, and taking into account the people that promote the stuff that he writes In my opinion Prager is one of the leading edge proponents of the universal psychosis which now patterns and controls every aspect of humankind.
And yes what one actually does unambiguously signals the moral core of ones existence/being.
By their fruits (or actions) one will surely know them.
Absolutely incredible that a Jewish rabbi and the rest of the panel of men never once mentioned the pornography industry itself and the way it destroys lives. I listened in disbelief that the lives of the individuals demeaned and used, while usually medicated or taking illegal substances, were never mentioned. Pornography performers are often trafficked and prostituted, pushed into illegal drug use and their lives end early. These are polar opposite to the values of Christianity. Also, the fact that usually the performers are not married seemed to be of no concern to any of the panelists. The demeaning and defiling of sex, the teleology of sex as the way the next generation id created, human beings as sexual beings, and all the harm to society that comes with the demeaning of sex and our bodies never seemed to register in anyone's mind. Did I miss something?
1 Samuel 16:7 - For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
But 5 verse later:
! Samuel 16:12 - David had a healthy reddish complexion and beautiful eyes, and was fine-looking. The Lord said (to Samuel), Arise, anoint him; this is he. (Amplified.)
David has always had my admiration. He messes up. He confessess his weakness. He turns to God.
David's longing for continuing to have a relationship with the Lord, even after adultery, and worse.
Psalm 51:17 - My sacrifice {the sacrifice acceptable} to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, such, O God, You will not despise. (Amp)
As per Dennis Prager, he is intelligent and well-spoken. Never saw a video, but listened to podcasts, till I heard what amounted to Zionism. Now having read this and the comments, glad I deleted him. Conservative? Uniparty! Many ties: Zionism and adult entertainment, et al. Very lucrative.
I didn’t realize Prager held these opinions. I sensed something was off about him prior to 2020, but couldn’t figure out what it was, so I just quit listening to him.
Good post, I'll offer some nuance that I think is consistent with its thesis.
I am not a Christian or Jewish theologian, and my natural religious inclinations are Buddhist (though admittedly corrupted through a Western understanding thereof). My own take is that there is a space between thought and action, and a lot happens within that space: a thought can be reinforced to the point where it bears fruit in the form of action, while on the other hand a thought can be released or iteratively weakened through negative feedback, to the point where it eventually disappears.
The question of lust and pornography is a clear application of this principle. Yes, nearly every adult can, from time to time, experience a transient feeling of lust. It isn't a good idea to pretend that never happens. But *feeding* that lust is another matter. The more the monster is fed, the stronger it grows, until it eventually prompts action. The better course is to acknowledge the lustful thought and then release it. The principal message of Buddhism (for me anyway) is that the will is exercised in the decision to feed the beast or starve it. As anyone with sufficient awareness knows, pornography only feeds the beast and leads only to greater and greater vulnerability to lust and its consequences.
Prager went on my probation list when he failed to adequately question Larry Elder losing to Newsom. His unfailing support for Ukraine is troublesome. And now this? Controlled opposition comes to mind.
I haven't seen the clip, but I have read several of Dennis Prager's books on the Torah. Are you *sure* he's not being a devil's advocate here? Because Dennis has said that he believes that when he disagrees with Torah, the Torah is right and he is wrong.
Very thought provoking as is the norm with your writing. I like that one has control over one’s actions and isn’t just a mindless human being controlled by one’s own impulses or desires. Isn’t it strange then how many people from all walks of life colluded in the false narrative of the “vaccines being safe and effective” when in their hearts they knew this not to be true and today these same people disavow they had any knowledge otherwise and will not accept any responsibility whatsoever for the great harms they are responsible for and have inflicted on people all around the world.There is a lot of corrupted hearts one must surmise when the vaccine injuries and damages are so extremely disturbing severe and debilitating and have thus ruined so many innocent people’s lives those that it didn’t kill altogether. I think we have a problem with how many seem to have no heart at all anymore.
It's clear Prager has fumbled and dropped his ball. He took his eyes off the ball and was tempted.
One of the commandments is "Thou shalt not covet" and in the Lords prayer "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil". Lust and the desire to possess what others have is envy which leads to jealousy and that can lead to all sorts of evil deeds. Don't eat the apple on that tree "forbidden fruit "
I wonder if he will acknowledge this error in judgement?
Regarding: Dennis Prager - with all of his apparent knowledge on Torah and the Talmud - stated that he ‘did not care’ about what someone thought, but rather how they acted. Hmmmm
Genesis 6:5
“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
Adultery - Matthew KJV
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.
28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
I'll stick with God and Jesus taught.
My Website: https://www.knowingforyourself.com
Money has no value there. There is only one to follow and its not me.
If nothing else at the top of the home page read from:
Gods Family and Gods Church.
Until mans churches follow Gods Pattern for His Church and the Family
nothing will change.
Best to all in Christ, Daniel
If we would take into account that Prager is an orthodox Jew who rejects the New Testament, that would explain his opinion, and also reveal that he is in dire need of the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit and of having a *major* heart operation under the hand of the Great Physician.
Our old hearts will defeat us every time a temptation comes up, but a new heart goes off with red lights flashing and horns blaring at the scent of sin, all through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit and the grace of God.
A born-again Christian is not sinless, but he sins less and less!
I don't know who Dennis Prager is. I have not read the Torah. I am not religious in any way. My sister believes Jesus is always on her side. Even when she connived to get the better of her husband's assets! We humans are very good at self indulgence. Whether that be our current 'beliefs' or the justifications we use to reach into the animal brain of ours for pleasure as and when it suits us, regardless of our belief in some book or other. Whether we will EVER truly evolve to see the truth of our deplorable 'nature' is debatable. But 'debate' we will. Until a nursing home finishes us off that is. And the cycle repeats. LOL
I think his disconnect arises from the fact that the Torah expects us to learn with the goal of doing. Since he believes that learning leads to doing, full stop, the end is his focus. He sees it as axiomatic that he who learns WILL do. Marcus Jastrow is proof that that is a false assumption. Jastrow knew the Torah well enough to write his Dictionary of the Talmud, yet he smoked on shabbos. This is the problem that we all face. Not only in Judaism, but in all ethical pursuits. Virtue signaling is the "non-Torah" product of the concept of a pure heart having primacy over deeds. It's very possible that his dismissal of pornography (and other sins of the heart) is an outgrowth of his concentration on the deed in his effort to battle the zeitgeist we see now. He attempts (with good intentions) to politicize Mussar. It's a financially rewarding path in his case. (With that monetary success he gains a platform to improve the world via his intentions.) As if to say, if it's a choice between adultery and watching porn, of course it's OK to watch porn. He's right, as far as that goes. He's missing the point simply because he must believe that man is incapable of purifying himself to that degree. He's aiming for the low hanging fruit. Man must strive to purify his heart AND act. We are capable of that but it's definitely not the path of least resistance.
Jesus sums it up perfectly.
"You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:27)
Having check out his stuff on numerous occasions, and taking into account the people that promote the stuff that he writes In my opinion Prager is one of the leading edge proponents of the universal psychosis which now patterns and controls every aspect of humankind.
And yes what one actually does unambiguously signals the moral core of ones existence/being.
By their fruits (or actions) one will surely know them.
Absolutely incredible that a Jewish rabbi and the rest of the panel of men never once mentioned the pornography industry itself and the way it destroys lives. I listened in disbelief that the lives of the individuals demeaned and used, while usually medicated or taking illegal substances, were never mentioned. Pornography performers are often trafficked and prostituted, pushed into illegal drug use and their lives end early. These are polar opposite to the values of Christianity. Also, the fact that usually the performers are not married seemed to be of no concern to any of the panelists. The demeaning and defiling of sex, the teleology of sex as the way the next generation id created, human beings as sexual beings, and all the harm to society that comes with the demeaning of sex and our bodies never seemed to register in anyone's mind. Did I miss something?
O'Brien quotes what has been enigmatic for me:
1 Samuel 16:7 - For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
But 5 verse later:
! Samuel 16:12 - David had a healthy reddish complexion and beautiful eyes, and was fine-looking. The Lord said (to Samuel), Arise, anoint him; this is he. (Amplified.)
David has always had my admiration. He messes up. He confessess his weakness. He turns to God.
David's longing for continuing to have a relationship with the Lord, even after adultery, and worse.
Psalm 51:17 - My sacrifice {the sacrifice acceptable} to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, such, O God, You will not despise. (Amp)
As per Dennis Prager, he is intelligent and well-spoken. Never saw a video, but listened to podcasts, till I heard what amounted to Zionism. Now having read this and the comments, glad I deleted him. Conservative? Uniparty! Many ties: Zionism and adult entertainment, et al. Very lucrative.