You're taking Medved's half-baked theory and then assigning it to Reform Jews. Even if it *were* true, it was intended to be applied to all.

Just pointing out that your logic is, well, illogical.

And I believe there are plenty of secular Jews who don't have a problem with Christians -- especially if you buy the argument that non-Zionist Jews are assimilated.

Well, if they're assimilated, then they're marrying Episcopalians and Unitarians -- and that rather defeats Medved's argument, too.

For most American Jews, the core of their Jewish identity isn't solidarity with Israel; it's rejection of Christianity.

I would say, as a spectator of the American condition, that the core of their Jewish identity is their surname and rejection of any religious aspect.
One just has to look at the antics of the Lerners, Finkelsteins, Soros et al.

As for assimilated with Episcopalians and Unitarians, well from previous posts on this blog we have seen just how Christian they are.

(Sol you should have an "emoticon" to depict a wry smile)

When Jews see that someone is suffering, it’s because we have been blessed with the opportunity to save a life. That's why we are liberal.

Jews that vote for the party of death and destruction (democrats) have went against the Torah, and are an *abomination* to G-d.

They FORGET that America is a CHRISTIAN nation, and if they don't like it, they are FREE to LEAVE.

The democrat party has the MOST anti-semites IN it;
Sen Byrd-former: KKK
Margaret Sanger: KKK
Fritz Hollings: KKK

And MANY more. Leopards do NOT change their spots.

Above commenter states that 'he is a liberal' and blessed with the opportunity to "SAVE A LIFE"

Oh, REALLY??

Pray tell us then, why you are FOR abortion and partial-birth (de-capitation) of 8 1/2 month old babies.
THAT IS NOT "SAVING A LIFE" it is MURDER!
"Thou shalt NOT MURDER!!!!!"
-G-d!

Jewish people that are REAL GOOD Jews and NOT JINOS are conservative and right wing, and walk HUMBLY with their G-d, in a CHRISTIAN nation.

I would rather go down fighting with my FRIENDS the CHRISTIANS and GENTILES then die with you debaucherous pigs!

Liberal Jews are phoney liars, sorcerers and magicians in the guise of tolerence and fairness.

Well, THANKS A LOT LIBERAL JEWS, it is BECAUSE of YOU that I have to deal with murdering-crime talking hating neo-Nazis and anti-semitism, b/c they HATE your guts, and you know what?? THEY HAVE GOOD REASON, here in America.

Sarah Silverman, a JEWESS??
BS.
All of YOU have voted in our death and destruction, and only prove what Rabbi Kahane said:
"One thing we learn from history, is the Jews NEVER learn from history"

He is right, and you liberal JINOS;
YIMACH SHEMO VIZCHERO!

Obama is an ANTI SEMITIC SLIME, you stupid FOOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, for the tip on the discussion at Commentary.

I found all of the statements interesting but would like to address Michael Medved's, in particular. I tend to like Michael Medved quite a lot. And believe I've seen what he is writing about in his article at times (in regard to Christianity). But, I think it would have been helpful to inject some other information and alter the order of his case. For instance, I would not have opened with his statement that "For most American Jews, the core of their Jewish identity isn’t solidarity with Israel; it’s rejection of Christianity." While that is certainly an attention-grabber, it paints an unnecessarily provocative and inflammatory picture, in my opinion. My concerns here emanate from interacting with those who have an anti-Jewish animus, people who will not doubt use such a statement to "prove" their case against "the Jews."

I think that the Holocaust also played a decisive role in moving many Jews toward secularization. Many lost faith and trust in the God of their fathers - of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Elie Wiesel being one prominent example. I think that perhaps the strong Jewish messianic impulse searched for other outlets - and liberalism was a natural choice (quite literally). Liberalism, in many ways, seems to be a worldly attempt to bring about the messianic expectation -- man, not God, not the Messiah, will take ultimate control and deliver himself. Extreme environmentalism is perhaps another manifestation of this. So, if I understand them correctly, I agree with Medved and Podhertz on that score.

In this schema, some religions are acceptable and others are not. For example, Buddhism - which in some ways is perhaps more of a philosophy than a religion - is acceptable because it does not invoke a personal God with a set of clear, unbending moral standards and obligations (at least to the extent that the three great monotheistic religions do). Man is still in control.

But Christianity? No.

Islam? Absolutely not.

Even Orthodox Judaism? No.

It might have been helpful if Medved had emphasized clearer distinctions (as others in the symposium made) - noting that the general SECULAR Jewish political tendencies tend to play out against RELIGIOUS CHRISTIAN political tendencies because Christians are far and away the majority in this country. If America had a larger Muslim population, I believe we would likely see the same kind of secular Jewish political opposition. For that matter, if Orthodox Judaism itself were a powerful voice influencing policy, etc., I believe secular Jews would oppose that as well. At this juncture, I think secular Jews may believe they can afford to be benevolent (patronizing?) with their religious Jewish brothers because their religious brothers are not particularly potent in the cultural and political scene.

However, I was glad that Medved started to bring in more distinctions toward the end of his piece, noting that Orthodox Jews actually behave quite a lot like conservative Christians. And I genuinely appreciate his willingness to address such important and sensitive issues.