Question Author
Shalom Beso.
Thanks for your reply. Far from 'poking holes', my question was genuinely intended to further my understanding of another faith(!) Jews are actively encouraged to ask questions, and to challenge their own faith, in order to reach an informed and educated understanding of our beliefs and history.
As example of this, we will shortly be celebrating 'Shavuot'. During the eve of Shavuot, it is commanded that we study Torah, and ask questions.
It is certainly true that, during our three and a bit thousand year history, the Children of Israel have carried on in ways less than one would proud to behave in these modern times.
The story of Josuah you mention is actually allegorical, as it turns out. It never happened. But there have been other times when we fought to defend our faith, and even started wars and wiped out enemies. Those were the times we lived in, and we learn to live with that history, as Germans learn to live with the fact of the Holocaust.
Incidentally, Catholics may pray to the Virgin Mary, as you stated, but they believe that they are asking her to intercede between themselves and God. For instance, the line, 'Hail Mary, full of grace, pray for us sinners now, and in the hour of our death' asks only that Mary prays for them, not acts for them.
Incidentally, if it was your intention to insult and offend me by comparing the Jews with the Nazis, then mission accomplished.
But at least we don't have an ex-Nazi as the head of OUR faith, as the Catholics do.........