Towards the end of the Book of Jonah, having tried unsuccessfully to escape the word of Hashem, Jonah ultimately delivers Hashem's message of repentance. Much to the dismay of Jonah, his worst nightmare comes true as the Ninevites engage in a genuine act of "tshuvah". Then, demonstrating his resentment, Jonah relocates to the outskirts of the city, where he is woefully disappointed to discover that he has once again misread Hashem's intentions. While Hashem has repeatedly tried to teach Jonah a lesson about "loving-kindness" and in particular about caring for 'The Other", Jonah resists to the bitter end. Hashem, "a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in kindness, renouncing punishment," is working as a teacher of compassion, but Jonah fails the test.
I recently heard from a mother, who after being told by her mid-thirties son that he is gay, turned to her rabbi for advice. She believed that the meeting went well and the Rabbi in turn sent her for some counseling to someone who knows more about homosexuality.
This person sent her to JONAH.
A therapist friend of mine says "JONAH makes me ill."
What parent would want to see their child put through a hellish, pseudo-psychological experience, that is not successful?
I, would really, rather, put my faith in Hashem, who is slow to anger and abounding in kindness, because JONAH fails the test.
Saul David
PS. For more information on reparative therapy go to
http://www.socialworkers.org/diversity/lgb/reparative.asp
2 comments:
BLESS YOU for seeing the truth in JONAH's message and horrific ways.
As always, you give me hope!
The first order of business in therapy, all therapy, is do no harm.
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