Krappy Kiruv Arguments and Krappy Kiruv Analogies

A GUEST POST BY HAPPY WITH HIS LOT

I see Yeshiva World News is sending around a paid email advertisement for Kiruv.com's Kommon Kiruv Blunders, a short film on how to avoid answering questions about Judaism. For a painful viewing experience click here.

The film reminds me of the Krappy Kiruv Analogies Kiruv types use to prove their points.

You know, like the bridge you wouldn't cross unless its engineered to precise measurements. Proof that it makes sense to measure the marror to exacting specifications.

Or the one from Rabbi David Cardozo where he thinks Hashem gave us the gift of mitzvos as compliments because he knows how hard they are to perform and we are up to the task. Just like the boss who gives out the hard assignments to those he thinks are promotable.

I bet if people think about these analogies they can find the flaws pretty quickly.

A favorite I've seen is the analogy used to prove God. It normally is about doubt of there being poison in the soda, and would you drink it, even if you're very thirsty.

A twist on this analogy goes like this:

Imagine you're at a party and someone spikes the soda with poison. The party is full of family, and freinds, and your parents call out to you to tell you they're thirsty. Now no one will believe you that the soda is poisoned. They will laugh at you. Would you give your parents the soda knowing they could die? Or would you deal with the ridicule, knowing you saved your parents' life?

Can anyone guess what this analogy would be used for?

Analogies can be used to prove anything. Ill provide the answer in a week, and then I bet people across the spectrum will find lots of flaws in this one as well.

Everyone has their sacred cows.

This last analogy is courtesy of Rav Asher Zelig Rubenstien, former Mashgiach of Yeshiva Mishkan Hatorah (Splitri)