>>>I'm curious Tamar, in respect of the examples you give above which of the five major religions do not say the same? iow, what would make one more "pragmatic" than another?
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>>Well, I'm not an expert on any other religion (and for that matter, not really an expert, though knowledgeable, on Judaism), but here's an example.
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>>There was a story in the news last year about a conflict in the Catholic church over communion wafers for people who are gluten-allergic (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5762478/?GT1=4529). The same article says that the "non-alcoholic wine" offered alcoholics for communion actually does contain some alcohol.
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>>In Judaism, while we don't have communion, there'd be no question and no issue on this. For example, there is a positive commandment to eat matzo on Passover, but someone who is gluten-allergic would not only not be asked to do so, but prohibited from eating it, since it would be hazardous to their health.
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>>The whole question of birth control falls into this category, too. While Judaism recognizes a mandate to reproduce, it also permits birth control and sterilization for health reasons (including mental health).
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>>Tamar
>
>I do not think that any one religion will please everyone.

Of course. I was simply responding to Jos' question about Judaism and pragmatism.

Tamar