22 August 2025
Question
I am Jewish, and I have three good friends: a Christian, a Muslim, and an atheist. (I know it sounds like the start of a joke, but we never walk into a bar together.) Each of them tries to convince the rest of us that their way is correct. I have always avoided these debates, as I know that Jews don’t try to convert people.
But here’s the question: let’s say the atheist convinces the Christian to stop attending church, or the Muslim to stop saying prayers. Should I encourage them to go back to church and keep praying? On the one hand, I don’t believe in their religion either. But is it better for them to believe in something than to believe in nothing?
Answer
You are correct, Judaism does not encourage us to missionise. Or to go to bars. But we should be encouraging other people's faith.
The great mystic, Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov, had a wagon driver called Alexei. Whenever they rode past a church, Alexei, a devout Catholic, would bow his head and cross himself.
One day, Alexei wasn’t available, and the Baal Shem Tov had to use a different driver, Ivan. The Baal Shem Tov noticed that when they passed the church, Ivan kept his eyes on the road, hands on the reins, and didn't cross himself. When asked why, Ivan waved dismissively and said, “I don’t believe in that stuff anymore. I’m an atheist.”
After this, the Baal Shem Tov thanked Ivan for his service, and never rode with him again. His students were puzzled. Why would it bother the Baal Shem Tov that a Catholic lost his faith? He explained, “Any faith is better than no faith at all. I’m not going to sit in the back of the wagon of a driver who doesn’t believe in a higher power watching over him.”
We don’t have to agree with another faith to appreciate its benefits. Maimonides writes that although Jews do not accept the beliefs of Islam and Christianity, we have to give credit where credit is due. Thanks to them, much of humanity believes in one G-d, follows biblical morality, and awaits the Messiah. When the real Moshiach comes, everyone will be ready to recognise him.
Of course, all religions can be corrupted, and faith alone does not guarantee that a person will act morally. Still, correcting a mistaken belief is easier than starting from disbelief.If the alternative is believing in nothing, it would certainly be preferable that your Christian friend go to church, your Muslim friend attend prayers, and your atheist friend find faith.
The Torah teaches seven laws that apply to all people. Anyone who keeps them, no matter what religion they practice, is considered righteous. So let's increase our faith, and encourage it in others. And when Moshiach comes, maybe we’ll find a bartender, and raise a glass to the one G-d we all share.
Sources
Rambam Hilchos Melachim 11:4