Isn't the whole point of Orthopraxy that it doesn't need to be defended intellectually? That's like asking how to defend taking the scenic route home intellectually.
But I can defend taking the scenic route home. It increases my happiness, appreciation of nature, etc.
Orthopraxy has downsides that are hard to rationalize away.
Orthopraxy helps me get along with my family and friends. They won't reject me for being krum and they'll still invite me to their simchas and kiddishes. And my wife wouldn't be thrilled to know the truth, so I guess marriage benefits also exist.
I guess I should have said that on its own, Orthopraxy is pretty darn irrational.
there's different types of Orthopraxy. The first kind is Orthopraxy by choice. That's when the person enjoys the culture and heritage and does it without social pressure (this kind is rare). The second type is Orthopraxy dues to social pressure - marriage, parents etc. The majority fall into the later category
Good point, B. Spinoza. Incidentally, your point about the rarity of intellectual Orthopraxy is exactly why my "Jewish Continuity Orthoprax" friend mentioned in this post is so interesting.
> Orthopraxy has downsides that are hard to rationalize away.
Every culture has downsides that are hard to rationalize away. We don't approach life from a totally rational position.
Commenting by HaloScan
