I'm very conflicted as to the extent I should try to persuade people that fundamentalism is untrue. On the one hand, I believe it isn't true. On the other hand, why try and persuade people?
On another thread, angry ex BTs and Kiruv Pros are debating Kiruv. It's true that some Kiruv workers and organizations are irresponsible, unscrupulous and even dangerous. Clearly some BTs feel they were duped, or at the extreme end their lives were ruined. But I believe the majority of professional Kiruv Workers are indeed responsible. It's not in their interest to 'con' people into Orthodoxy.
When it comes to Kiruv, Caveat Emptor. We live in a market driven society, it's entirely legitimate for anyone to market anything. Just do your research before buying!
However KAN argues that religion is as life altering as medicine, and therefore should be subject to the same rules as drug advertising. When drugs are marketed, by law the advertiser MUST mention all the negative side effects and similar downsides. This is obviously not the case for example with Vehicle advertising. GM are not required to say that SAABs are totally unreliable for example.
So should religion be similar to medicine, or similar to cars? Seriously, I'm not sure.
However I am sure that the basic concept of Kiruv is legitimate. You market your goods or lifestyle, and as long as you follow fair advertising standards, it is the responsibility of the buyer to do his research. The vendor cannot be blamed for buyers remorse.
This being the case, it is entirely legitimate for any organization to offer Kiruv. This includes of course the Maskilim, or Kofrim. So if someone is genuinely convinced of his Kefirah, Kefirah Kiruv is just as moral as regular Kiruv.
Aish Hamiskilim anyone?
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