Leif Droms: What is an Atheist Jew?

In the episode “What is an Atheist Jew?” of my What is God? podcast, we explore the commonalities among religious individuals, atheists, and agnostics, challenging the notion that these groups are inherently at odds. Leif Droms, a self-identifying atheist agnostic Jew, explains that these seemingly disparate perspectives may have more in common than we think.

We acknowledge that regardless of our beliefs – whether in God, religion, science, or data – there will always be those who challenge our convictions.

Leif recounts a question posed by his childhood Rabbi: "Why do you believe in God? (And you can't say your parents told you so.)" This inquiry led him to identify as an agnostic, a label he has since embraced.

Leif's journey also took him through experiences with The World/Inferno Friendship Society, a punk band with a cult-like following. This exposure led Leif to reconcile his Jewish heritage with his spiritual identity, fostering a balance between his cultural and personal beliefs.

I share my own story about grappling with questions of life and death following my grandfather's passing and how this led me to explore the Kabbalah.

We dispel the notion that secular Jews are excluded from Jewish culture and community. Instead, we highlight the shared human desire for connection and belonging, regardless of one's religious beliefs or doubts.

Leif discusses the various ways he perceives God's presence and the importance of balancing compassion with boundaries. Ultimately, we emphasize that, despite our differences, humanity is united by a fundamental willingness to help one another.

To get to know more about Leif Droms’ atheist agnostic Jewish community, subscribe to their newsletters at www.atheistagnosticjews.com

Leif Droms: Leif is a self-identifying atheist agnostic Jew who leads an engaging Clubhouse group called "Atheist Jews Drinking." Clubhouse is a unique social media platform that focuses on audio-based chat rooms. Leif's personal beliefs are characterized by a balance between his heart, which leans towards believing that God is real, and his brain, which finds solace in science, mathematics, and data. If these nuanced perspectives resonate with you, this episode of the What is God? podcast is a must-listen!

“The time where I feel closely connected to God comes through people.”

—Leif Droms

Time Stamps:

04:15 - Viewpoint of an Atheist Agnostic Jew

07:43 - Evolutionary biology

10:29 - Personal God

13:36 - Why do you believe in God?

14:47 - The word “Agnostic”

16:02 - The World/Inferno Friendship Society

19:02 - What happens to us when we die?

22:54 - You can be a Jew and not be religious

24:30 - Secular Jews

32:40 - Fictionalism

35:10 - Where do you feel connected with God the most?

41:54 - The balance of compassion and boundary

44:05 - Four Worlds Alchemy: Discovering Your Inner Magic Through Kabbalah

“The many things that unite human beings is the yearning to feel connected and to feel belonging.”

—Sheefra Blume