(JTA) — In a recent Jewish Telegraphic Agency column, Andrew Silow-Carroll identified a trend in American Jewry, which he described as “fictionalism.” In the article, he defines it as “pretending to follow a set of beliefs in order to reap the benefits of a set of actions” and cites the philosophy professor Scott Hershovitz, who explains that he fasts on Yom Kippur and observes Passover even though he doesn’t believe in God.

“It’s just what we Jews do,” Hershovitz explains. “[I]t keeps me connected to a community I value.”

For fictionalists, God is a useful fiction, and Jewish practice has value only in its pragmatic utility. As Hershovitz puts it: “When it feels like the world is falling apart, I seek refuge in religious rituals — but not because I believe my prayers will be answered.”

This trend requires a well-thought-out, clear response because of the serious problems it presents.

Firstly, denial of God’s existence or the truth of the Torah’s narrative is utterly incompatible with Judaism itself.

Take, for example, the Passover seder. According to fictionalism, the Haggadah that parents read to their children is the equivalent of a collection of the writings of Hans Christian Andersen. “We were slaves to Pharaoah in Egypt, until the Almighty, the Holy one blessed is He, took us out.” Welcome to Hansel and Gretel: “Once upon a time …”

When we read the about the Exodus — when we tell our children that our ancestors were slaves in Egypt and that God liberated us with...

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