WhiskeyJuvenile posted:

All the rabbis but one, R. Eliezer, argued that the oven was impure. R. Eliezer, however, argued that it was not impure. R. Eliezer, then said "If I am right, let the carob tree prove it," and the carob tree bent. The majority responds, "We do not accept legal rulings from trees." Then R. Eliezer says "If I am right, let the stream flow backwards." It does, with the same response. Then he sys, "If I am right, let the walls of the synagogue collapse." They begin to fall, but R. Yeohshua says, "If Talmudic Sages argue with one another about the law, what business do you have to interfere?" They don't collapse, but out of respect for R. Eliezer, remain leaning. Finally, R. Elizier say "If I am right, let it be proved from Heaven!" A heavenly voice says "Why do you argue with R. Eliezer, seeing that he is right in all matters of law?" R. Yeoshua responds "It is not in heaven." R. Jeremiah explains: the Torah had already been given at Mount Sinai, and we pay no attention to a heavenly voice, because the Torah says "after the majority must one incline."

The Talmud teaches not to trust God, but to trust democracy.