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I have heard that Maharal permits one to read heretical material in his sefer Netivot Olam. Is this true? If so, where does he say this in the sefer?

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Sounds fishy. If anything, Maharal is known for his condemnation of the work Meor Einayim (by Azaria di Rossi).

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But he did read it. Quote from end of Be'er HaGolah, in which he attacks Di Rossi(see next comment) – Aqibha Y. Weisinger Etc Feb 29 '12 at 20:19
""This is also true concerning what they have written regarding religion also. It is not proper to hate their words but rather they should be brought close. If this is not done and the words of those who disagree are not accepted lovingly but rather are simply rejected – it definitely indicates that one’s religious views are weak and that is the reason criticism is rejected..... – Aqibha Y. Weisinger Etc Feb 29 '12 at 20:19
.....That is because someone with a weak indefensible position can not withstand opposition. Consequently it is not correct to reject out of hand any views which are opposed to his – especially those which are expressed not out hostility but out of genuine interest in his religion.... – Aqibha Y. Weisinger Etc Feb 29 '12 at 20:20
Even if these question are against his faith and religion he should never say, “don’t speak!” or “shut your mouth!” If he did so than there is no clarification of religion. Rather his reaction to these types of religious questions should be “Say whatever you desire to express.”.... – Aqibha Y. Weisinger Etc Feb 29 '12 at 20:21
....He should not leave the opponent saying, “If I could I would say more.” Because if he simply silences critics and questioners he is simply showing the weakness of his religion. Thus what I am advising is the opposite of what some people think.... – Aqibha Y. Weisinger Etc Feb 29 '12 at 20:22
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