I've always had some trouble reconciling Jews-as-a-race versus Judaism-as-a-religion. It was made very clear to me, by more than one rabbi, that the only way to enter the Jewish people as a convert was via religion, and I'm completely fine with that. I love learning, reading, experiencing Judaism in so many ways.
But then, it's always bugged me a little that someone who can trace their Jewish matrilineal descent is automatically Jewish, regardless of their background or whether they've ever set foot in a synagogue or know a word of Hebrew or Yiddish. (Well, I expect most native English speakers know a few words of Yiddish.) And yet, someone who can trace their Jewish patrilineal descent is not automatically Jewish if their mother's not, even if they grew up going to shul every week, observing every Shabbat and holiday, can recite Talmud backwards and forwards. (And yes, if someone's gone so far as to learn Talmud, I would suppose he or she has undergone the conversion process at some point, if necessary.)
The Reform Judaism stance, as I understand it, makes a great deal of sense to me. Reform Judaism accepts both matrilineal and patrilineal descent, as long as the person was raised Jewish.* In the article (and the comments), Rabbi Bachman discusses some of the issues involved.
Personally, it's a moot point for me, but I continue to find the "Who is a Jew?" debate fascinating.
*Edit: In reading through the comments, it seems my understanding of the Reform stance is flawed. Will continue research.
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