Can religious symbols and rituals convey theological truth without requiring literal belief? Neil Gillman's theological method offers a sophisticated middle path between fundamentalism and secular humanism, grounded in critical realism as developed by theologians Ian Barbour and John Polkinghorne. Through analysis of Gillman's theological writings on myth, symbol, and ritual, alongside Paul Ricoeur's concept of "second naïveté," a framework emerges that treats religious language as mythological while preserving its capacity to transmit meaningful theological insights. Critical realism provides an epistemological foundation for taking religious symbols and rituals "seriously but not literally," paralleling how scientific models function as representations of reality. Building on this foundation, the concept of "spiritual suspension of disbelief," adapted from Coleridge's aesthetic theory, offers a practical approach to prayer and liturgical practice. This theoretical synthesis enables contemporary Jews to maintain intellectual integrity while experiencing genuine spiritual engagement with traditional practices, providing educated modern believers a theological method that honors both critical thinking and authentic religious experience.