The Election of Israel

ISBN-13: 9780521416900 / Angielski / Twarda / 1995 / 304 str.

David Novak

Opis

In this book, David Novak conducts an historical, philosophical and theological reflection on the central Jewish doctrine of Israel's election by God, also known as the idea of the chosen people. Historically, he analyzes the great change in modern Jewish thought brought about by Spinoza's inversion of the doctrine: that it was not God who elected Israel, but Israel who elected God. The development of that inversion is illustrated by the thought of the German philosopher-theologian, Hermann Cohen. Philosophically, Novak explores the ontological implications of the two differing theologies of election. Theologically, he argues for the correlation of election and revelation, and maintains that a theology of election is required in order to deal with two central questions, namely: who are the Jews, and how are Jews to be related to the world? The constructive picture which results leads to a understanding of Jewish modernity.

Recenzje

'A profound and erudite study which makes a valuable contribution to our appreciation … it will be indispensable for the philosopher of religion.' Expository Times

Spis treści

Preface; List of abbreviations; Introduction; 1. Spinoza and his challenge; 2. Hermann Cohen's concept of election; 3. Franz Rosenzweig's return to the doctrine; 4. The retrieval of the biblical doctrine; 5. The rabbinic development of the doctrine; 6. Two medieval views of election; Conclusion; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.