Maimonides, Spinoza and Us : Toward an Intellectually Vibrant Judaism

by Angel, Rabbi Marc D.

• ISBN13: 9781580234115
• ISBN10: 1580234119
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-10-01
• Publisher: Jewish Lights Pub

Summary

Moses Maimonides (1138¿1204) is Jewish history¿s greatest exponent of a rational, philosophically sound Judaism. He strove to reconcile the teachings of the Bible and rabbinic tradition with the principles of Aristotelian philosophy, arguing that religion and philosophy ultimately must arrive at the same truth. Baruch Spinoza (1632¿1677) is Jewish history¿s most illustrious ¿heretic.¿ He believed that truth could be attained through reason alone, and that philosophy and religion were separate domains that could not be reconciled. His critique of the Bible and its teachings caused an intellectual and spiritual upheaval whose effects are still felt today. In this book, Rabbi Marc D. Angel discusses major themes in the writings of Maimonides and Spinoza as a means of exploring how modern people can deal with religion in an intellectually honest and meaningful way. From Maimonides, we gain insight on how to harmonize traditional religious belief with the dictates of reason. From Spinoza, we gain insight into the intellectual challenges which must be met by modern believers.

Author Biography

Rabbi Marc D. Angel discusses major themes in the writings of Maimonides and Spinoza to show us how modern people can deal with religion in an intellectually honest and meaningful way. From Maimonides, we gain insight on how to harmonize traditional religious belief with the dictates of reason. From Spinoza, we gain insight into the intellectual challenges which must be met by modern believers.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. ix
Preface	p. XI
Faith in Reason, Reason in Faith	p. 1
The Nature of God, the God of Nature	p. 23
Torah from Heaven	p. 41
Divine Providence	p. 53
The Oral Torah and Rabbinic Tradition	p. 71
Religion and Superstition	p. 95
Israel and Humanity	p. 113
Conversion to Judaism	p. 131
Eternal Torah, Changing Times	p. 149
Faith and Reason	p. 177
Notes	p. 185
Suggestions for Further Reading	p. 195
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