The Limits of Orthodox Theology: Maimonides' Thirteen Principles ReappraisedIt is commonly asserted that Maimonides' famous Thirteen Principles are the last word in Orthodox Jewish theology. This is a very popular notion, and is often repeated by scholars from all camps in Judaism. Yet such a position ignores the long history of Jewish theology in which Maimonides' Principles have been subject to great dispute. The book begins with a discussion of the significance of the Principles and illustrates how they assumed such a central place in traditional Judaism. Each principle is then considered in turn: the reasons underlying Maimonides' formulations are expounded and the disputes that have arisen concerning them are discussed in detail. Marc B. Shapiro's authoritative analysis makes it quite clear that the notion that Maimonides' Principles are the last word in traditional Jewish theology is a misconception, and that even Maimonides himself was not fully convinced of every aspect of his formulations. Although structured around Maimonides' Principles, this book can also be seen as an encyclopedia of traditional Jewish thought concerning the central issues of Jewish theology. The diversity of opinion in Jewish tradition on such issues as God, Creation, and the Revelation of the Torah is sure to surprise readers. |
Contents
List of Abbreviations xii | 4 |
The Existence and Unity of God | 38 |
The Incorporeality of God | 45 |
Copyright | |
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The Limits of Orthodox Theology: Maimonides' Thirteen Principles Reappraised Marc B. Shapiro No preview available - 2011 |
Common terms and phrases
Abraham accepted According actually agree Albo angels appears approach argued assertion believe biblical body called century cites claims commandments commentary conception concerning corporeal correct created creation David denies Deut discussion divine dogma doubt edition entire example existence explains fact faith formulation God's Guide Hayim heresy heretic Hilkhot History Ibn Ezra important included interpretation introduction Isaac Israel Jacob Jerusalem Jewish Jews Joseph Judaism kabbalists later letter Lord Maimonides masses matter means medieval mentioned messianic Midrash Mishneh torah Moses Nahmanides never noted notion offered opinion original Orthodox passage perfect philosophical position prayer prophets published quoted rabbinic reason refers regard rejected resurrection sages Samuel scholars scroll Sefer Solomon sources speaks Studies Talmud Theology things Thirteen Principles thought traditional true understanding verse vols writes written wrote