The love of God is perhaps the most essential element in Judaism―but also one of the most confounding. In biblical and rabbinic literature; the obligation to love God appears as a formal commandment. Yet most people today think of love as a feeling. How can an emotion be commanded? How could one ever fulfill such a requirement? The Love of God places these scholarly and existential questions in a new light.Jon Levenson traces the origins of the concept to the ancient institution of covenant; showing how covenantal love is a matter neither of sentiment nor of dry legalism. The love of God is instead a deeply personal two-way relationship that finds expression in God's mysterious love for the people of Israel; who in turn observe God’s laws out of profound gratitude for his acts of deliverance. Levenson explores how this bond has survived episodes in which God’s love appears to be painfully absent―as in the brutal persecutions of Talmudic times―and describes the intensely erotic portrayals of the relationship by biblical prophets and rabbinic interpreters of the Song of Songs. He examines the love of God as a spiritual discipline in the Middle Ages as well as efforts by two influential modern Jewish thinkers―Martin Buber and Franz Rosenzweig―to recover this vital but endangered aspect of their tradition.A breathtaking work of scholarship and spirituality alike that is certain to provoke debate; The Love of God develops fascinating insights into the foundations of religious life in the classical Jewish tradition.
#1387290 in Books 2012-08-26Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.38 x .34 x 5.12l; .38 #File Name: 0691156050144 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Worth the time and $By William StedingIf we accept Harold Lasswell's definition of politics: "who gets what; when; how" and adopt it to religion - who believes what and why - Ian Buruma offers an adroit analysis of the inevitable tension and contradictions that result from the collision between the two with a nuanced understanding of temporal; geographic; and cultural variability. His rendering; while offering numerous points to quibble; places the issue of religion and politics at center stage; a position it has certainly earned. If the test of work like this is the amount of discussion it spawns; I am certain Buruma's will be judged a success. While he uses broad strokes and confines himself to primary philosophical colors; he has framed an artist's concept of a subject that invites others to pick a place on the canvas to add both detail and hue. In this manner his work is a starting point; not a conclusion; to be considered and referred to by those who dare wade into similar waters. For this we must both congratulate and thank him for his work.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Not on par with other Buruma's booksBy OrganizationalecologistIn general I'm a fan of Ian Buruma. However; this one is not his best work: not very tight or focused; it covers superficially an important topic.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A good argument for moderationBy Bill DowneyIan Buruma is a excellent journalist and writer. The book sets out a number excellent instances of where tolerance and understanding are the best responses in this religiously and non-religiously diverse world.
