Studies in Judaism, First SeriesSchechter, S. (Solomon)
Religion
Studies in Judaism, First Series
Schechter, S. (Solomon)
Jews
So much about Maimonides. As to the Anti‐Maimonists, it could hardly
escape the reader that in some of the quoted systems the difference from
the view of Maimonides is only a logical one, not a theological. Of some
authors again, especially those of the thirteenth and fourteenth
centuries, it is not at all certain whether they intended to oppose
Maimonides. Others again, as for instance R. Abba Mari, R. Lipman, and R.
Joseph Jabez, acted on the same principle as Maimonides, urging only those
teachings of Judaism which they thought endangered. One could now, indeed,
animated by the praiseworthy example given to us by Maimonides, also
propose some articles of faith which are suggested to us by the
necessities of our own time. One might, for instance, insert the article,
“I believe that Judaism is, in the first instance, a divine religion,
_not_ a mere complex of racial peculiarities and tribal customs.” One
might again propose an article to the effect that Judaism is a
proselytising religion, having the mission to bring about God’s kingdom on
earth, and to include in that kingdom all mankind. One might also submit
for consideration whether it would not be advisable to urge a little more
the principle that religion means chiefly a _Weltanschauung_ and worship
of God by means of holiness both in thought and in action. One would even
not object to accept the article laid down by R. Saul, that we have to
look upon ourselves as sinners. Morbid as such a belief may be, it would,
if properly impressed on our mind, have perhaps the wholesome effect of
cooling down a little our self‐importance and our mutual admiration that
makes all progress among us almost impossible.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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