Steven B. Smith
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780300198393
- eISBN:
- 9780300220988
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300198393.003.0005
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
Modernity is inseparable from what has been called the “Jewish Question.” Baruch Spinoza was the first writer to make Judaism central to modern politics. Spinoza’s Theologico-Political Treatise ...
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Modernity is inseparable from what has been called the “Jewish Question.” Baruch Spinoza was the first writer to make Judaism central to modern politics. Spinoza’s Theologico-Political Treatise helped to launch the Enlightenment’s war on religion—what Voltaire would later describe as écrasez l’infâme—while at the same time hoping to place toleration at the core of his philosophy. He undermined the beliefs of traditional Judaism, especially the belief in the chosenness of the Jewish people, while advocating a state that was neutral to and therefore accepting of both Christians and Jews. He exemplifies the modern paradox of espousing a radical critique of traditional religion while teaching complete freedom of belief and opinion. Spinoza created a new type of Jew that is central to modernity: the liberal or secular Jew.Less
Modernity is inseparable from what has been called the “Jewish Question.” Baruch Spinoza was the first writer to make Judaism central to modern politics. Spinoza’s Theologico-Political Treatise helped to launch the Enlightenment’s war on religion—what Voltaire would later describe as écrasez l’infâme—while at the same time hoping to place toleration at the core of his philosophy. He undermined the beliefs of traditional Judaism, especially the belief in the chosenness of the Jewish people, while advocating a state that was neutral to and therefore accepting of both Christians and Jews. He exemplifies the modern paradox of espousing a radical critique of traditional religion while teaching complete freedom of belief and opinion. Spinoza created a new type of Jew that is central to modernity: the liberal or secular Jew.
Stephen H. Webb
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199316816
- eISBN:
- 9780199369249
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199316816.003.0006
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
Mormons were known in their early years for mixing religion and politics and for polygamy. This chapter analyses the roots of those two sets of belief.
Mormons were known in their early years for mixing religion and politics and for polygamy. This chapter analyses the roots of those two sets of belief.
Louise Fuller
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9781526101068
- eISBN:
- 9781526124197
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9781526101068.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, History of Religion
Louise Fuller claims that there can be no doubt that Irish Catholicism is in serious decline. The decline itself is no huge surprise: it is the extent of the implosion and the consequences this has ...
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Louise Fuller claims that there can be no doubt that Irish Catholicism is in serious decline. The decline itself is no huge surprise: it is the extent of the implosion and the consequences this has had on Irish society that require explanation. The ‘aggressive secularism’ that is now commonplace has led to a situation where it has become extremely difficult to express a Catholic viewpoint in the public arena, a situation that is as unhealthy in its own way as the theocracy that dominated for far too long in Ireland. Major changes in how it communicates the Word of God will be necessary if the Church is to have any hope of reengaging the minds and hearts of a population that is becoming theologically illiterate and indifferent to religious observance of any type.Less
Louise Fuller claims that there can be no doubt that Irish Catholicism is in serious decline. The decline itself is no huge surprise: it is the extent of the implosion and the consequences this has had on Irish society that require explanation. The ‘aggressive secularism’ that is now commonplace has led to a situation where it has become extremely difficult to express a Catholic viewpoint in the public arena, a situation that is as unhealthy in its own way as the theocracy that dominated for far too long in Ireland. Major changes in how it communicates the Word of God will be necessary if the Church is to have any hope of reengaging the minds and hearts of a population that is becoming theologically illiterate and indifferent to religious observance of any type.
