The Election of Israel
The Idea of the Chosen People

This controversial investigation of the doctrine of Israel's election casts new light on Jewish modernity.

David Novak (Author)

9780521044820, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 5 November 2007

304 pages
21.5 x 14 x 1.7 cm, 0.398 kg

'A profound and erudite study which makes a valuable contribution to our appreciation … it will be indispensable for the philosopher of religion.' Expository Times

In this book, David Novak conducts an historical, philosophical and theological reflection on the central Jewish doctrine of Israel's election by God, also known as the idea of the chosen people. Historically, he analyses the great change in modern Jewish thought brought about by Spinoza's inversion of the doctrine: that it was not God who elected Israel, but Israel who elected God. The development of that inversion is illustrated by the thought of the German philosopher-theologian, Hermann Cohen. Philosophically, Novak explores the ontological implications of the two differing theologies of election. Theologically, he argues for the correlation of election and revelation, and maintains that a theology of election is required in order to deal with two central questions, namely: who are the Jews, and how are Jews to be related to the world? The constructive picture which results leads to a fresh understanding of Jewish modernity.

Preface
List of abbreviations
Introduction
1. Spinoza and his challenge
2. Hermann Cohen's concept of election
3. Franz Rosenzweig's return to the doctrine
4. The retrieval of the biblical doctrine
5. The rabbinic development of the doctrine
6. Two medieval views of election
Conclusion
Appendices
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Judaism [HRJ]