The life of faith as a work of art: a Rabbinic theology of faith

This paper argues that God, despite his Perfection, can have faith in us. The paper includes exegesis of various Midrasihc texts, so as to understand the Rabbinic claim that God manifested faith in creating the world. After the exegesis, the paper goes on to provide philosophical motivation for thin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal for philosophy of religion
Main Author: Lebens, Samuel 1983- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Springer Science + Business Media B. V 2017
In: International journal for philosophy of religion
Further subjects:B Divine emotions
B Theology
B ART & religion
B COLLINGWOOD, R. G. (Robin George), 1889-1943
B R. G. Collingwood
B Faith
B Religious Aspects
B Rabbis
B Species
B Midrash
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Description
Summary:This paper argues that God, despite his Perfection, can have faith in us. The paper includes exegesis of various Midrasihc texts, so as to understand the Rabbinic claim that God manifested faith in creating the world. After the exegesis, the paper goes on to provide philosophical motivation for thinking that the Rabbinic claim is consistent with Perfect Being Theology, and consistent with a proper analysis of the nature of faith. Finally, the paper attempts to tie the virtue that faith can exhibit to the virtues associated with art, as it is understood by R. G. Collingwood. This association is particularly apt, given the Midrashic description of God as an artist. All of this is offered in response to Rabbi Moses Nachmanides who argued (against other important commentaries) that Abraham's faith, in Genesis 15:6, wasn't worthy of particular praise.
ISSN:1572-8684
Contains:Enthalten in: International journal for philosophy of religion
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1007/s11153-016-9600-3