Revelation in Modern Jewish Thought

Catalog description

TAUGHT BY GTU-JST. Revelation is the idea that God's presence or will is somehow manifested to human beings. In Jewish tradition, the archetypal revelation is that of the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai. Although Jews have interpreted this in countless ways, the belief in revelation has remained a religious cornerstone. However, modern thought has posed severe challenges to such an idea. Given historical-critical studies of Scripture, for example, what could it mean to say that the words of Scripture are divine? Given investigations into psychological projection and the unconscious, how could one speak of encounters with an actual divine Other? Given insights into patriarchy and other structures of power, shouldn't one be suspicious of any traditional claims of revelation? Given the advent of scientific materialism, what could it mean to be touched by transcendence? As we study how Jews have wrestled with such questions, this course will illuminate issues at the very core of modern Jewish thought. This course satisfies the modern survey course required for the M.A. and certificate in Jewish Studies.