The Limits of Orthodox Theology: Maimonides' Thirteen Principles Reappraised

Marc B. Shapiro

ISBN 10: 1874774900 / ISBN 13: 9781874774907

Published by Littman Library of Jewish, 2003

About this Item

illustrated edition. 234 pages. 8.75x6.75x1.00 inches. In Stock.

Seller Inventory # zk1874774900

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Limits of Orthodox Theology: Maimonides' Thirteen Principles Reappraised
• Publisher: Littman Library of Jewish
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1874774900
• ISBN 13: 9781874774907
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Brand New
• Weight: 0.52 kilograms

About this title

Synopsis

It is commonly asserted that Maimonides' famous Thirteen Principles are the last word in Orthodox Jewish theology. This is a very popular notion, and is often repeated by scholars from all camps in Judaism. Yet such a position ignores the long history of Jewish theology in which Maimonides' Principles have been subject to great dispute. The book begins with a discussion of the significance of the Principles and illustrates how they assumed such a central place in traditional Judaism. Each principle is then considered in turn: the reasons underlying Maimonides' formulations are expounded and the disputes that have arisen concerning them are discussed in detail. Marc B. Shapiro's authoritative analysis makes it quite clear that the notion that Maimonides' Principles are the last word in traditional Jewish theology is a misconception, and that even Maimonides himself was not fully convinced of every aspect of his formulations. Although structured around Maimonides' Principles, this book can also be seen as an encyclopedia of traditional Jewish thought concerning the central issues of Jewish theology.

The diversity of opinion in Jewish tradition on such issues as God, Creation, and the Revelation of the Torah is sure to surprise readers.

About the Author

Marc B. Shapiro holds the Weinberg Chair in Judaic Studies at the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Brandeis and Harvard universities, he is also the author of Between the Yeshiva World and Modern Orthodoxy: The Life and Works of Rabbi Jehiel Jacob Weinberg, 1884–1966 (1999); The Limits of Orthodox Theology: Maimonides’ Thirteen Principles Reappraised (2003); and Changing the Immutable: How Orthodox Judaism Rewrites Its History (2015), all published by the Littman Library.