Middlebury

RELI0360A-S14

Seminar in Jewish Thought
Judaism, State, & Religion

Seminar in Jewish Thought: Judaism, State, and Religion
What happens when politics and religion collide? What are the limits of human and divine authority? One ancient historian called Judaism a “theocracy.” Yet throughout its history, Judaism has been subject to external political authority. We will study the fraught relationship between politics and religion, beginning with the Bible, continuing through Talmudic and medieval debates on religious law, and concluding with contemporary controversies both in and beyond the state of Israel. Readings include the Bible (First and Second Samuel, Deuteronomy, and prophetic texts), Talmud and rabbinic literature, Maimonides, Spinoza, and Moses Mendelssohn. 3 hrs. sem.
Course Reference Number (CRN):
22216
Subject Code:
RELI
Course Number:
0360
Section Identifier:
A

Course

RELI 0360

All Sections in Spring 2014