| Description |
1 online resource (68 pages). |
| Series |
Cambridge elements. Elements in comparative political theory |
|
Cambridge elements. Elements in comparative political theory.
|
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references. |
| Summary |
"Theocratic movements are on the rise. But what does it actually mean for God to rule? This study offers one answer by recovering the theocratic project of medieval Judaism's most important thinker, Moses Maimonides. Theocracy is often thought to quash human agency, evoking an overpowering deity and clerical domination. Yet, by reconsidering Maimonides' debt to the Islamic philosopher al-Fārābī, and challenging Leo Strauss' influential reading, I argue that among Maimonides' aims was to elevate humanity's role in divine rule. In its highest form, reason is identical with revelation, action with providence. God's governance is delegated: Theocracy requires human agency - the imitation of God. Maimonides focuses on philosophical religious leaders. But he also broadens imitatio dei to anyone whose knowledge of God inspires love of God: By emulating God's goodness, we can become agents of divine rule. In this way, Maimonides' ideas suggest ways by which theocracy and democracy might, counterintuitively, be reconciled"-- Provided by publisher. |
| Note |
Description based on online resource; title from digital title page (viewed on November 29, 2024). |
| Local Note |
Cambridge University Press Cambridge Open Access Books and Elements |
| Subject |
Maimonides, Moses, 1135-1204.
|
|
Judaism and state.
|
|
Theocracy.
|
|
Judaïsme et État.
|
|
Théocratie.
|
|
theocracies.
|
| Genre/Form |
Electronic books.
|
| Other Form: |
Print version: Lesch, Charles H. T. Maimonides and Jewish theocracy Cambridge, United Kingdom ; New York, NY, USA : Cambridge University Press, 2024 9781009468114 (DLC) 2024030067 |
| ISBN |
9781108884051 electronic book |
|
1108884059 electronic book |
|
9781009468114 hardcover |
|
9781108793421 paperback |
|
