Transcript RELIG 210: Sources of Authority

RELIG 210: Sources of
Authority and Community
Lecture 9
February 6, 2008
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• Kugel tonight at 7pm
“…May your mind not turn to evil and never
engage in corruptible partnership with those
fond of innovations, who, as a penalty for our
many sins, have strayed from the Almighty
and His law…Be warned not to change your
Jewish names, speech, and clothing--God
forbid…Never say: ‘Times have
changed!’…The order of prayer and
synagogue shall remain forever as it has
been up to now, and no one may presume to
change anything of its structure.”
Which Modernist Ideology and
Why?
• “Was it [the genius of the Jewish people] not
also an original force that enlightened its eyes
so that it could look more deeply into the
higher spheres of the spirit, that it could
discern more clearly the close relationship
between the spirit of man and the Universal
Spirit, that it could grasp the higher challenge
of human existence and perceive the
profound ethical quality in man with greater
clarity and intensity, express it as its unique
insight?”
Which Modernist Ideology and
Why?
• “It is in this situation that the Jew finds himself
today; he cannot escape the influence of the
conditions of the time and yet when the
demands of faith bring him to opposition with
the spirit of the time, it is hoped that he will
heed its call..This third party…affirms both the
divine value and historical basis of Judaism
and, therefore, believes that by introducing
some changes it may achieve some
agreement with the concepts and conditions
of that time.”
Which Modernist Ideology and
Why?
• “The subordination of religion to any
other factor means the denial of religion:
for if the Torah is to you the Law of God
how dare you place another law above
it and go along with God and His Law
only as long as you thereby “progress”
in other respects at the same time.”
How do you decide
whether or not to:
1. Wait for a green light before crossing
the street
2. Cheat on an exam
3. Rob a bank to pay for college
4. Study for final exam or ski
5. Play music at full blast at 3am
6. Believe in God
Questions About Authority
• What is the relationship between
authority and community?
• Who defines communal norms and
boundaries?
• How do different types of authority
(moral, religious, political) interact with
one another?
Styles of Religious Authority in
Pre-Modern Judaism
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Nation led by Prophets
Liturgical Community Led by Priests
A State Led by Kings
A Disciple Community Led by Sages
Fill Out Grid
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Group 1: Prophets (7.1A, 7.1B)
Group 2: Priest (7.1C, 7.1D)
Group 3: King (7.1E, 7.1F)
Group 4: Sage (7.2D, 7.2E)