Divine Pathos And Human Being: The Theology Of Abraham Joshua Heschel

“”Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972), a refugee scholar from Hitlers Europe, became a significant Jewish theologian and a well-known activist in the United States of America. In the years since his death his contribution to theology has increased in its impact, and there is today a renaissance of interest in his works.”” This book begins with a brief biography, which puts his work into context personally, culturally and historically. An analysis of his style and method of presentation leads into a discussion of Heschels place in the tradition and discipline of theology, with an examination of his depth theology. There follows a presentation of his major legacy to modern theology – the divine pathos – and the theological anthropology that is entirely dependent upon it, and makes an important contribution to the ongoing and urgent question of what it means to be human. The final chapter examines various responses to Heschel, which range from uncritical adulation to condemnation, from Christian and Jewish theologians and commentators, and gives reasons for his enduring appeal and importance.