Topics in Jewish philosophy

¶ … Bible," Franz Rosenweig argues, "The only way in which the scholar can grasp and prove the significance of the Bible is by its effect on, and destiny in, the course of world history," (236). In other words, the importance of the Hebrew Bible is not in its content but in its cultural and historical effects on the world. In fact, the author prefaces the essay by stating that is it "futile to attempt to explain the unique position claimed for the Bible...on the grounds of the validity of its content," (236). Rosenweig's essay appeals to scholarly, religious, and lay audiences, as it encompasses ideas that are accessible to most readers and pertinent to almost every area of discourse. Although the author seems biased in his assessment of the particular and unique beauty of the Old Testament as having "sprung from the richness of the life of a whole people," the article nevertheless offers a solid theoretical framework from which to explore the role and position of the Bible in world history (237). Rosenweig is aware that the Old Testament's impact on the world came and continues to come mainly from its historical and theological connections with the New Testament and therefore with Christianity. Thus the author asserts that these connections are meaningful and need to be fully explored and embraced. Likewise, Christian history and culture depend on the Hebrew Bible: the Old Testament provided the foundation for the New. Without Jewish culture the world might not have born witness to Christian culture. Moreover, although Christian theology attempts to distance itself as much as possible from Jewish theology and philosophy, the two lineages and traditions are intimately and inextricably linked.

Rosenweig also claims that as the world becomes increasingly more secular, the link between Old and New Testaments becomes even more significant and meaningful. Stating that the task of scripture is "to establish a connection between generations," Rosenweig claims that successive generations will refer to scripture as a means of preserving and maintaining cultural and spiritual identity. Therefore, Rosenweig's article provides a convenient context to examine the changing functions of the Bible in the modern and future worlds.

In response to the debate currently plaguing American politics about the role of religion in government, Rosenweig would probably argue that while the Bible has specific and significant "effects" and "destinies," its content should not impact political decisions. In fact, interpretations of the Jewish Bible change dramatically over the course of time and with changes in human consciousness. The content of the Bible cannot be taken so seriously that it becomes immutable. Rather, through successive generations, the Bible can become a spiritual and philosophical thread tying past with present and future, a symbol that unites disparate people and offers them unique and personal perspectives of the world.

The Old Testament is more closely tied to Christian identity than many people care to admit, according to Rosenweig. The author claims that Christianity, in order to remain healthy and viable, needs to reclaim the Old Testament to maintain a tie to the world at large. Christianity, like all religions and cultures, needs connection, identification, and unity. Moreover, the New Testament, according to Rosenweig, should be viewed as a "counterpart," not as a canon that was "intended to supercede" the Jewish Bible (238). Rather, the New Testament can "supplement and outrange" the Old (238). Historically, the New Testament is like an organic outgrowth from the Hebrew Bible, a scripture that characterized a newly emerging religion and culture that while separate and distinct from Judaism is nevertheless intimately tied to it.

The Hebrew Bible is usually referred to "in a spirit of opposition" to the New Testament. Christianity views the "fruitful tension" between the Old and New Testaments as "a torment it wished to evade," (239). The need of Christian culture to identify itself in opposition to Jewish culture is a natural human tendency, one that springs from the ease of drawing distinctions in order to define boundaries. However, Rosenweig suggests that a more proper and academic viewpoint on the placement of the Bible in modern human society would be to view both traditions on a continuum. Scripture is intended to be a bridge between people and generations, not a divisive wedge.