Holiness in Words: Abraham Joshua Heschel's Poetics of Piety
Holiness in Words: Abraham Joshua Heschel's Poetics of Piety is both an introduction to reading Heschel's works in English, and an in-depth study of the way his literary style can transform the consciousness of readers. Heschel's life and works respond to the contemporary crisis in religion, formulating positions on faith and despair, racism and social justice, the Holocaust, interreligious dialogue, and the availability of God's presence. We study Heschel's theory and use of literary...
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Holiness in Words: Abraham Joshua Heschel's Poetics of Piety is both an introduction to reading Heschel's works in English, and an in-depth study of the way his literary style can transform the consciousness of readers. Heschel's life and works respond to the contemporary crisis in religion, formulating positions on faith and despair, racism and social justice, the Holocaust, interreligious dialogue, and the availability of God's presence. We study Heschel's theory and use of literary language, his "poetics of piety," in order to elucidate his narrative strategy to teach God-centered (or prophetic) thinking. The book traces the major themes of his "depth theology," awe and radical amazement, the meaning of symbol, ritual, prayer, and mystical insight. Historical and biographical information clarifies Heschel's implicit polemic with Martin Buber and a supplemental study guide provides sources for each chapter and suggestions for further thought and discussion. Booknews Kaplan (French and comparative literature, Brandeis U.) investigates Jewish philosopher Heschel's (1907-72) writings in English, focusing on his theory of literary language in order to elucidate the narrative strategy he used to teach God-centered or prophetic thinking. He traces the major themes of Heschel's depth theology: awe and radical amazement, the meaning of symbol, ritual, prayer, and mystical insight, and shows how they apply to today's spiritual and social problems. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
List of IllustrationsForewordAcknowledgmentsAbbreviationsIntroduction1IAbraham Joshua Heschel in America: Theologian, Zaddik, Prophetic Voice7IIA Reading Strategy: Empathy with Critical Awareness19IIIThe Divine Perspective: Learning to Think Religiously33IVLanguage and Reality: Toward a Poetics of Faith45VMysticism and Despair: The Threshold of Revelation61VISacred Versus Symbolic Religion: Social Science or God's Will?75VIIProphetic Radicalism: Sacred Humanism and Social Action99VIIIConfronting the Holocaust: God in Exile115IXMetaphor and Miracle: Modern Judaism and the Holy Spirit133XHeschel's Unfinished Symphony: Reverence, Dismay, and Exaltation147Appendix A: Study Guide157Appendix B: Heschel in Germany163Notes167Annotated Bibliography in English197Index203
\ BooknewsKaplan (French and comparative literature, Brandeis U.) investigates Jewish philosopher Heschel's (1907-72) writings in English, focusing on his theory of literary language in order to elucidate the narrative strategy he used to teach God-centered or prophetic thinking. He traces the major themes of Heschel's depth theology: awe and radical amazement, the meaning of symbol, ritual, prayer, and mystical insight, and shows how they apply to today's spiritual and social problems. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)\ \
