RELIG 210: Sources of Authority and Community Lecture 9 February 6, 2008

Admin 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 Nation led by Prophets Liturgical Community Led by Priests A State Led by Kings A Disciple Community Led by Sages

Fill Out Grid 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)