M. Goldish - Böcker

Recent scholarship on Sir Isaac Newton's non-scientific studies years has created a framework for deeper investigations into particular areas of his thought. In this volume, the author attempts to understand how Newton learned about the history and literature of the Jews, and how he integrated his findings into his unique historical theology. Newton, who probably never met a Jew, nevertheless invested heavily in Jewish studies, which left their mark on all areas of Newtonian theology: the investigations of early religion, scriptural prophecy, Trinitarianism, the early church, and the corruption of primitive Christianity. In the course of this study, important aspects of Newton's thought are clarified, such as his relationship with the Church of England, his understanding of biblical authority, and his euhemerism. Not only Newton specialists, but all those interested in the early-Enlightenment universe of Newtonian thought, or in the impact of Hebraic studies on Western ideas, should find this text of interest.

This volume brings together ten essays by leading scholars about Jewish messianic ideas and movements in the early modern world. While much of the previous literature in this field has focused on the internal dynamics of Jewish thought, these essays stress the broader historical and philosophical context. The papers deal with such topics as messianic ideology in the wake of the Spanish Expulsion, messianism and Renaissance philosophy, the Sabbatean movement and its impact on Christian thought, messianism and conversion, the relationship of Christian kabbalists to Jewish messianic ideas, the Frankist movement, and Freemasonry. As a group, the essays here represent a challenge to Gershom Scholem's reading of Jewish messianism in this era, offering a rich tapestry of relationships between the religious imagination of Jews and that of their neighbours. Scholars and students of early modern history, eschatology and religion should find much to interest them here.

This book deals with Sir Isaac Newton's Judaic studies and their impact on his theology. After examining what Jewish sources Newton read, the author explains how ideas Newton learned from Jewish history and literature found their way into his understanding of ancient religion, scriptural prophecy, the Temple of Jerusalem, the ancient church, and the corruption of Christianity. This investigation sheds new light on many aspects of newton's thought.