God Chosen People Judah Halevi Kuzari and the Shai ai Imaam Doctrine 1st Edition by Ehud Krinis ISBN 2503543960 9782503543963

The systematic formulation of the status of the People of Israel as the Chosen People of God stands at the heart of Judah Halevi’s famous theological and polemical treatise – the Kuzari. The idea of the Chosen People is an ancient one and is deeply rooted in Judaism. Through a wide-ranging textual and phenomenological investigation, this book highlights the novel and systematic presentation of the Chosen People in the Kuzari and shows how Judah Halevi draws, in a creative manner, on terms, concepts, and themes borrowed from the Shi’i doctrine of the Imam as presented in Shi’i literature. This book presents a historical perspective for understanding the basis of Judah Halevi’s attraction to Shi’i theology, with its unique category of God’s Chosen. The polemical argument over the issue of the legitimate successor to leadership in early Islam, as well as the debate around the legitimate successor-group in medieval interreligious disputes, emerges as the historical background for the seemingly surprising link between the Shi’i Imam doctrine and the idea of the Chosen People in Judah Halevi’s thought. This link on the one hand portrays Halevi as a bold, original thinker and, on the other, portrays the Shi’i Imam doctrine as exceedingly fruitful and reaching beyond the bounds of Islam.

God Chosen People Judah Halevi Kuzari and the Shai ai Imaam Doctrine 1st Edition Table of contents:

Part I: The Life and Thought of Judah Halevi

Chapter 1: Introduction to Judah Halevi

• The Historical Context of Halevi’s Life
• Halevi’s Major Works: An Overview
• Judah Halevi’s Philosophical and Theological Background

Chapter 2: The Kuzari: An Introduction

• Overview of The Kuzari and Its Structure
• The Purpose and Philosophical Aims of the Text
• Key Themes in Halevi’s Dialogue: Faith, Reason, and Divine Election

Chapter 3: The Concept of the Chosen People in Halevi’s Thought

• Theological Foundations of Chosenness
• The Role of Israel in Halevi’s Philosophy
• Chosenness as a Reflection of Divine Providence
• The Intersection of Jewish Identity and Divine Mission

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Part II: The Kuzari and Jewish Identity

Chapter 4: The Political and Religious Context of The Kuzari

• Historical Context: The Interaction of Judaism with Islam and Christianity
• Philosophical Influences on Halevi: Neo-Platonism, Aristotelianism, and Islamic Thought
• The Role of The Kuzari in Jewish Philosophy

**Chapter 5: The Philosophical Debate in The Kuzari

• The Dialogue between the Rabbi and the Khazar King
• The Defense of Jewish Tradition Against Philosophical Skepticism
• The Role of Divine Revelation and Miracles in Jewish Identity

Chapter 6: The Concept of Redemption in Halevi’s Thought

• Messianic Expectations in Halevi’s Theology
• Redemption and the Relationship Between the Chosen People and the Divine
• The Role of the Jewish People in Bringing About Redemption

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Part III: The Shai ai Imaam Doctrine

Chapter 7: An Introduction to the Shai ai Imaam Doctrine

• Overview of the Shia Doctrine in Islam
• The Concept of the Imaam in Shia Theology
• Historical and Theological Developments in Shia Islam

Chapter 8: The Doctrine of the Chosen Imam and Its Parallels in Halevi’s Thought

• The Role of the Imam as a Divine Guide
• Comparing the Jewish Concept of the Chosen People with the Shia Concept of the Chosen Imam
• Theological Parallels and Divergences between Jewish and Shia Thought

Chapter 9: The Relationship Between Political Power and Religious Authority

• The Imam’s Role as Both a Spiritual and Political Leader
• Parallels Between the Jewish Kingdom of Israel and the Shia Caliphate
• The Influence of the Chosen People in Political Contexts

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Part IV: Comparative Analysis of Halevi’s and Shia Thought

Chapter 10: Intersections between Jewish and Shia Philosophical Thought

• Commonalities in Views of Divine Guidance and Chosenness
• How the Concept of Divine Leadership Shapes Both Jewish and Shia Identity
• The Role of the Chosen People and the Chosen Imam in Shaping Religious and National Identity

Chapter 11: Theological and Political Implications of the Chosen People in Halevi and Shia Thought

• The Role of the Chosen People in Global History and Politics
• Political Sovereignty and Religious Legitimacy: A Comparative Approach
• The Impact of Halevi’s Thought on Later Jewish Philosophy and Islamic Thought

Chapter 12: The Legacy of Halevi’s Philosophy in Modern Contexts

• The Continuing Relevance of The Kuzari
• The Influence of Halevi’s Thought on Contemporary Jewish and Islamic Thought
• Modern Interpretations of Chosenness in Religious and Political Discourse

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Conclusion

• Summary of Key Findings and Insights
• The Lasting Impact of Judah Halevi’s Theological and Philosophical Ideas
• Reflections on the Interplay between Religion, Identity, and Politics in Jewish and Shia Thought

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