Western Eschatology: In Honor of Jacob Taubes
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Richard Faber, Eveline Goodman-Thau, Thomas Macho, Abendländische Eschatologie. Ad Jacob Taubes
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
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Subtitle: Würzburg, Königshausen & Neumann, 2001, 570 p (bibliogr.)
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Michael Löwy
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Richard Faber, Eveline Goodman-Thau, Thomas Macho, Abendländische Eschatologie. Ad Jacob Taubes
Year: 2002 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.581
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The text discusses a collection of scholarly essays centered around the influential work of Jacob Taubes, particularly his 1947 book, Abendländische Eschatologie (Western Eschatology). This volume is the result of a conference held in 1997 to commemorate Taubes' legacy and encompasses a variety of perspectives including critiques and analyses of his interpretations within the context of Western thought. The essays in the volume engage with Taubes' theological, philosophical, and historical frameworks, offering insights into the intersections of apocalyptic thought, eschatological themes, and the legacy of prominent figures in Jewish and Christian theology.
The Relationship between Taubes and Max Weber
An important theme that emerges from the essays is the relationship between Jacob Taubes and sociologist Max Weber. Andreas Urs Sommer highlights Taubes' reliance on Weber’s interpretation of Judaism while positing that Taubes radicalizes Weber's ideas. While Weber acknowledges the subversive potential of ancient Judaism, Taubes takes a more revolutionary stance, asserting that the essence of Israel's relation to life is fundamentally marked by a "revolutionary pathos." The contrast shows that Weber is primarily interested in tracing the genealogy of Western modernity, while Taubes seeks to reconstruct the genealogy of resistance against the established order, embedding eschatological themes deeply within the fabric of social and historical critique.
Discrepancies with Gershom Scholem
Another significant discourse presented in the volume is the divergence between Taubes and his contemporaries, particularly Gershom Scholem, a prominent historian of Jewish mysticism. Thomas Macho examines their contrasting interpretations of messianism. Scholem draws a distinction between the "public" messianism within Jewish tradition and its "interiorized" form in Christianity, while Taubes articulates a three-stage model of messianic movements, suggesting that failure in prophecy leads to apocalyptic thought, and subsequent failure brings about a path toward gnosis. These discussions reveal Taubes' focus on figures who broke from traditional Judaism, contrasting with Scholem's approach, which often centers on internal Jewish figures, thereby encapsulating a broader philosophical inquiry into the nature of messianism and its implications in Jewish history.
Conclusion
The volume dedicated to Jacob Taubes not only enriches our understanding of his eschatological frameworks but also elucidates critical engagements with other significant thinkers like Weber and Scholem. Each essay contributes to a more nuanced appreciation of Taubes’ complex ideas and their manifestations within wider philosophical and theological discourses. Despite Taubes' relative obscurity in the broader context of modern thought, the discussions highlight his pivotal role in addressing themes of resistance, messianism, and the intersection of Jewish thought with Western eschatology, marking the collection as a valuable resource for scholars in religious studies and contemporary philosophy.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the book 'Abendländische Eschatologie'?
'Abendländische Eschatologie' is an ambitious attempt to reinterpret European thought from Paul to Augustine, and from Marx to Kierkegaard, through the lens of Judeo-Christian apocalypticism.
Who are the authors of 'Abendländische Eschatologie'?
The book is edited by Richard Faber, Eveline Goodman-Thau, and Thomas Macho and comprises various essays discussing Jacob Taubes' influential work on Occidental eschatology.
What themes are covered in the collected essays about Taubes?
The essays explore gaps in eschatological thought, criticisms of Taubes' interpretations, and comparisons with other intellectual figures, such as Max Weber and Gershom Scholem.
What is the significance of Jacob Taubes in scholarly discussions?
Jacob Taubes is a prominent figure in Jewish thought, recognized for his unique perspectives on messianism, eschatology, and the intertwining of Jewish and Christian theological traditions.
What main regions does 'L'Islam en Asie' examine?
'L'Islam en Asie' focuses on Islam across Central Eurasia, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and China, presenting a comprehensive overview for both specialists and general readers.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Western Eschatology: In Honor of Jacob Taubes”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Thomas:
Thomas in the context of the book refers to figures like Thomas Hobbes, whose ideas are critically examined in relation to eschatology and theology, particularly in how they influence contemporary understandings of religion and its philosophical implications.
2) Jacob:
Jacob Taubes is a central figure in the volume, providing a complex framework for understanding Western eschatology and its intersections with various religious traditions, highlighting his unique approach to theology and future-oriented thought.
3) Eschatology:
Eschatology is a significant theme in the book, focusing on the study of end times in religious contexts, particularly in relation to Jacob Taubes and his interpretations of Judeo-Christian thought about the future and salvation.
4) Religion:
Religion serves as a backdrop for the theological debates within the book, particularly regarding how figures like Jacob Taubes interpret eschatology and its influence on understanding human existence and societal structures.
5) Theology:
Theology is explored through the works and ideas of Jacob Taubes, presenting his interpretation of eschatology as a vital dimension that connects spiritual beliefs with philosophical inquiry about the future and human destiny.
6) Future:
The concept of the future is intricately linked to eschatology in Taubes' work, reflecting how religious teachings envision human destiny and what forms of liberation might emerge within this temporal framework.
7) Genealogy:
Genealogy in this context relates to the exploration of historical ideas and their evolution, particularly how Jacob Taubes traces the lineage of eschatological thought in relation to political theology and social movements.
8) Pakistan:
[see source text or glossary: Pakistan]
9) Debate:
Debate is a central aspect of the contributions collected in this volume, illustrating the critical discourse surrounding Jacob Taubes' ideas, particularly in the context of eschatology and contemporary religious thought.
10) Indian:
[see source text or glossary: Indian]
11) China:
[see source text or glossary: China]
12) India:
India is discussed in terms of its complex relationship with Islam and the sociopolitical factors influencing religious dynamics, showing the intersections of culture, society, and education within this diverse country.
13) Death:
Death is a critical theme in eschatological studies, influencing both religious belief systems and the philosophical reflections on human existence as explored by figures such as Jacob Taubes.
14) Pari:
[see source text or glossary: Pari]
15) Book:
The book is an anthology that aims to critically engage with the works of Jacob Taubes, providing diverse reflections on his eschatological themes and their implications for understanding modern theology and philosophy.
16) Afghanistan:
[see source text or glossary: Afghanistan]
17) Celebration:
Celebration in this context is absent; the volume refrains from merely honoring Taubes, instead fostering a critical analysis of his contributions to eschatology and theology.
18) Untouchable:
[see source text or glossary: Untouchable]
19) Philosophy:
Philosophy underpins much of the debate surrounding Taubes’ work, especially in how eschatology is interpreted not only as a theological concern but also as a philosophical inquiry about human destiny and morality.
20) Liberation:
Liberation theology is examined within the context of Jacob Taubes’ eschatological framework, reflecting on how religious thought can inspire social change and insights into future possibilities.
21) Reflection:
Reflection plays a significant role in the discourse collected in the volume, as contributors analyze and critique the works of Jacob Taubes, emphasizing the need for deep engagement with eschatological concepts.
22) Science (Scientific):
Scientific rigor is expected in the analyses within the volume, although some critiques point to the approximations made in the works discussed regarding eschatology and its interpretations.
23) Knowledge:
Knowledge is a central pursuit in the scholarly work engaging with eschatological themes, aiming to deepen understanding of the theological implications of Jacob Taubes’ insights into human and historical trajectories.
24) Education:
Education emerges as a theme regarding the dissemination of knowledge on Islamic practices in regions like India and Pakistan, illustrating the broader implications of religious understanding on societal development.
25) Salvation:
Salvation is a pivotal concept in the discussions surrounding Taubes’ eschatology, addressing the pathways and philosophical questions regarding how human beings might attain or understand their ultimate destiny.
26) Mysticism:
Mysticism is touched upon, particularly in discussions contrasting the views of Jacob Taubes with other thinkers, emphasizing different dimensions of spirituality and eschatological thought.
27) Dimension:
Dimension in the context of theology and eschatology highlights the various aspects and interpretations present in Taubes' work, fostering a multi-faceted dialogue on future possibilities in religion.
28) Ignorance (Ignorant):
[see source text or glossary: Ignorance]
29) Politics:
Politics is examined through the lens of Taubes’ work, focusing on how eschatological thought can intersect with political movements and impact societal structures and changes.
30) Conquest:
Conquest is a historical theme that informs discussions on Islam in Asia, shedding light on how religious dynamics have been shaped by historical events and their political ramifications.
31) Brahmin:
[see source text or glossary: Brahmin]
32) Freedom:
Freedom is explored in relation to the theological and eschatological dimensions of Taubes’ work, positing how religious thought can advocate for liberation and autonomy in human existence.
33) Extreme:
Extreme interpretations of eschatology are critiqued in the context of Taubes' work, promoting a serious examination of the implications and consequences of radical beliefs within religious thought.
34) Wealth:
[see source text or glossary: Wealth]
35) Memory:
Memory plays a significant role in shaping religious narratives and eschatological reflections, serving as a link to historical events and cultural heritage within theological studies.
36) Pathos:
Pathos is a compelling element in the discourse surrounding eschatology, particularly as it relates to human emotions and existential inquiries present in the works of Jacob Taubes.
37) Gnosis:
Gnosis is discussed in relation to mysticism and eschatology, with Taubes' interpretations providing insight into the intersections of knowledge, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening.
38) Avatara (Avatar):
[see source text or glossary: Avatar]
39) Pishti (Pisti):
[see source text or glossary: Pisti]
40) Micha:
[see source text or glossary: Micha]
41) Woman (Women):
Women are often discussed in the context of religious education and social issues within the traditions examined, highlighting the intersections of gender and eschatological thought.
42) Light:
[see source text or glossary: Light]
43) Logic (Logical):
Logic is critical in understanding the philosophical arguments presented by figures like Jacob Taubes, especially as it pertains to the theological and eschatological frameworks they propose.
44) Limit (Limiting, Limited):
[see source text or glossary: Limit]
45) Anger (Angry):
Anger is reflected in both the critiques of existing works and the passionate debates surrounding Jacob Taubes’ interpretations of eschatology, pushing for a critical re-examination of established paradigms.
46) Union:
[see source text or glossary: Union]
47) Rama:
[see source text or glossary: Rama]
48) Cult:
[see source text or glossary: Cult]