The Footprints of God: Divine Accommodation in Jewish and Christian Thought

by Stephen D. Benin

Overview

This book traces one exegetical, interpretative principal, divine accommodation, in Jewish and Christian thought from the first to the nineteenth century. The focus is upon major figures and the place of accommodation in their work.

Divine accommodation, the idea that divine revelation had to be attuned to the human condition, is a vital interpretive device in the history of both Judaism and Christianity. Accommodation is present not only in the language, style, and tone of Scripture but in all of human history. This is the first systematic study of the concept of accommodation, and shows how both religions employed the same interpretative tool for different purposes and to different ends.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780791407127
Publisher:	State University of New York Press
Publication date:	07/01/1993
Series:	SUNY series in Judaica: Hermeneutics, Mysticism, and Religion
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	327
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Stephen D. Benin is Director of Judaic Studies and Associate Professor of History, Bornblum Judaic Studies, Memphis State University.

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

1. They Walked by Day as in Darkness

2. As Infants and Children

3. Bread and Milk

4. The Times May Change but not the Faith

5. The King's Son

6. A Wise and Understanding People

7. The School of the Holy Spirit

8. Confronting True and False Gods

Conclusion

List of Abbreviations

Notes

Bibliography

Index of Biblical Citations

Editorial Reviews

"This is an astoundingly erudite and intelligent study of an extremely interesting and complex topic. Benin writes well, he does not force points, and his over-all approach is very persuasive. He is extremely learned, and his control of nearly eighteen hundred years of Christian exegesis and theological writing is very impressive without being showy. Benin also has a good grasp of the larger implications of his study, and its modern 'relevance.'" — David Stern, University of Pennsylvania

"This book is a serious and thoughtful presentation of the theme of 'accommodation' in Jewish and Christian thought. A great range of theological and hermeneutical features are brought into discussion, and many sources and persons are treated. This is a work of great learning and will be of much interest to students of intellectual history and the comparative study of religions." — Michael Fishbane, University of Chicago

From the Publisher

Traces the principle of divine accommodation, the idea that God's word had to be attuned to the level of human understanding, in Jewish and Christian thought from the first to the nineteenth century. Benin (Judaic studies, history, Memphis State U.) focuses on major figures and the place of accommodation in their work, contrasting applications of the concept by the two religions. Paper edition (unseen), $19.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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