Spinoza and the Irrelevance of Biblical Authority
Spinoza and the Irrelevance of Biblical Authority
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Spinoza's Theological-Political Treatise (1670) is a landmark both in democratic political theory and in the history of biblical interpretation. Spinoza championed liberty of thought, speech and writing by discrediting the Bible as the standard for truth and a source of public law. Applying a new historical criticism, he showed that biblical teaching and law were irrelevant for a modern pluralistic state and its intellectual life. J. Samuel Preus highlights Spinoza's achievement by reading the Treatise in the context of a literary conflict among his contemporaries about biblical interpretation - a conflict fraught with political implication. Preus's exposition of neglected primary sources surrounding Spinoza's work offers evidence regarding his rhetorical strategy and intent in the Treatise. The book provides not only a valuable contribution to Spinoza scholarship but an important account of the origins of modern methods of biblical interpretation.
- An account of the origins of modern methods of biblical interpretation
- An important contribution to Spinoza scholarship
- Offers evidence regarding Spinoza's rhetorical strategy and intent in the Theological-Political Treatise
Reviews & endorsements
"Valuable.... This excellent study marks a notable first step in clearing the debris and, thereby, enabling us to better appreciate Spinoza's intentions and accomplishments." Theological Studies
"Preus presents a well-documented, convincing case and makes a significant contribution to the history of biblical interpretation." Theology Today
Product details
March 2001Hardback
9780521800136
246 pages
216 × 140 × 17 mm
0.46kg
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. Spinoza versus the interpreters
- 2. Rationalism unleashed: Ludwig Meyer's new hermeneutic
- 3. Disengagement: response from the right
- 4. The liberal engagement: reason, usage, history
- 5. Starting over: Spinoza's naturalised bible.
