Customer Reviews

The Law of God: The Philosophical History of an Idea

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I'm surprised at the two leaden reviews, one from a reader and one from Publishers weekly. The book was a fun and fascinating read, rich and catholic in its erudition. Of course, it may have "little that is new or startling" for those who know, but this is reassuring for us who are learning. Besides the wealth of context is new and startling to most anyone who simplifies religion, religions, law, morality, the medieval era, and other related pieties. As for the pedestrian style -- I did not notice this, but I read the French 2nd edition.

So if you wish to gain a sense of many of the "takes" on the topic of divine law -- developments, influences, filiations, etc. -- I recommend the book. Or if you just wish to read more about that other world, the past, I think you will find Brague a congenial tour guide.

whenever the debate between Jerusalem and athens is brought up, a straussian has something to say. this book looks at faith and law since the birth of civilization and from eccentric viewpoints. it is useless to anyone unconcerned with the theological philosophical dilemna of strauss. if modernity is acceptable, dont challenge it with this book.