Judaism in the Theology of Sir Isaac Newton (International Archives of the History of Ideas / Archives internationales d'histoire des idées) (Hardcover)

by M. Goldish (Author) "In a pair of books which are today old but not superannuated, The Seventeenth Century Background (1934) and The Eighteenth Century Background (1940), Prof. Basil..." (more)
Key Phrases: prophetic lexicon, seventh seale, cultu divino, Church of England, New York, Henry More (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
`It is a considerable achievement that at this relatively young age Goldish should be included among contemporary scholars whose work is reshaping the historical understanding of early modern history by emphasizing the decisive role that religion and theology played in the genesis of modern science. His book is important not only for historians of science but for anyone interested in early modern history and the ways in which the religious and scientific thought of the late 17th century contributed to the Enlightenment. The substantial appendices taken from Newton's theological manuscripts are an added feature of this excellent book.' The Jewish Quarterly Review, XCI:3-4 (2001)

Product Description
The explosion of scholarship about Sir Isaac Newton's non-scientific studies in recent years has created a framework for deeper investigations into particular areas of his thought only briefly investigated before. In this volume, the author attempts to understand how Newton learned about the history and literature of the Jews, and how he integrated his findings into his unique historical theology. Newton, who probably never met a Jew, nevertheless invested heavily in Jewish studies, which left their mark on all areas of Newtonian theology: the investigations of early religion, scriptural prophecy, Trinitarianism, the early church, and the corruption of primitive Christianity. In the course of this study, important aspects of Newton's thought are clarified, such as his relationship with the Church of England, his understanding of biblical authority, and his Euhemerism. Not only Newton specialists, but all those interested in the early-Enlightenment universe of Newtonian thought, or in the impact of Hebraic studies on Western ideas, will find much food for thought here.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (March 31, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792349962
• ISBN-13: 978-0792349969
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,225,990 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Strong meat for men of full age, August 31, 1998

By	Jeffrey Ricker ([e-mail]) (Alexandria, Virginia) - See all my reviews

This academic work is not only palatable, it's delicious. I devoured it! Goldish has gone to great lengths to make his work accessible to those of us mortals who are not quite as well read in 17th century Hebraism. Goldish finally gives us a good strong look at Newton's lost work, Of the Church. The same mind that unlocked the riddles of our physical universe made great pains to unlock the riddles of the spiritual kind. All told, an exciting addition to an excellent series.