Jewish religion is frequently characterized as orthopraxy and contrasted with Christian orthodoxy. This is only partially correct, as an analysis of the use of the Hebrew verb'aman (hiph'il) in rabbinic texts can show. Often it is difficult to decide how to translate the verb, "to trust" or "to believe" in somebody. But many texts clearly and repeatedly emphasize the importance of faith as such. Israel was freed from Egypt by the merit of faith when they had not yet any commandments which they could obey (Mekhilta Beshallah. 4); this statement is followed by a long litany in praise of faith (Beshallah. 7). Israel is praised as "believers, children of believers" (bShab 97a). Another concentration of the topic is to be found in discussions of the end of time: Here again, one simply has to believe without seeing: "If your eyes had not seen, you would not have believed" (PesK 18:5; bBB 75a). One has to accept as true what one cannot see. Faith is at the basis of the redemption from Egypt and of the final redemption; thus for the rabbis, too, faith is essential for salvation.

Enthalten in:
Theologische Literaturzeitung; 2014/10 Monatsschrift für das gesamte Gebiet der Theologie und Religionswissenschaft (2014)

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Serie / Reihe: Theologische Literaturzeitung

Personen: Stemberger, Günter

Schlagwörter: Glaube Judentum