Herberg as Jewish Theologian

It is ironic that the publication of Protestant-Catholic-Jew deflected attention from Herberg’s earlier book, Judaism and Modern Man, which appeared in 1951 and established him as a masterly interpreter of the Jewish faith. Many who regarded him as one of the wise men of our time never got around to exploring his first theological book and missed what remains his most important and comprehensive work.

Judaism and Modern Man offers an interpretation of historical Judaism as it is embodied in the biblical-rabbinic tradition. It deals with God and man, reason and revelation, the leap of faith and the quest for salvation, social ethics and the meaning of history, the meaning of Torah and the destiny of Israel. But it is more than a neutral, objective handbook on the Jewish religion. In its author’s own words, it is also “a confession of faith and declaration of total commitment.” It is this dual character which gives the book its particular flavor and value. Some writers on religion expound doctrines without ever touching the concrete human situation which gives rise to the religious quest. Others pour forth their personal anguish without allowing the classical documents of their tradition to speak for themselves. Herberg, who remained reticent throughout his eventful life, does not parade his personal anxieties and problems before his readers. But he makes excellent use of his own paradigmatic experience as a man whose trust in the idols of modernity has broken down and who is now ready to listen to the message of faith.

FR

About the Author

Fritz A. Rothschild

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It is ironic that the publication of Protestant-Catholic-Jew deflected attention from Herberg’s earlier book, Judaism and Modern Man, which appeared in 1951 and established him as a masterly interpreter of the Jewish faith. Many who regarded him as one of the wise men of our time never got around to exploring his first theological book and missed what remains his most important and comprehensive work.

Judaism and Modern Man offers an interpretation of historical Judaism as it is embodied in the biblical-rabbinic tradition. It deals with God and man, reason and revelation, the leap of faith and the quest for salvation, social ethics and the meaning of history, the meaning of Torah and the destiny of Israel. But it is more than a neutral, objective handbook on the Jewish religion. In its author’s own words, it is also “a confession of faith and declaration of total commitment.” It is this dual character which gives the book its particular flavor and value. Some writers on religion expound doctrines without ever touching the concrete human situation which gives rise to the religious quest. Others pour forth their personal anguish without allowing the classical documents of their tradition to speak for themselves. Herberg, who remained reticent throughout his eventful life, does not parade his personal anxieties and problems before his readers. But he makes excellent use of his own paradigmatic experience as a man whose trust in the idols of modernity has broken down and who is now ready to listen to the message of faith.