Will Herberg

This representative collection of writings, some never before published, illustrates the contributions of the noted author of Protestant-Catholic-Jew in the field of biblical theology. Herberg maintains that Judaism and Christianity, despite their differences, share a fundamental unity of religious perspective. "Both are historical religions in the profound sense that, for both, religion is faith enacted as history -- incapable of being expressed, understood, or communicated apart from the history in and through which it is enacted." The twenty essays, by the Jewish theologian and philosopher who has been acclaimed as "the Reinhold Niebuhr of Judaism," are presented in three interrelated parts. Essays in Part One, "The Posture of Faith," set forth Herberg's understanding of the biblical story which calls for participation in faith. Readers will be impressed with his profound and sympathetic insights into Christianity. Essays in Part Two, "The Understanding of Faith," deal with various issues that must be clarified if faith, in the spirit of Augustine, is to seek understanding. Here is Herberg, the philosopher, who sees problems of interpretation in the broad perspective of the history of human thought, who attempts to clarify the terms of theological debate, and who seeks to make room for faith by defining the limitations of science. Essays in Part Three, "The Witness of Faith in the World," disclose the political and social implications of faith in action. Will Herberg's influence stems from his theological affirmation of his Conservative Jewish identity. His profound understanding of biblical faith enables him both to relate to the Christian community and to explore the whole of human culture. This volume is an excellent introduction to one of today's great theological thinkers. - Jacket flap.