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THE MIRACLE OF MOSES

THE MIRACLE OF MOSES In this paper, I draw out a tension between miracles, prophecy, and Spinoza's assertions about Moses in the Theological‐Political Treatise (TTP). The three seem to constitute an inconsistent triad. Spinoza's account of miracles requires a naturalistic interpretation of all events. This categorical claim must therefore apply to prophecy; specifically, Moses' hearing God's voice in a manner which does not seem to invoke the imagination or natural phenomena. Thus, Spinoza seemingly cannot maintain both Moses' exalted status and his account of miracles. I consider some possible solutions, but find that they are either untrue to Spinoza's position, or would undercut his categorical argument against miracles. I therefore conclude that Spinoza leaves an unresolved tension in the TTP. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png The Heythrop Journal Wiley

THE MIRACLE OF MOSES

The Heythrop Journal , Volume 50 (2) – Mar 1, 2009

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Publisher
Wiley
Copyright
© The author 2009. Journal compilation © Trustees for Roman Catholic Purposes Registered 2009
ISSN
0018-1196
eISSN
1468-2265
DOI
10.1111/j.1468-2265.2009.00450.x
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

In this paper, I draw out a tension between miracles, prophecy, and Spinoza's assertions about Moses in the Theological‐Political Treatise (TTP). The three seem to constitute an inconsistent triad. Spinoza's account of miracles requires a naturalistic interpretation of all events. This categorical claim must therefore apply to prophecy; specifically, Moses' hearing God's voice in a manner which does not seem to invoke the imagination or natural phenomena. Thus, Spinoza seemingly cannot maintain both Moses' exalted status and his account of miracles. I consider some possible solutions, but find that they are either untrue to Spinoza's position, or would undercut his categorical argument against miracles. I therefore conclude that Spinoza leaves an unresolved tension in the TTP.

Journal

The Heythrop JournalWiley

Published: Mar 1, 2009

There are no references for this article.