Named Best Book (Culture) in the 2004 Word Guild Canadian Writing Awards! The end of the Cold War has brought about more than the triumph of some political ideologies and the disappearance of others. In fact; the collapse of communism has created a vacuum quickly being filled by various alternative visions; ranging from ethnic nationalism to individualistic liberalism. But political ideologies are not merely a matter of governmental efficacy. Rather; political ideologies are intrinsically and inescapably religious--each carries certain assumptions about the nature of reality; individuals and society; as well as a particular vision for the common good. These fundamental beliefs transcend the political sphere; and the astute Christian observer should thus discern the subtle ways in which ideologies are rooted in idolatrous worldviews. In this comprehensive study; political scientist David Koyzis surveys the key political ideologies of our era; including liberalism; conservatism; nationalism; democracy and socialism. Each philosophy is given careful analysis and fair critique; unpacking the worldview issues inherent to each and pointing out essential strengths and weaknesses. Koyzis concludes by proposing alternative models that flow out of Christianity's historic engagement with the public square; retrieving approaches that hold promise for the complex political realities of the twenty-first century. Writing with broad; international perspective and keen analytical insight; Koyzis offers a sound guide for Christians working in the public square; culture watchers; political pundits and all students of modern political thought.
#1471019 in Books The Jewish Publication Society 2000-02-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.32 x .67 x 8.25l; 1.19 #File Name: 0827606869128 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. From Darkness to LightBy Daniel L. BerekShe’repith hapletah – the Saved Remnant; the “few who escaped;†they were known. The Final Solution during the Holocaust was supposed to eradicate the Jewish population of Europe; literally roots and all; and it nearly succeeded. In the spring after World War II; in 1946; a group of these displaced persons met in Munich; Germany; to celebrate one of the most poignant and meaningful Passover Seders in history. In normal times; the theme of the holiday is the escaped from servitude and darkness; and looking with hope and deliverance in better times. Of course; this year; those themes would take on added meaning. The Haggadah (meaning “retellingâ€) used at that Seder reflected that in both traditional and novel ways.Our book actually begins almost exactly a half century later; in the spring of 1996; when a Brandeis University professor named Saul Touster was going through one of his father’s files; when a most unusual booklet fell out. Beneath a simple letter A enclosed in red and blue circles were the words “Passover Service;†with the year 1946. Within the covers Dr. Touster found pages with Hebrew type surrounded with borders that contained striking images contrasting the symbols of the Holocaust with others of the Promised Land by a Polish survivor named Yosef Dov Scheinson; interspersed with striking woodcuts depicting the toil of enslavement by a Hungarian artist; Miklos Adler; all supplementing the usual visual representation one would expect to find in a Haggadah.One of the most dramatic pages is dominated by a large Hebrew letter Beth; symbolic of the phrase “Bechol dor†(In the beginning…); the very first words of Genesis; the first book of the Torah. Here it also stands for “Brause Bad†(shower bath); as well as “brichal†(fleeing west); two themes that recur throughout this Haggadah. Other border designs incorporate images of the Promised Land and the Holocaust – on the same page! “We were slaves to Hitler in Germany;†our Haggadah opens; before going into the Seder; the order of the Passover observance. Ancestors were forced to make bricks for Pharaoh under bondage in Egypt; but the same trowels shown would (it was hoped) be used to create the foundations for new homes in the Holy Land.The high quality of the A Haggadah is fascinating in its own right; but Dr. Touster’s insightful commentary provides an invaluable context; making this excellent volume much more than a coffee table book that is pretty to look at. Much more; it preserves – through retelling – the precious memory of a history that must be told; when Passover was truly a t’shuvah; a redemption; coming home; a passing from darkness to light.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Historical BookBy London TravellerFor anyone who is interested in either Passover; or the history of the Jews during and after the Holocaust; I recommend this book highly. It is an addition to the traditional service; and does not have a format of a start to finish Haggadah. It is more for historical value and understanding.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great history haggadah!By SouthernTransplantNot a traditional haggadah by any means but a very interesting book as history none the less. If you are a history buff with an interest in the WW2 era; or a collector of haggadot; put this one into your collection.I have owned (or given away or traded) a LOT of books over my lifetime. This is one book that will stay in my collection!
