A brilliant account of religion's role in the political thinking of the West; from the Enlightenment to the close of World War II.The wish to bring political life under God's authority is nothing new; and it's clear that today religious passions are again driving world politics; confounding expectations of a secular future. In this major book; Mark Lilla reveals the sources of this age-old quest-and its surprising role in shaping Western thought. Making us look deeper into our beliefs about religion; politics; and the fate of civilizations; Lilla reminds us of the modern West's unique trajectory and how to remain on it. Illuminating and challenging; The Stillborn God is a watershed in the history of ideas.
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Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. "And praised be the Lord."By Trad CappA beautifully woven story about a family of Just Men. I wasn't aware of the Talmudic tradition of the "Lamed-Vov;" which is portrayed in a fictional; though no less mysterious and sacred; account of the men of the Levy family. We learn of the history of the family; its traditions and its colorful characters in their eastern European beginnings; as they migrate westward into Germany for economic opportunity; and further; harsher journeys eastward by necessity and force.The characters made an indelible mark--I smiled at their eccentricities; the beauty in their flaws. Their strength in faith in the face of atrocity moved me to tears. I heard about this book on Dennis Prager's radio show...he made a passing comment; but something made me write the title down. I'm so glad I did; for it's a book that will forever remain etched in the moral part of my brain; and the innermost confines of my heart. It's a rare book that I've finished and felt changed...this is such a book.The Kindle edition (as I purchased) has a few flaws--some inconsistencies in casing most often. The most confusing (but still discernible) error is that of the female name "Ilse" which distorts to "Use" at some points in the text. E-books can be buggy; but it hardly mars this story.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. "there is no room for truth here" p.376By Ana'FichesdeLecturesI just finished reading this beautiful novel; crying and I am once reminded how almost impossible is to accept; understand; grasp : yes; indeed; an Holocaust occurred in our mist.I discovered this novel through an Holocaust online class offered by Coursera.org (can't recommend it enough!).This is a very unique novel enrapt of figurative narrative giving a tribute to the victims of the Holocaust.How did the author accomplish such mission? By sharing the legacy of a Jewish family; the Levys; from the 12th Century up the end of WWII. Through the epic story of their ancestors; the author clearly portrays the Jewish culture; their customs; their beliefs and what they go through up until the Holocaust. We witness how the Levy family suffers through several persecutions (pogroms from Eastern Russia; Poland; Germany); the injustices of antisemitics agenda; the involvement of the Hitler Youth group in the school system and so on. But most importantly; what makes this novel a piece of art of its own; is the quest to determine the reasons of the Jews' fate. Why do the Jews have to suffer all these misfortunes? Why the hate? Why the Holocaust? I don't want to state the reasons here; you have to read this novel to discover them.Reading this novel to me; was like listening to a symphony full of beauty; strong feelings; sensing the suffering yet being a song from the soul of human heart.I can't recommend this novel enough. Be open-minded; it's a unique novel. Give it a try.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent BookBy Dumpster DivaI purchased the book from a very fine seller. The book arrived in better than expected condition. Sadly; a number of the last pages were missing. The seller told me they wanted to refund my money so that was good of them.As for the content; it was excellent. I wish I could have read this book in the original Yiddish but as my Yiddish is nearly non-existent; I was happy for the fine English translation.As usual; with books that have to do with the Pogroms and the Shoah; it never ceases to shock me at how many times the Jews (and others) are run out; rounded up; arrested; murdered or accused of crimes they did not commit. Their children are bullied by school mates and also by the authorities that they should be able to trust. This book was no different. I am happy that I read this fine work and would encourage people who enjoy a well-written novel to make the purchase.
