I am reading Shaye Cohen's "From the Maccabees to the Mishnah." A very detailed and fascinating journey into the history, and theology of the Judaism of these periods. I find that at least for myself, every chapter requires a second and sometime a third reading in order for me to grasp all the nuances of each period.
In Chapter 5 Cohen is quoting Josephus on the subject of Fate.
"Now at this time there were these schools of thought among the Jews, which held different opinions concerning human affairs; the first being that of the Pharisees, the second that of the Saducees, and the third that of of the Essenes. as for the Pharisees, they say that certain events are the work of Fate, but not all; as to other events, it depends upon ourselves whether they shall take place or not. The sect of the Essenes, however, declares that Fate is the mistress of all things, and that nothing befalls men unless in accordance with her decree. But the Saducees do away with Fate, holding that there is no such thing and that human actions are not achieved in accordance with her decree, but that all things lie within our own power."
This is interesting at least for me since I did not know of such divisions on the matter of Fate. How do you readers feel about it? Any opinions?
It will be also interesting to find out if in today's Judaism there are differences between the branches on the subject.
Another question to ponder, does Fate stands in the way of faith?
Very interesting indeed. I've seen varying opinions on the matter; my younger brother would say that nothing happens by chance, or fate, but everything by God's will.
ReplyDeleteAs for me, I seem to think that God lets the universe run itself, and that he intervenes only in rare scenarios.
My opinion would be that it's much more complicated than that, I think God in intervening in the affairs of man all the time, weaving a sort of interactive tapestry between our free will and His ultimate will and plan. It God wound up the universe like a toy soldier and just let it run where it will, at's adding a certain amount of randomness to events. If that were true, would it be possible for God to be surprised?
ReplyDeleteI love Shaye Cohen's work.
ReplyDeleteAs for the matter of "fate" - I think it is more cosmic that we can imagine. There is far more going on behind the scenes, or in the midst of the scenes, that we can comprehend. It is similar to the fight between the Athanasians and the Arians in the Fourth Century, so engrossed with what they think they knew, they did not consider what might be impossible to know...
Pick up a copy of John Gribbin's "In Search of Schrodingers Cat" and you might get a glimpse of the possibilities of time/space.
Judah,
ReplyDeleteIf God intervenes only in rare scenarios means we really don't need to pray. The very fact that we pray is proof that we believe God can control all things. A friend once said, nothing is too small for God. I tend to agree.
Rick,
Thanks for coming to my blog. I put the book on my list, hope I will be able to comprehend it. I am not as nearly as smart as you....