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Sunday, March 18, 2012

Group 1- Section 9. March 14th Post.

Our group talked about Maimonides. He had great critics of his writings particularly in Spain, yet he was considered to be one of the greatest philosophers in Jewish history. Maimonides's Mishneh Torah is considered by traditional Jews today as one of the chief codes of Jewish law and ethics. All of the members in our group agreed that he had brilliant adaptations of Aristotelian philosophy.

Fact Question: What were Maimonides 13 Priniciples of faith?
  1. The existence of God
  2. God's unity
  3. God's spirituality and incorporeality
  4. God's eternity
  5. God alone should be the object of worship
  6. Revelation through God's prophets
  7. The preeminence of Moses among the prophets
  8. God's law given on Mount Sinai
  9. The immutability of the Torah as God's Law
  10. God's foreknowledge of human actions
  11. Reward of good and retribution of evil
  12. The coming of the Jewish Messiah
  13. The resurrection of the dead

Discussion Question: Do you agree with the claim that Maimonides was one of the greatest philosophers in Jewish history?
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6 comments:

  1. Brittany Alexander10:43 PM CDT

    Not really. I just don't really care for the writings of his that I have seen. I don't completely disagree though, because I simply don't know enough about him.

    For 3-19: ZEN

    Fact: Where did zen originate?

    Answer: China

    Discussion: Do you believe that scripture has a specific role in the practice of zen?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Frank Harrison11:45 AM CDT

    I cannot really speak to his relative greatness, as I do not have enough knowledge about the subject, but there is something to be said about a man's work being upheld for such a long time. In this respect, he was certainly among the greatest.

    Fact: What poet was one of the most doubting of the great Japanese Zen masters?
    Answer: Ikkyu Sojun

    Discussion: Sojun counseled people not to strive to be good or bad but to simply be. Should we not strive to be better people (at least by society's definitions) and just live our lives the way we desire, or was this just a way for Sojun to justify his life of overindulgence?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Zak12:40 PM CDT

    I'm not Jewish so I can't personally comment on what I think of Maimonides's philosophy on Judaism. But as for achieving "greatness" on a basis of notoriety and popularity, I'd say Maimonides could be the greatest philosopher in Jewish history. His works are more widespread than perhaps any other Jewish philosopher.

    Fact Question:Who wrote "Against Scholastic Theology"?

    Answer: Martin Luther

    Discussion Question: Religions have evolved over time. In the 16th Century, Catholics saw reformers as atheists... How is it possible to know when and what principles in a theology can be reformed? Obviously many of these reformations are accepted, other are not. Does this mean it is not only acceptable but necassary for believers to question?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Chris Lowry2:04 PM CDT

    I think Maimonides had some good ideas. He was very ahead of his time.

    Fact: What religion teaches about Zen?
    Answer: Buddhism

    Discussion: What American pop culture movements do you think were affected by Zen Buddhism?

    ReplyDelete
  5. shane shaffner2:38 PM CDT

    I dont neccessarily think he was great. However, for people to still be talking about his views today says something. Obviously, many must have agreed with him or he would not be as known as he is for as long as he has been.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Bend Moving Company12:02 AM CDT

    I think that he had alot of influence, and that because of his defined and rigid views on Judaism he was able to manifest a massive audience which would receive his message.

    Fact: Zen requires the elimination of what?
    Answer: Wants

    Discussion: Is zen something which can realistically be obtained as a lifestyle?

    ReplyDelete

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