Abstract

The paper strives to trace a change in attitude during the German Early Enlightenment toward the consideration of Jewish religion in general and Kabbalah in particular, in the framework of the ‘perennial philosophy’ discourse. The three studies presented – Johann Benedikt Carpzov’s introduction to Raymond Martini’s Dagger of Faith, Johann Franz Buddeus’ Introduction to the History of the Philosophy of the Hebrews, and Jacob Friedrich Reimmann’s Introduction to Theology in General and to Jewish Theology in Particular – are examined in relation to their definition of theology, the depiction of Jewish religion in light of that definition, and the consideration of Hebrew as well as Christian Kabbalah in view of the two preceding aspects. Each work presents a different attempt to theologically reconcile the ‘perennial philosophy’ concept with Christianity through the discussion on Judaism, either by denouncing Kabbalah as a source deprived of authenticity, or by employing the concept in a wider view of universal history. After examining the essays, an attempt will be made to consider the mechanism behind the change in attitude in a broader perspective.

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