New Books in Critical Theory Daniel M. Herskowitz, "The Judeo-Christian Thought of Franz Rosenzweig" (Liverpool UP, 2025)
Dec 27, 2025
Daniel M. Hershkovitz, a Professor of Religious Studies at Duke University, explores Franz Rosenzweig's work, The Star of Redemption, revealing its deep connections to Protestant thought. He discusses how understanding this influence solves longstanding puzzles and reshapes perceptions of Rosenzweig's intentions. Hershkovitz highlights the importance of integrating theology into Jewish studies and argues for Rosenzweig as a genuinely Judeo-Christian thinker. The conversation also dives into themes of revelation, temporality, and the implications of Rosenzweig's philosophical views for both Judaism and Christianity.
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Rosenzweig's Star As A Unified System
- Franz Rosenzweig's The Star of Redemption fuses philosophy and theology into a single systemic vision.
- The book maps God, human, and world through creation, revelation, and redemption as a cohesive star-shaped schema.
Read The Star Through Protestant Theology
- Rosenzweig's thought is deeply embedded in early 20th-century German Protestant theology, not merely influenced by it.
- Reading the Star as Judeo-Christian reveals he integrates Protestant categories into a system that treats Judaism and Christianity in parallel.
Include Theology In Intellectual History
- Intellectual historians should integrate theological discourse into their analyses to avoid incomplete accounts.
- Study contemporary theology alongside secular sources to grasp fully thinkers like Rosenzweig.