Arguments Against the Christian Religion in Amsterdam by Saul Levi Morteira, Spinoza's Rabbi
Book Description
This scholarly work unveils a remarkable spiritual dialogue from 17th-century Amsterdam, offering modern readers their first English translation of a profound religious treatise by Rabbi Saul Levi Morteira. Written around 1650, this Spanish text emerges from a unique historical moment when descendants of conversos—Sephardic Jews who had been compelled to embrace Christianity—were rediscovering their ancestral faith in the relative freedom of the Dutch Republic.
Through the literary device of a conversation between two conversos, Morteira crafts a compelling exploration of religious identity and spiritual homecoming. His work addresses the complex journey of individuals caught between two faith traditions, seeking to understand their authentic spiritual path. The rabbi's vision extends beyond personal transformation to encompass a collective dream of Jewish renewal and homeland restoration.
Gregory B. Kaplan provides both translation and critical analysis, making this historically significant text accessible to contemporary readers interested in interfaith dialogue, religious conversion, and spiritual identity. The work offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by communities navigating between different religious worlds, while presenting Morteira's systematic approach to spiritual and cultural restoration.
For those drawn to questions of religious authenticity, spiritual belonging, and the intersection of faith with cultural identity, this translation opens a window into a pivotal moment in Jewish intellectual history and the enduring human quest for spiritual home.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 206 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Strengthen your faith journey
- ✓ Explore Marranos
- ✓ Explore Christianity and other religions
- ✓ Explore Netherlands, church history
- ✓ Explore Marranen
- ✓ Explore Judentum
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Relations
