L' étoile de la rédemption de Franz Rosenzweig

By Pierre Masset

Book Description

In early twentieth-century Germany, a profound spiritual crisis swept through Jewish intellectual circles as many embraced Christianity. Franz Rosenzweig, born in Kassel in 1886, stood at this crossroads and made a different choice. His decision to remain within Judaism became the foundation for one of the most significant works of modern Jewish philosophy.

This penetrating study by Pierre Masset explores Rosenzweig's masterwork from 1921, which emerged as both a philosophical treatise and a deeply personal justification of faith. Rosenzweig carved out a unique position among German Jewish thinkers, addressing universal themes that resonated with his contemporary Heidegger, including mortality, ethics, and the nature of time. Yet his vision diverged dramatically, anchored not in existential analysis but in the transformative power of divine revelation.

At the heart of Rosenzweig's philosophy lies what he termed the "original intrigue" between God, world, and humanity. This dynamic relationship forms the cornerstone of his theological framework, offering readers a sophisticated alternative to both secular philosophy and Christian conversion. His work presents revelation not as dogma but as living encounter, reshaping how we understand our place in the cosmic order.

For contemporary seekers exploring the intersection of faith and reason, this examination reveals how one thinker navigated the tension between tradition and modernity, ultimately finding profound meaning within his ancestral heritage.