Judaism's God is a mystery beyond human understanding from "summary" of A History of God by Karen Armstrong
In the Jewish tradition, the idea of God is not a static concept that can be easily defined or understood. Instead, it is a dynamic and evolving understanding that has been shaped by centuries of reflection and interpretation. The Jewish people have always grappled with the idea of an infinite and unknowable God who exists beyond human comprehension. Throughout Jewish history, there has been a tension between the desire to know and understand God, and the recognition that God is ultimately mysterious and beyond human understanding. This tension can be seen in the Hebrew Bible, where God is often described in anthropomorphic terms, but also as a transcendent and unknowable force. The Jewish mystical tradition, known as Kabbalah, has also grappled with the idea of God's mystery. Kabbalistic texts describe God as Ein Sof, or "without end," emphasizing the infinite and unknowable nature of the divine. According to Kabbalah, human language and concepts are inadequate to fully grasp the essence of God. The Jewish philosopher Maimonides also addressed the idea of God's mystery in his work. He argued that God is ultimately beyond human comprehension, and that any attempt to describe God in human terms is ultimately limited and flawed. Maimonides' concept of negative theology emphasizes the limitations of human understanding when it comes to the divine.- The concept of Judaism's God as a mystery beyond human understanding is a central tenet of the Jewish faith. Throughout history, Jewish thinkers and mystics have grappled with the tension between the desire to know God and the recognition that God is ultimately unknowable. This concept reflects the complexity and depth of the Jewish understanding of the divine, and highlights the limitations of human language and understanding when it comes to God.
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