Maimonides

Maimonides

Introduction

Moses Maimonides (1138-1204) is considered to be one of the most well-known scholars of Jewish history. An illustrious figure of the medieval era with influential teachings and thoughts on a multitude of disciplines including: Philosophy, medicine and other exact sciences, religious law and community leadership (Stroumsa, 2009). One of the great thinkers of his time, whose deconstruction of various disciplines creates an intellectual and historical environment; that a reader re-enacts in order to gain an insight on his outstanding works on such subjects. The array of his work, and its contribution to societies in those medieval times, suggests his immortal position in history as a great Jewish leader, as well as, an Islamic thinker. Though, it is often observed that contemporary Islamic philosophy, largely fails to consider his work of those medieval times, as evidence to the prevalent Islamic philosophies of the time (Stroumsa, 2009). Furthermore, contemporary analysis with reference to Maimonides works' as an influence on the Jewish communities of medieval times also fail to address his influences from the Islamic world, and thus, keep the Islamic context in the background (Stroumsa, 2009).

Adorned with the title of, “The Great Eagle”, amongst many others, reflects Maimonides' contributions to the Jewish society and development of its culture. As such, the parted wings of the eagle imagery, signify the extent of his intellectual perspective and its scope and significance in lands across Mediterranean and beyond to Europe during medieval times (Stroumsa, 2009). Maimonides was born in Cardoba, Spain in 1138 and died in medieval Egypt in 1204.

The main aim of the paper is to shed light on God and various other questions associated with Him. Including, his interactions and relation to the world; Gods requirements from us; understanding the presence of creation; the importance of prayer; concepts of life after death and also an explanation of God in light of concepts of Theodicy.

Structure

'God' and Religion in Context of Maimonides Teachings

Maimonides' believed that the Torah intentionally speaks in the language understood by normal humans. He asserted that it was vital for anyone being introduced to the light of faith to see God with his omnipotent descriptions and rewards after death in terms of material subjectivity. The main understanding remained that religion is a progressive transcended learning. Through its gradual understanding, the materiality of life and means, eventually subsides and finally ceases, once its true light and reasons becomes prevalent (Seeskin, 2012).

Maimonides' asserted in his teachings that, “The highest human achievement is the perfection of the intellect”. This achievement is only attainable with steadfast quest for truth. He rounded up the argument, by inferring to Bible and Torah as a sacred basis of truth (Seeskin, 2012).

Thus, it is essential that for ones constant development of intellect, the scriptures of God has to play a pivotal role. The utopian state, if achieved, is truly intellectual, transcended and spiritual. One's goal in life is to constantly pursue this enlightenment.

Maimonides' wrote at great length about the nature of ...