After Auschwitz: History, Theology, and Contemporary Judaism

Johns Hopkins Jewish Studies

by Richard L. Rubenstein

When first published in 1966, After Auschwitz made headlines and sparked controversy as Jewish "death-of-God" theology. But as the first work by a respected modern theologian to define the Holocaust in religious as well as demographic terms, its greater importance gradually emerged. Today it ranks as a seminal work of modern Jewish thought and culture. In this substantially revised and expanded edition, Richard L. Rubenstein returns to old questions and addresses new issues with the same passion and spirit that characterized his original work. With the first edition of After Auschwitz , Rubenstein virtually invented Holocaust theology. He argued that Jews (and Christians) who accept the traditional belief that God has chosen Israel and acts providentially in history must either interpret that Holocaust as divine punishment or as the most radical challenge ever to traditional belief. Unable to defend traditional faith, Rubenstein turned to psychoanalysis, sociology, and history to defend religious institutions and ritual. The discussion he originated continued unabated. The revised After Auschwitz remains as much a book about the human condition as a book about God. While retaining essential material from the 1966 edition, Rubenstein offers his latest thinking on the issues of belief and tradition after the Holocaust. He also deals extensively with events making headlines and shaping contemporary Jewish thinking and theology, such as the Palestinian question and Judaism in post-communist Eastern Eurpe. Facing the threat of Holy War and future Holocaust, questioning the possibility of genuine peace, exploring mysticism and other religions, this After Auschwitz is as challenging―and may provde as controversial―as the original.

Genres: Judaism, Religion, Theology, Nonfiction, History, Sociology, Holocaust

384 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1966

Reviews

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 1990's revision of a 1960's original. The update to the essays are uneven and sometimes come across as contradictory. The thrust of the original was to produce a Radical Theology in Judaism. Radical Theology was a Christian theological movement about how to be a Christian after the Nietzschian death of God. It is a theology informed by Nietzsche, Hegel, and Camus. In the 21st century, it seems dated. Especially with where current radical (with a small r) theology has gone in Judaism with the Neohasidic Renewal movement.

[Tobias · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have no idea how to rate this book. It's without question an important work of theology with some genuine nuggets of wisdom, but it's poorly organized and full of incomprehensible (largely Freudian) jargon. It's also repetitive and in some places did not age well, particularly in the final section on changing sexual values and homosexuality.

[Adam Zuwerink · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just because a book is thought-provoking and original, and causes you to wrestle with weighty historical topics, doesn't mean it's well-written or well-edited. The latter far outweighs the former on this one.

[C F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for theologically-sensitive humans in a post-Holocaust world.

[Richard Houchin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dense at times, this is nevertheless a powerful and commanding testament to the crisis of faith all thinking believers must undergo in the face of Hitler's legacy. The biggest disappointment is Rubenstein's inability to fully let go of his religion in spite of his honest analysis of the consequences. In this he shares similarities with Rudolf Otto.

[Warren B · Rating 2 out of 5]

A narrow view of Judaism and a narrow view of Christianity make for a narrow view of God. And a narrow view of God makes for either a non-existent God or a false God. This one isn't worth your time.