Holiness in Words: Abraham Joshua Heschel's Poetics of Piety »

Holiness in Words: Abraham Joshua Heschel's Poetics of Piety is both an introduction to reading Heschel's works in English, and an in-depth study of the way his literary style can transform the consciousness of readers. Heschel's life and works respond to the contemporary crisis in religion, formulating positions on faith and despair, racism and social justice, the Holocaust, interreligious dialogue, and the availability of God's presence. We study Heschel's theory and use of literary language, his "poetics of piety," in order to elucidate his narrative strategy to teach God-centered (or prophetic) thinking. The book traces the major themes of his "depth theology," awe and radical amazement, the meaning of symbol, ritual, prayer, and mystical insight. Historical and biographical information clarifies Heschel's implicit polemic with Martin Buber and a supplemental study guide provides sources for each chapter and suggestions for further thought and discussion.

Booknews

Kaplan (French and comparative literature, Brandeis U.) investigates Jewish philosopher Heschel's (1907-72) writings in English, focusing on his theory of literary language in order to elucidate the narrative strategy he used to teach God-centered or prophetic thinking. He traces the major themes of Heschel's depth theology: awe and radical amazement, the meaning of symbol, ritual, prayer, and mystical insight, and shows how they apply to today's spiritual and social problems. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)