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THE MIRACLE OF MOSES
Author(s) -
LORKOWSKI C. M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the heythrop journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.127
H-Index - 10
eISSN - 1468-2265
pISSN - 0018-1196
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-2265.2009.00450.x
Subject(s) - miracle , philosophy , interpretation (philosophy) , epistemology , naturalism , argument (complex analysis) , natural (archaeology) , literature , theology , history , linguistics , art , biochemistry , chemistry , archaeology
In this paper, I draw out a tension between miracles, prophecy, and Spinoza's assertions about Moses in the Theological‐Political Treatise (TTP). The three seem to constitute an inconsistent triad. Spinoza's account of miracles requires a naturalistic interpretation of all events. This categorical claim must therefore apply to prophecy; specifically, Moses' hearing God's voice in a manner which does not seem to invoke the imagination or natural phenomena. Thus, Spinoza seemingly cannot maintain both Moses' exalted status and his account of miracles. I consider some possible solutions, but find that they are either untrue to Spinoza's position, or would undercut his categorical argument against miracles. I therefore conclude that Spinoza leaves an unresolved tension in the TTP.