commit 2d67bd8be3d20fbee6f651d67820be80d61f3b8c
parent 3caa305874fe667c3f254cd19a1d2c8474bacf7f
Author: FIGBERT <figbert@figbert.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:03:21 -0800
Add Lonely Man of Faith review
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diff --git a/content/reading/complete/lonely-man-of-faith.md b/content/reading/complete/lonely-man-of-faith.md
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+title = "A Foray into Theology"
+date = 2023-12-20
+[extra]
+book = "The Lonely Man of Faith"
+author = "Joseph B. Soloveitchik"
+finished = 2023-12-17
+rating = "★★★★☆"
++++
+
+*The Lonely Man of Faith* was a birthday present from a dear friend. It
+is written from a perspective that challenges my own, running quite
+contrary in some aspects from the way in which I have chosen to live.
+Indeed, this is what made it a fascinating book to read: the interaction
+of differing opinions and views is where there is perhaps the most room
+for growth. Furthermore, *The Lonely Man of Faith* is written at quite
+an abstract level, and as such there are many things within its pages
+that Rabbi Soloveitchik and I agree on and indeed within which we can
+find shared meaning.
+
+Now, assorted quotes and commentary:
+
+> The Halakhah believes that there is only one world—not divisible into
+> secular and hallowed sectors...
+>
+> *Page 79*
+
+This aligns with how I think of Jewishness. I am a Jew in every context,
+not just those that may be considered "religious" by those on the
+outside.
+
+The dual-nature image of man proposed by Rabbi Soloveitchik is this
+book's central focus. At times I find this description becomes fairly
+romantic:
+
+> However, [the discovery of a companion], since it is part of the
+> redemptive gesture, must also be sacrificial. The medium of attaining
+> full redemption is, again, defeat. **This new companionship is not
+> attained through conquest, but through surrender and retreat.** "And
+> the eternal God caused an overpowering sleep to fall upon the man."
+> Adam was overpowered and defeated—and in defeat he found his
+> companion.
+>
+> *Page 38*
+
+The emphasis above is mine. There is something I enjoy about the framing
+of deep human relationships being formed through mutual surrender.
+
+If the Rabbi were to appraise my life, I am certain he would say that I
+spend far too much time in the conquesting mode of his "Adam the first,"
+and it may be beneficial for me to explore other ways of existing.
+Perhaps there is value in this. I am certainly sympathetic to, and
+involved myself with, the individual search for meaning. However: I do
+think there is a vast chasm between that and not touching light switches
+on Shabbat.
+
+*The Lonely Man of Faith* is a book of philosophy—it is difficult to
+draw from it hard conclusions. Much of the worth of these things comes
+from the reading itself, and clashing with the ideas on the page. The
+journey, not the destination, as it is said. The book is not long. I
+enjoyed it.
