A Theologico-Political Treatise and A Political Treatise [Paperback]

First published in 1670, this is the book that every Bible student, theologian and evangelical Christian should read. Spinoza's excellent knowledge of languages - he mastered Spanish, Portuguese, Latin, German and Hebrew - gave him an unparalleled linguistic access to virtually all the latest works of Hebraic and Christian philosophy.

In A Theologico-Political Treatise, he applies his knowledge and scholarship - both of which soar far above that of all modern Bible commentators - to questions concerning the interpretation and authorship of Scripture. He is unafraid to tackle the most difficult questions that most others ignore or gloss over.

The scope of the book is immense. Spinoza writes on prophecy and prophets, divine law and miracles, the apostolic mission and the definition of faith. He shows how the Pentateuch could not have been written entirely by Moses, as it describes events that occurred after Moses' death. He discusses Old Testament prophecy and points out the inconsistencies to be found in the writings of Old Testament prophets. (For example: God is said never to repent of anything by one prophet, but to repent of his decisions by another.)

Spinoza questions the claim of the Jews to be a chosen people. He distinguishes faith from philosophy. He shows how ancient Hebrew texts can be translated in different ways. He asserts that while the Old Testament is concerned with history and prophecy, the New Testament is concerned with teaching.

One point that came across strongly to me was that it was the Pharisees who decided which writings to include in the Torah, just the prelates of the Roman Catholic Church decided which writings to include in the New Testament. The shocking truth of the matter is that the entire content of what is known as the `Holy Bible' is an assemblage of books put together in one binding as a result of decisions made by authoritarian committees. (Remember: Jesus called the Pharisees a generation of vipers.)

Another passage (on page 25) that jumped out of the page at me sums up Spinoza's philosophy:

`Everything takes place by the power of God. Nature herself is the power of God under another name and our ignorance of the power of God is co-extensive with our ignorance of the power of Nature.'

The Political Treatise is concerned with Freedom of Speech, the Monarchy, Democracy and human rights. In it, Spinoza sets out much of what we now take for granted. In particular, he says that no nation should invade another sovereign state. George W. Bush and Tony Blair take note.

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