There is a Crack in Everything

مرکز و کتابخانه مطالعات اسلامی به زبان های اروپایی

منو

" There is a Crack in Everything "
Klaas Spronk

Document Type	:	AL
Record Number	:	1067065
Doc. No	:	LA110694
Call No	:	‭10.1163/1572543X-12341397‬
Language of Document	:	English
Main Entry	:	Klaas Spronk
Title & Author	:	There is a Crack in Everything [Article]\ Klaas Spronk
Publication Statement	:	Leiden: Brill
Title of Periodical	:	Exchange
Date	:	2016
Volume/ Issue Number	:	45/2
Page No	:	130–140
Abstract	:	As a contribution to the ongoing discussion about the relation between monotheism and violence a comparison is made between polytheistic stories about the annihilation of mankind and the monotheistic Old Testament story of the flood. There appear to be many ambiguities in Genesis 6-9, also concerning the image of God. This leaves room for criticism on the abuse of power. Whereas polytheism tends to fatalism, monotheism seems to offer a more hopeful view. It cannot be denied, however, that the Old Testament also testifies of monotheism which does not tolerate deviating religious views and in this way can be used to legitimize violence. Nevertheless, there are small but important indications in the text describing violence in the name of God that God is broader minded in this regard than many religious hardliners see Him. Inspired by a text of Leonard Cohen one could call them ‘cracks’ in the holy scriptures which will help to let more light of tolerance come in. As a contribution to the ongoing discussion about the relation between monotheism and violence a comparison is made between polytheistic stories about the annihilation of mankind and the monotheistic Old Testament story of the flood. There appear to be many ambiguities in Genesis 6-9, also concerning the image of God. This leaves room for criticism on the abuse of power. Whereas polytheism tends to fatalism, monotheism seems to offer a more hopeful view. It cannot be denied, however, that the Old Testament also testifies of monotheism which does not tolerate deviating religious views and in this way can be used to legitimize violence. Nevertheless, there are small but important indications in the text describing violence in the name of God that God is broader minded in this regard than many religious hardliners see Him. Inspired by a text of Leonard Cohen one could call them ‘cracks’ in the holy scriptures which will help to let more light of tolerance come in.
Descriptor	:	Amos 9:7
Descriptor	:	Assmann
Descriptor	:	Gilgamesh Epic
Descriptor	:	Joshua 2
Descriptor	:	Judges 3:31
Descriptor	:	Leonard Cohen
Descriptor	:	monotheism
Descriptor	:	myth of the heavenly cow
Descriptor	:	Rahab
Descriptor	:	Shamgar
Descriptor	:	story of the flood
Descriptor	:	Violence
Location & Call number	:	‭10.1163/1572543X-12341397‬