Felicity Somerville

In Jewish Theology, Systematically and Historically Considered, Kaufmann Kohler surveys Jewish belief from Bible to modernity, pairing a systematic outline-God, revelation and law, worship, sin and atonement, election and mission, messianism, immortality-with a meticulous historical narrative. Drawing on Bible, rabbinic sources, medieval philosophy and Kabbalah, and modern thought, he shows doctrines forming, contending, and adapting.
The style is learned yet direct, blending the categories of theology with the historical rigor of the Wissenschaft des Judentums and comparative glances to Christianity and philosophy. German-born and trained in the historical-critical school, Kohler emigrated to the United States, became a leading architect of Reform Judaism, and later presided over Hebrew Union College. Mentored by Abraham Geiger and shaped by his reformer father-in-law, David Einhorn, he fused seminar scholarship with pulpit realism.
That dual vocation explains his ambition here: to ground a modern, ethically inflected Jewish theology in the full sweep of tradition without surrendering honesty to science or conscience. Scholars, clergy, and serious readers will value it as both a primary statement of Reform theology and a panoramic guide to sources. It rewards coursework and independent study alike, provoking reflection on law, ethics, and faith. Quickie Classics summarizes timeless works with precision, preserving the author's voice and keeping the prose clear, fast, and readable-distilled, never diluted.
Enriched Edition extras: Introduction · Synopsis · Historical Context · Brief Analysis · 4 Reflection Q&As · Editorial Footnotes.