Abstract

This dissertation examines Rosenzweig's religious philosophy presented in The Star of Redemption and in his correspondence and essays. Rosenzweig's theological concepts and views on Judaism, being characterized by a juxtaposition of dialogical and mystical elements, presuppose the dynamics of religious existence which are manifested in various realms of human life. ;Rosenzweig's thought offers a response to the modern individual who struggles to overcome the predicament of alienation and solitariness in the midst of an increasingly technological and secular society, and to the modern Jew who struggles to adhere to a life based on Jewish laws and customs. Rosenzweig stresses the limitations of a secular world view, and establishes the religious dimension as an integral part of human reality. The experience of revelation initiates human relations with God and orients the individual in the world; the individual can then fulfill his responsibility towards the world, man, and God, thereby experiencing redemption. Both revelation and redemption constitute a religious experience which involves the whole person, and therefore endows life with meaning and authenticity. ;The first part of the dissertation provides an introduction to the life and thought of Franz Rosenzweig. Major events in his life, and the development of his attitudes towards history, philosophy, religion,and art are examined. Analysis of the Star of Redemption brings to light his critique of traditional philosophy and the existential foundation of his own philosophy. ;The second part of the dissertation provides an intensive examination of Rosenzweig's concepts of creation, revelation, and redemption. His theory of "speech thinking" and the mystical elements in his theological concepts are analyzed. An analogy is drawn to art and the creative process of the artist, which he perceives as realms in which religious existence and cognition are possible. ;In the third part of the dissertation, Rosenzweig's views on Judaism are investigated. His views on Zion, Diaspora, and Jewish law are analyzed in light of his concept of the eternity of the Jews and in light of the existential foundation of his thought. An overview of Rosenzweig's thought points out the supremacy of the experience of faith as the basis for his concept of truth