Abstract

This article shows that Baeck’s polemic against Harnack was one of the reasons for his writing the “Essence of Judaism”, his major work. The article discusses Harnack’s lectures and how knowledge of them spread to various important circles in society. In Harnack’s exposition of Christianity Baeck finds both a direct and indirect attack on Judaism. Baeck argued that the most valuable aspects of Christianity were not to be found in its opposition to Judaism but rather in its Jewish inheritance. By cutting Christianity off from its Jewish roots, Harnack damages it. Baecks’ critique of Harnack is based on a historical and philosophical/theological analysis during which he initially presents Harnack’s views and then attacks them by giving his own corrections and ideas. Among the themes considered are: the Pharisees, Jesus and the Parisaich ethic, Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom of God. Baeck wanted to prove that Jesus was a Jew among Jews.