Abstract

All but two of the essays included in this book were previously published in full, but many are in proceedings volumes or periodicals not likely to be readily available. Their presentation here in logical groupings is a useful service. In a prophetic and oracular style, Heschel presents existentialist perceptions from a Jewish standpoint on subjects such as "Religion in a Free Society," "Religion and Race," "Depth Theology," "Sacred Image of Man," "The Ecumenical Movement," "Prayer as Discipline," and "Jews in the Soviet Union." Illustrative of his style is the following paragraph: "Every child is a prince; every man is obliged to feel that the world was created for his sake. Man is not the measure of all things, but the means by which to accomplish all tasks." Of the difference between ordinary theology and depth theology, he writes: "Theology strives for communication...; depth theology strives for insight.... Theology is like sculpture, depth theology is like music. Theology is in the books; depth theology is in the hearts.... Theologies divide us; depth theology unites us." The author describes religion as made up not only of ritual and myth, which are generally recognized as essential components, but also of a vital additional ingredient, namely, "innerness". Innerness, he concludes, is "the heart of religious existence."—W. G.