8:38 AM
Gil Student
In a prior post, I quoted an article that lamented the lack of young theologians. A reader directed me to Dr. David Shatz's eulogy for Dr. Marvin Fox in Tradition 36:1 (Spring 2002), in which he discusses this issue. He agrees with the above conclusion and suggests the following reasons:
- A more educated laity requires classes on the basic texts of Judaism (Talmud etc.) that take up more of a rabbi's time (for preparation) and leaves less time for theology/philosophy.
- Related to the preceding, philosphy does not draw crowds of laypeople because, among other reasons, it has a reputation for being irrelevant to religious life.
- Theology, rightly or wrongly, carries a suspicion of heresy.
- Potential writers are concerned about being publicly attacked as a heretic, often due to the attacker's lack of sophistication in this field.
- Most people are sadly satisfied with the views of religion and God that they learned in elementary school and have no interest in acquiring a deeper understanding.
- Philosophy is considered hard by many people, partly because people are not taught the subject in high school.
