Limits of Orthodox Theology Maimonides' Thirteen Principles Reappraised

It is commonly asserted that Maimonides famous Thirteen Principles are the last word in Orthodox Jewish theology. This is a very popular notion, and is often repeated by scholars from all camps in Judaism. Yet such a position ignores the long history of Jewish theology in which Maimonides Principles have been subject to great dispute. The book begins with a discussion of the significance of the Principles and illustrates how they assumed such a central place in traditional Judaism. Each principle is then considered in turn: the reasons underlying Maimonides formulations are expounded and the disputes that have arisen concerning them are discussed in detail. Marc B. Shapiros authoritative analysis makes it quite clear that the notion that Maimonides Principles are the last word in traditional Jewish theology is a misconception, and that even Maimonides himself was not fully convinced of every aspect of his formulations. Although structured around Maimonides Principles, this book c