The Pale God

The Pale God focuses on the relationship between secularism and religious tradition. Beginning with a description of the secular options as expressed by Israeli intellectuals, the author claims that these options have led to a dead-end, and that a new option must be sought. One of the key sources for this option is the works of Spinoza. Unlike Nietzsche's catchphrase "the death of God", explains Katz, Spinoza tried to undermine the authority of religious virtuosos and establish the image of a rational "Pale God". Such changes could channel religious tradition to the basic principles of secular political rule. The author concludes this discussion by showing that the secular option is inherent in Israeli society, and fits the type of secularism that Zionism instilled in the Jewish people and complements the traditional trends deeply rooted in that society.