God's Omnipotence and Presence in Abraham Joshua Heschel's Philosophy

In: Shofar: a quarterly interdisciplinary journal of Jewish studies ; official journal of the Midwest and Western Jewish Studies Associations, Band 26, Heft 1, S. 41-71

Abstract

In this essay I will address Heschel's reflections on the presence and the power of God, as they appear in his different writings: in his poems, his articles and his books. It was Heschel's belief that a man's works are "windows allowing us to view the author's soul." Heschel's writings attest to the deep inner struggle in his soul, as he considers the almightiness and presence of God. I will examine how historical events shaped Heschel's spiritual insights and brought on new conceptions, new in the sense that they represent renewed spiritual discoveries for Heschel. I will then attempt to analyze Heschel's changing perspectives on the matters of the almightiness and of the potency of God throughout his lifetime.