Kant viewed Judaism as a narrow, particular, hostile political entity. The fact that God promised that He would bless the nations through Abraham seems not to have registered with Kant.
Kant’s treatment of Judaism has central importance in his construction of modern, Enlightened religion. And in this context, recent work that rehabilitates the universal promise of Judaism (such as in the New Perspective) is not only important for its contribution to biblical scholarship but for its wider theological and cultural import.
Put another way, the scholarly rehabilitation of the Abrahamic promise brings with it the fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise, that through Abraham and his seed God will bless the nations.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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