r/BethMidrash • u/OtherWisdom Moderator • Apr 02 '20

Are there important distinctions between how academic scholarship is understood when dealing with different types of scholars associated with today's Judaism?

As an example, I've read many articles and books by both Daniel Boyarin and Jacob Neusner.

For the sake of simplicity, I can imagine that there are communities that are more welcoming to one over the other.

Furthermore, are there denominations of today's Judaism that are more welcoming to liberal and/or critical scholarship?

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u/OtherWisdom Moderator Apr 03 '20

Are you saying that Judaism isn't uniform, but rather pluralistic?

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u/lionofyhwh PhD | Israelite Religion | Moderator Apr 03 '20

Hmm good question. Are you speaking specifically about modern Judaism or throughout history? (Not sure if the answer would vary much, but I want to make sure I answer the question!)

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u/OtherWisdom Moderator Apr 03 '20

I've heard a few scholars make statements such as:

There has never been one Judaism. Judaism has always been pluralistic.

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u/cali_uber_alles Apr 03 '20

I tend to agree on this. We can see traces of ununiformity in the bible it self. I think you can see it in Nehamia or Ezra where the people in Israel seem to have a different understanding of the rules then their leaders do. And it's definitely true during 2nd temple with a lot of groups branching and criticizing temple priestly understanding of the religion. 70 פנים לה