The role of the prophet was ambiguous in the eyes of some of his contemporaries. The indignation that flowed from him, the anger he displayed, even when extrinsic to his mind, became so intimate a part of his soul that those exposed to it could easily mistake it as his own antipathy rather than as sympathy with divine anger, and could assume that he had his own ax to grind, that he was giving vent to personal hostility. It seems that Jeremiah was accused of feeling delight in anticipating the disaster which he had announced in the name of the Lord. He who loved his people, whose life was dedicated to saving his people, was regarded as an enemy. Over and above the agony of sensing the imminent disaster, his soul was bruised by calumny. What protection was there against such backbiting? No one could look into his heart, but everybody was hurt by his words. Only the Lord knew the truth.
Abraham Joshua HeschelThe principle to be kept in mind is to know what we see rather than to see what we know.
Abraham Joshua HeschelThe surest way to suppress our ability to understand the meaning of God and the importance of worship is to take things for granted...Indifference to the sublime wonder of living is the root of sin.
Abraham Joshua HeschelTags: wonder sin appreciation worship
Mundus vult decipi'—the world wants to be deceived. To live without deception presupposes standards beyond the reach of most people whose existence is largely shaped by compromise, evasion and mutual accommodation. Could they face their weakness, their vanity and selfishness, without a mask?
Abraham Joshua HeschelAwe precedes faith.
Abraham Joshua HeschelAre we truly committed to the notion that ideals and values vary and alter in accordance with changing conditions? Should we not question such a relativistic dogma? Is not the degree of our sensitivity to the validity of the ultimate ideals and values that fluctuates rather than the ultimate ideals and values?
Abraham Joshua HeschelTags: idealism ideals values relativism
Racism is man's gravest threat to man - the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason.
Abraham Joshua HeschelWho is a Jew? A person whose integrity decays when unmoved by the knowledge of wrong done to other people.
Abraham Joshua HeschelTags: integrity conscience judaism jew altruism moral-responsibility communitarianism
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