Orthodox judaism and human purpose

Walter S. Wurtzburger

pp. 105-122

in: William Horosz, Clements (eds), Religion and human purpose, Berlin, Springer, 1987

Abstract

As a theocentric religion, Judaism regards the universe not as a self-sufficient cosmos, but as the creation of a transcendent God who is the source of all existence, value and meaning. Since the purpose of all creatures is grounded in the Creator, all questions concerning the purpose of any being must ultimately involve the Divine Plan for His creatures. But, as the Book of Job so dramatically shows, the purposes of a transcendent, infinite God are completely beyond the ken of our finite, limited intelligence.