Divine-Human Encounter

In his seminal work God in Search of Man Heschel illustrates three paths to God and provides a practical guide for how the modern mind can open itself to God or more precisely through which the contemporary mind can respond to a God who is in search of human beings. In this book Harold Kasimow clarifies the meaning of Heschel's path to God by devoting one chapter to each of the three aspects of this path. Using this path to God in its three aspects as an organizing principle this book illustrates how Heschel's thought presents a balance between the rational and mystical poles of the Jewish tradition. A careful content analysis of his thinking reveals that Heschel is an authentic Jewish voice who presents an accurate Jewish theology. The first chapter is devoted to the Hasidic influence on Heschel which Kasimow feels is most important for understanding Heschel's thought. The final chapter focuses on Heschel's unique attitude toward Asian religious traditions which are becoming critical for authentic religious dialogue today.