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The Many Lives of Jacob Taubes: From Religious Studies to Political Radicalism

George Hayes

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Published in Professor Of Apocalypse: The Many Lives Of Jacob Taubes

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Jacob Taubes was a German-American philosopher, political theorist, and religious scholar. He was born in 1923 in Vienna, Austria, and died in 1987 in New York City. Taubes' work explored the relationship between religion and politics, and he was a major influence on the development of political theology in the 20th century. His most famous work is The Political Theology of Paul, which was published in 1955 and remains a classic in the field.

Early life and education

Taubes was born into a Jewish family in Vienna. His father was a lawyer, and his mother was a psychoanalyst. Taubes studied law and philosophy at the University of Vienna, and he received his doctorate in 1947. After graduating, Taubes worked as a journalist and translator in Paris. In 1950, he emigrated to the United States, where he taught at Columbia University and Harvard University.

Professor of Apocalypse: The Many Lives of Jacob Taubes

by Jerry Z. Muller

4.6 out of 5

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Career

Taubes' work explored the relationship between religion and politics. He was particularly interested in the way that religious ideas and symbols have been used to legitimize political power. In The Political Theology of Paul, Taubes argues that the concept of the kingdom of God was used by the early Christians to justify their rebellion against the Roman Empire.

Taubes was also a major influence on the development of political theology in the 20th century. Political theology is a field of study that examines the relationship between religion and politics. Taubes' work has helped to show that religion is not simply a private matter, but that it can have a profound impact on the political sphere.

In addition to his work on religion and politics, Taubes also wrote extensively on topics such as law, language, and mythology. He was a prolific writer, and his work has been translated into many languages.

Personal life

Taubes was married three times. His first marriage was to Carla Schorske, an American historian. They had three children together. Taubes' second marriage was to Susan Taubes, an American writer. They had one child together. Taubes' third marriage was to Anne Carson, a Canadian poet and essayist. They had no children together.

Taubes died in 1987 at the age of 63. He was survived by his wife, Anne Carson, and his four children.

Legacy

Taubes was a major figure in the development of political theology in the 20th century. His work has been influential in a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, political science, and religious studies. Taubes is considered one of the most important thinkers on the relationship between religion and politics, and his work continues to be studied and debated today.

Professor of Apocalypse: The Many Lives of Jacob Taubes

by Jerry Z. Muller

4.6 out of 5