论犹太教与世俗文化的兼容

On the Compatibility between Judaism and Secular Culture

作为一种文化体系的犹太教并不排斥世俗的因素,而且在其发展中融入了很多世俗的智慧,尤其是理性和科学的要素。从《圣经》时代到中世纪,犹太教在认识自然、与异质文明交往、解释经典过程中逐渐形成了兼容世俗文化的能力和特征。而作为一种传统,又使得犹太教在面临现代性挑战的情况下,能够适时地调整自身,以顺应现代社会的需要。犹太教与世俗文化的兼容体现了犹太文化的巨大创造性和生命力。

As a cultural system, Judaism does not reject the secular fac- tors. Much worldly wisdom, including rational and scientific elements, was absorbed during the course of development of Judaism. From the Biblical times to the Middle Ages, Judaism, in the process of understanding nature, communicating with heter- ogeneous civilizations and interpreting scripture, gradually formed the capacity and character compatible with secular culture . But when facing the challenge posed by modernity, Judaism, as a tradition, can make timely adjustments to adapt to the requirements of modern society, The compatibility between Judaism and secular cul- ture reflects the great creativity and vitality of Jewish culture.