Rome Better Than Christ: Levinas's (Negative) Political Theology

This paper delves into Emmanuel Levinas's political theology, as found in his Jewish writings, positing an analysis of a philosophical historiography, termed eschatology by Levinas. Within this framework, the narrative revolves around two pivotal entities: the West and Israel. Levinas contends that Israel embodies the ideal and telos of the West, portraying Judaism as the essence of Western civilization. The focus here centers on the adverse aspects, particularly three figures identified by Levinas's eschatological political theology as problematic embodiments of Western civilization: Hitlerism, Christianity, and Rome. The paper asserts that, contrary to common assumptions, Levinas places Rome, not Christianity, in the closest and most significant rivalry with Judaism. Levinas posits that Judaism's primary role is political, not religious, and its historical struggle pertains more to the Empire than to matters of faith.

Automated summary

This paper explores Emmanuel Levinas's political theology in his Jewish writings, analyzing a philosophical historiography termed eschatology. Levinas argues that Israel embodies the ideals of the West and identifies Rome as Judaism's closest and most significant rival. Judaism's primary role, according to Levinas, is political rather than religious.