Genocide in Jewish Thought

“Patterson’s outstanding analysis of especially Jewish and Christian cognitive categories explicates how processes of abstract Christian philosophies/theologies can lead to genocide, since they obscure the human face. In opposition, Jewish thought invokes the existential person and so reduces the possibility of such events as the Shoah. This book should be read by every scholar who is interested in understanding the roots of sanctioned murder.” —Donald J. Dietrich, Boston College

“David Patterson brings a much-needed and sober voice to contemporary discussions of genocide and genocidal thinking: that of the philosophically-grounded Judaically- and religiously-committed scholar whose knowledge of Judaism is above reproach and who brings that vast literature both to critique and to inform our present understandings and conversations. One can justly hope that Genocide in Jewish Thought will receive the widest possible audience and further enlighten all those committed not only to the burgeoning field of Genocide Studies but to Holocaust Studies as well.” —Steven Leonard Jacobs, Aaron Aronov Endowed Chair of Judaic Studies, The University of Alabama

“Boldly and persuasively, David Patterson argues that ‘Jewish reflection on humanity’ contains keys to lock the doors leading to genocide. Steeped in Jewish texts and Hebrew language, ever mindful of genocide’s brutality, this book brims with political savvy, philosophical intelligence, and ethical insight rooted in the divine commandment: ‘You shall not murder.’” —John K. Roth, Edward J. Sexton Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Claremont McKenna College