Jerusalem, oder über religiöse Macht und Judentum

work by Mendelssohn

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June 29, 2026

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Jerusalem, oder über religiöse Macht und Judentum (1783) is a significant work by Moses Mendelssohn, a German Jewish philosopher. In this text, Mendelssohn argued that while the state can regulate actions, it cannot control thoughts. He asserted that Judaism is a revealed divine legislation and also a historical manifestation of the universal religion of reason.

Mendelssohn, a key figure in the Jewish Enlightenment (Haskala), aimed to bridge Jewish tradition with the rationalism of his era. He believed that Jews could embrace Western culture without abandoning their faith, demonstrating that Judaism is compatible with reason. His work promoted religious toleration and contributed to the emancipation of Jews in Germany.12

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Moses Mendelssohn
…of Mosaic law, Mendelssohn wrote Jerusalem, oder über religiöse Macht und Judentum (1783; “Jerusalem, or on Religious Power and Judaism”). This work held that force may be used by the state to control actions only; thoughts are inviolable by both church and state.
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…of Mosaic law, Mendelssohn wrote Jerusalem, oder über religiöse Macht und Judentum (1783; “Jerusalem, or on Religious Power and Judaism”). This work held that force may be used by the state to control actions only; thoughts are inviolable by both church and state.
Read More