The Struggle for Utopia. A History of Jewish, Christian and Islamic Messianism

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This thought-provoking book advances the idea that religious messianism is a powerful force in world history, and some major present-day international conflicts can be traced to messianism. It also argues that much of antisemitism, and even love of Jews, can only be understood within the context of messianism. After thousands of years in exile the Jewish people are finally being redeemed as prophesied by the Torah and prophets of ancient Israel. This presents a tremendous challenge to the three main monotheistic faiths. For Judaism - is this a messianic redemption or not? If not, for what purpose are the Jews being redeemed? And does a modern state even need to have a purpose other than to keep its citizens happy and secure? And for Christianity and Islam - can they relate to a state of the Jews other than via their toxic eschatology? This is an academic but very readable history book, told as an epic story, with character sketches of the individuals most influential in developing the notion of messianism for mankind and who have provided answers to these and other earth-moving questions.