The Cabala: Its Influence on Judaism and Christanity

by Bernhard Pick

Although the Cabala belongs to the past, it nevertheless demands our attention on account of the interest taken in it by men like Raymond Lully, the "Doctor Illuminatus" as he was styled (died 1315): John Picus di Mirandola (1463-1494); John Reuchlin (1455-1522); Cornelius Henry Agrippa von Nettesheim (14861535); John, Baptist von Helmont (1577-1644); the English scholars Robert Fludd (1574-1637) and Henry More (1614-1687). How much Theophrastus Paracelsus (1493-1541) and Jacob Boehme (1575-1624), called "Philosophus Teutonicus," were influenced by cabalistic doctrines, is difficult to state. At any rate the names mentioned before are sufficient to call attention to a theosophical system which has engaged the minds of Jewish and Christian scholars.

Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy, Religion

68 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2010

Reviews

[Amalie]

In this, Bernhard Pick traces the origins and background of the Kabbalah to Jewish scholars of mediaeval Spain. He doesn't show any deeper roots to it. The focus is more academic.

If you are a beginner like myself and looking for an introduction written by an advocate of the Kabbalah, it's better to start with some of the other books on the subject. I think this is more suitable for academic studies, not for a newbie.