Jerusalem, or On Religious Power and Judaism

Introduction

Mendelssohn wrote “Jerusalem” in German in 1783, after an anonymous pamphlet had asked how he could remain a Jew while calling for freedom of conscience. The first part distinguishes state and church: the state may compel actions where necessary, a religious community may only teach and persuade and has no right to coercion or excommunication. The second part argues that Judaism has no revealed dogmas, only a revealed law for conduct; its eternal truths are accessible to reason. Kant wrote to Mendelssohn praising the book.

Connections

Builds on

• A Letter Concerning Toleration1689 · John Locke

More works by Moses Mendelssohn

• 1767Phaedon, or On the Immortality of the Soul