Three Forms of Messianism
While there are multitudes of messianic philosophies, they can all be reduced to three forms.
(a) An evolutionary messianic belief. This theory posits that the world, of its own accord, moves in the right direction. Ultimately, the world will evolve into a utopian existence. One can buttress this notion, by referring to the belief that evil cannot survive for the long haul. Criminals who are initially successful ultimately fail, because they turn on each other and society will ultimately gird itself to fight evil, because evil is painful, and we don’t want pain. This belief does not need a savior, a Messiah or a G-d oriented attitude.
(b) A G-dly interventionist theory. This theory posits that the world cannot change on its own, or that it will take forever for that to happen, but needs the intervention of G- d, or a G-dlike Messianic figure, to alter the world, by imposing a higher order of discipline, that will force the world to change.
(c) A charismatic leader theory. This theory believes that if a powerful leader rallies his troops behind him they can change the world. We have seen evidence of this phenomenon in our own century in the side of evil. Whether it was Lenin, Stalin, Hitler or Mao, single individuals were successful in forever changing the social and political landscape. If this can be done for evil, the theory goes, it can be done for good as well.
One can ask as to which theory or belief does Judais subscribe?
The answer is (d) none of the above, and (e) all of the above!
Let’s start with none of the above. Answer (a) is inadequate because, according to the “evolutionary” theory, our century – with the Holocaust and the two deadliest wars, etc. – should have been the most humane of all the centuries thus far. Man’s cruelty to man have never been greater than in our modern day and age.
Answer (b) is insufficient because if this G-dly figure is the key to changing the world, what is He waiting for? Why didn’t he intervene before? And furthermore, what are we needed for? What is our role in a world where G-d makes it happen anyhow?
Option (c) is likewise flawed. What guarantee is there that a evil leader might not come and undo the good that a good charismatic leader wrought?
Now, to the point. From Judaism’s perspective, all three ingredients are necessary for the messianic age to occur. There is a evolutionary dynamic, but it requires a divine intervention and a charismatic leader – Moshiach – as well.
From the book Safe Kabbalah, Part Three: Journeys of the Soul by Rabbi Heschel Greenberg, published by the Jewish Discovery Center.
