Guiding the Perplexed

Guide For the Perplexed - Lecture 100: Part 3 Chapter 17a

Rambam describes various opinions regarding God's providence. In this lecture we cover the first three approaches.

Guide For the Perplexed - Lecture 99: Part 3 Chapter 16

Rambam begins his discussion of the difficult question of theodicy by describing what led many philosophers to conclude that God doesn't know what is happening in His universe.

Guide For the Perplexed - Lecture 98: Part 3 Chapters 14 & 15

In chapter 14, Rambam describes why it is unreasonable to think that God created the world for the sake of human beings, as we are but a tiny speck within the vast universe. He also explains that the sages were only competent in scientific matters according to their time. In 15 Rambam describes why God cannot do the impossible.

Guide For the Perplexed - Lecture 97: Part 3 Chapter 13b

Rambam discusses the idea that every creation was created for its' own significance, not for the purpose of serving something else. All of creation, every creature, every being, every moment, is significant for itself. The question of the purpose or end of creation is not a proper question.

Guide For the Perplexed - Lecture 96: Part 3 Chapters 12b & 13a

In 12b Rambam describes how the quest for unnecessary luxuries is often the cause of our suffering the loss of even necessities. In 13b we learn of the futility in searching for the ultimate purpose of our existence. Rambam emphasizes the special significance of every created being and object, each of which is important, human beings are not the purpose of the universe.