Jewish thinkers of the 20th century. In search of identity – Franz Kafka
Jewish thinkers of the 20th century. In search of identity – Franz Kafka

Summary/Abstract: Franz Kafka’s life and work have been the subject of many research papers. While theinterpreters of his works knew that he was a Jew, they did not always fully realize thesignificance of this fact. Some would treat this issue as a marginal one, failing to seethat it was the pivot of his existence and work. Kafka kept wandering about in searchof his own identity. As a lost agnostic who “lapsed” from the hand of God, lived withoutHim in the darkness of atheism and tried to discern His light, Franz Kafka was not reallydependent on any specific religious denomination. However, Judaism is so stronglyrelated to the Mosaic revelation – like Christianity is related to Christ’s Revelation – thatit cannot be here omitted or forgotten, as this would result in some misunderstandings.In a sense it is impossible to separate the fact of being Jewish from the religion. Kafka’slife, as well as his writing, resulted from his continual reference to the Absolute. There aretwo worlds far removed from each other: the world of spirit and the world of man. Kafkabelieved that there is a world of that which is spiritual, absolute, pure, true, unchangingand indestructible – the world devoid of sin, but full of perfection; therefore, there existsthat which man tends to encapsulate in the concept of God.

• Details
• Contents