Secular-Believing Diasporic Jews

The Grassroots Theology of Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen

Bibliographic Data

ID3229089
AuthorsHagar Lahav (0000-0002-6964-6323, Sapir College, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume16
Issue1
Pages82
Publication date2025-01-14
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel16010082
OpenAlexW4406369851
LanguageEN
References cited34

By analyzing the musical works of Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen, this study examines the theological expressions of secular Jews in the diaspora who retain elements of belief. Drawing on contemporary theories of lived religion and post-secular spirituality, it explores how their lyrics articulate distinctive forms of Jewish spirituality outside traditional frameworks. Through a close textual analysis of their final albums, this study reveals complex theological narratives that intertwine Protestant-oriented individual spirituality with collective Jewish religious and cultural memory. The findings indicate that Cohen and Simon demonstrate distinct approaches to divinity. Cohen adopts a more traditional theistic stance, whereas Simon develops a pantheistic theology. These narratives offer viable and meaningful models for secular-believer Jewish identity and suggest possible foundations for a contemporary secular Jewish existence in the diaspora

Grassroots · Political science · Sociology · Theology · Biblical Studies and Interpretation · Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies · Jewish Identity and Society · Law · Philosophy · Religious studies

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