First Published in 1981, The Idea of Holiness and the Humane Response is a radically innovative book, presenting a critical appraisal of the concept of holiness and its effects. It offers a view of holiness far less favourable than the traditional one, yet its conclusions are by no means purely critical or negative. For it sees certain other elements in Hebrew thought as marvelously rich and fertile, insistently reasserting themselves, but repeatedly overwhelmed by an opposed and stronger passion for the idea of holiness. This book is an interesting read for scholars of religion, social history and psychology.