Spinoza on philosophy, religion, and politics : the theologico-political treatise / Susan James.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 320-338) and index.

Introduction. Spinoza's project -- Revelation. The meaning of prophecy -- What divine law is not -- What divine law is -- Worship -- Demystifying the Bible. The meaning of scripture -- Putting the interpretative method to work -- Meeting the demands of a religious life. True religion -- Theology and philosophy -- The politics of true religion. Life in a republic : the lessons of philosophy -- Life in a republic : the lessons of theology -- Sovereignty and freedom.

Spinoza's Theologico-political treatise is simultaneously a work of philosophy and a piece of practical politics. It defends religious pluralism, a republican form of political organization, and the freedom to philosophize, with a determination that is extremely rare in seventeenth-century thought. But it is also a fierce and polemical intervention in a series of Dutch disputes over issues about which Spinoza and his opponents cared very deeply.