The Sensual God is a fascinating study of various kinds of religious faith, written from the point of view of a skeptic who is nonetheless intrigued by faith, by the need for faith, and, primarily, by the sensual dimensions of faith and by the paradoxical aspects of these sensual dimensions. Written with vast erudition and rich with original perspectives, this work is a combination of a scholarly study and a playful personal essay. It excels in its intellectual and emotional curiosity. This book is a fierce provocation for believers and nonbelievers alike. -- Amos Oz, author of A Tale of Love and Darkness Aviad Kleinberg writes with ease and at times delightful humor, all the while expertly navigating between various ancient and modern texts, and substantiating his arguments with biblical examples. The Sensual God is a work of impressive erudition and a brilliant contribution to understanding the cultural givens that define how we understand 'God,' contradictions and all. -- Fran oise Meltzer, University of Chicago A witty, profound, and highly original book on God and the senses in Judaism, Christianity, and other religions, in which Aviad Kleinberg combines an accessible and entertaining style of writing with truly immense learning in comparative religion -- Brian Stock, tudes Augustiniennes, Paris, and Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, Toronto A fascinating study of unappreciated aspects of theology. Library Journal (starred review)