OT Studies: Historical Religious Philosophy Megathread

Figure we can use one of these for general discussion. I was going to post some 12th century philosophical writings by Maimonides but all the religious threads have a snarky title or something off about them. Post here on religion, philosophy, folk traditions, esoteric texts, occult studies, bhakti, ritual-as-performance, alternative religions, etc. with more of a historical or alternative context allowing for open discussion. no "that's not Christianity" here plz.

You must not be misled by what is stated of the stars (that God put them in the firmament of the heavens) to give light upon the earth, and to rule by day and by night. You might perhaps think that here the purpose of their creation is described. This is not the case; we are only informed of the nature of the stars, which God desired to create with such properties that they should be able to give light and to rule.

- Moses Maimonides, The Guide for the Perplexed, pp. 275

There is a rule laid down by our Sages that is directly prohibited in the Law to cause pain to an animal, and is based on the words: "Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass?" etc (Num. xxi. 32). But the object of this rule is to make us perfect; that we should not assume cruel habits; and that we should not uselessly cause pain to others; that, on the contrary, we should be prepared to show pity and mercy to all living creatures, except when necessity demands the contrary: "When thy soul longeth to eat flesh," etc (Deut. xii. 20).

- Moses Maimonides, The Guide for the Perplexed, pp. 288

Forced by the claims of the body, they seek also that which is necessary for the preservation of the body, "bread to eat and garment to clothe," and this is very little' but they seek nothing superfluous; with very slight exertion man can obtain it, so long as he is contented with that which is indispensable. All the difficulties and troubles we meet in this respect are due to the desire for superfluous things; when we seek unnecessary things, we have difficulty even in finding that which is indispensable. For the more we desire to have that which is superfluous, the more we meet with difficulties; our strength and possessions are spent in unnecessary things, and are wanting when required for that which is necessary. Observe how Nature proves the correctness of this assertion. The more necessary a thing is for living beings, the more easily it is found and the cheaper it is; the less necessary it is, the rarer and dearer it is. E.g., air, water, and food are indispensable to man: air is most necessary, for if man is without air a short time he dies; whilst he can be without water a day or two... No intelligent person, I think, considers musk, amber, rubies, and emeralds as very necessary for man except as medicines; and they, as well as other like substances, can be replaced for this purpose by herbs and minerals. This shows the kindness of God to His creatures,"

- Moses Maimonides, The Guide for the Perplexed, pp. 275