Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah (The Laws of the Foundations of the Torah), Chapter 2
Maimonides
Maimonides challenges the transactional relationship many have with the divine, where actions are motivated by expectation of reward or fear of punishment. His call to love and fear God unconditionally sets a high bar for sincerity and authenticity in faith. This was a counterpoint to prevailing religious practices that often emphasized ritual compliance over genuine devotion. By advocating for this purity of intention, Maimonides aligns spiritual health with the moral discipline he describes in his broader work.