Renewing the Process of Creation
A Jewish Integration of Science and Spirit
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- 13,99 €
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- 13,99 €
Publisher Description
Chaos becoming cosmos-we are participants and recipients in its meaning and marvels. ''Human beings and our ancestors have been meaning seekers and meaning makers even before our most ancient beginnings. And at the start of that search are these questions: Why is there something rather than nothing? Why is the world comprehensible at all? Where did we come from? Do we belong?''-from the Introduction. In this daring blend of Jewish theology, science and Process Thought, theologian Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson fleshes out an appreciation of creation in the light of science that allows us to articulate a deeper sense of space and time and the wonders of being alive. He explores the ethical and moral implications of humanity's role as steward and partner in creation, as well as how the recognition of land as holy-the Earth in general and Israel in particular-enables a religious discipline of blessing and gratitude that makes it possible for life to blossom. Exciting and accessible for Jews and non-Jews seeking to reconcile their spirituality and modern science, as well as anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the meaning of creation made possible by Judaism and Process Thought.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This volume, the first of a planned trilogy (on the themes of creation, revelation, and redemption), further articulates Jewish Process Theology, which Artson introduced in God of Becoming and Relationship. Here, he further explores the nature of creation, and touches on, among other things, the natures of God and the universe, free will, and the meaning of human obligation. Artson's coherent metaphysics integrates a contemporary scientific view of the universe, which he lays out lucidly for the layperson, with a Jewish ethical worldview, encompassing both the rational and the miraculous and dissolving the physical/spiritual divide. For him, humankind is creation's natural and emergent flowering into self-awareness we are not beyond, above, or outside of nature. Artson argues that this makes us unique, but rather than dividing us from the rest of God's creation, our self-awareness gives us a special obligation to engage our inquisitive nature and to understand our actions as integral to the ongoing creation of cosmos. Accessible and clear, this book should be of interest to Jews and non-Jews, both those who are established in their faith/practice and those who are seeking, as well as anyone looking for ways to integrate a scientific worldview and religion.
