Renewing the Process of Creation: A Jewish Integration of Science and Spirit - Softcover

Artson, Rabbi Bradley Shavit

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1683362640 ISBN 13: 9781683362647

Publisher: Jewish Lights, 2015

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, DHL, (www.bradartson.com) an inspiring speaker and educator, holds the Abner and Roslyn Goldstine Dean's Chair of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and is vice president of American Jewish University in Los Angeles. He is a member of the philosophy department, supervises the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program and mentors Camp Ramah in California. He is also dean of Zacharias Frankel College in Potsdam, Germany, ordaining rabbis for the European Union. A regular columnist for the Huffington Post, he is author of many articles and books, including Renewing the Process of Creation: A Jewish Integration of Science and Spirit; God of Becoming and Relationship: The Dynamic Nature of Process Theology and Passing Life’s Tests: Spiritual Reflections on the Trial of Abraham, the Binding of Isaac (all Jewish Lights).

Review

"A festival of a book.... Addictively and accessibly readable, adventurously faithful to the scientific and to the biblical heritage, [it] guides us all―spiritual seekers and skeptics, congregations and classes―to a celebration of our shared, fragile and gorgeous creaturehood."
―Catherine Keller, professor of constructive theology, Drew University; author, On the Mystery: Discerning Divinity in Process

"Explains recent scientific developments in accessible ways.... Draws richly on the Jewish past while pointing toward―and so helping to create―an affirmative future."
―Rabbi Deborah Waxman, PhD, president, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and Jewish Reconstructionist Communities

“Process Theology joins Jewish scholarship in a stimulating investigation of creation. Beautifully written, informative, lucid, eminently readable―read it!”
―Francisco J. Ayala, PhD, Donald Bren Professor of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine

“This book does something new and long overdue: it brings together Judaism, modern cosmology and Process Theology.... Rich in spiritual and ethical conclusions.”
―Howard Smith, PhD, senior astrophysicist, Harvard-Smithsonian Center; author, Let There Be Light: Modern Cosmology and Kabbalah, a New Conversation between Science and Religion

“Artson's book is refreshing in that his ideas are not confined by modern science. Indeed, he considers the possibility that perhaps Process Theology encompasses what will one day be understood within the confines of science. Those who are skeptical may not be convinced but it will certainly give them pause.”
―Ira Z. Rothstein, PhD, professor of physics, Carnegie Mellon University

Edition details

• Publisher: Jewish Lights
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1683362640
• ISBN 13: 9781683362647
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 208