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.
“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
“Compelling.... I invite both scholars in the interfaith conversation in faith and science and lay folks who recognize its crucial importance to read and ponder this engaging, provocative and inspiring book.”
—Robert John Russell, Ian G. Barbour Professor of Theology and Science in Residence, Graduate Theological Union
“That rare book that honors the scientific process and the scientific way of thinking, and, at the same time, celebrates the power and inspiration of religious living.... A deeply important book that will create more productive conversations and more sophisticated perspectives surrounding religion and science.”
—Rabbi Geoffrey A. Mitelman, founding director, Sinai and Synapses
“To show that a deeply Jewish understanding of God’s ‘evolving, emergent, dynamic creation’ is fully compatible with today’s science, and that Jewish reflections on human nature resonate with emergent evolution—well, that would really be an achievement. You’re holding that achievement in your hands.”
—Dr. Philip Clayton, editor, The Oxford Handbook of Religion and Science; Ingraham Professor, Claremont School of Theology
“Deeply intellectually satisfying.... Articulates a winsome interface between that dynamism of creation and the patterned dynamism of Jewish liturgical life. [Rabbi Artson’s] capacity to link scientific understanding to the cadences of Jewish faith is a compelling and welcome read.”
—Dr. Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary
