Judaism and the Doctrine of Creation

The topic of this book is 'creation'. It breaks down into discussions of two distinct, but interrelated, questions: what does the universe look like, and what is its origin? The opinions about creation considered by Norbert Samuelson come from the Hebrew scriptures, Greek philosophy, Jewish philosophy and contemporary physics. His perspective is Jewish, liberal and philosophical. It is 'Jewish' because the foundation of the discussion is biblical texts interpreted in the light of traditional rabbinic texts. It is 'philosophical' because the subject matter is important in both past and present philosophical texts, and to Jewish philosophy in particular. Finally, it is 'liberal' because the authorities consulted include heterodox as well as orthodox Jewish sources. The ensuing discussion leads to original conclusions about a diversity of topics, including the limits of human reason and religious faith, and the relevance of scientific models to religious doctrine.

"The modern dialogue/conflict between religion and science has been almost exclusively the realm of Protestants and Catholics. Samuelson....provides an impressive overview of key Jewish authors--ancient, medieval and modern--whose works provide the most meaningful insight into the dialogue. His grasp of modern physics is also impressive....[the book is] provocative and rewarding." Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, Journal of the American Scientific Affiliation, "This is a sophisticated and valuable work that libraries serving advanced Judaica and philosophy programs will want to purchase." Choice, "...his work is one of the few lucid and intelligent efforts to cross this modern divide, his study will be useful to scholars of Jewish philosophy and the philosophy of science." Mara Benjamin, Religious Studies Review, "Samuelson concludes by drawing on quantum mechanics and recent scientific cosmogonies to offer correlations between contemporary physics and traditional Jewish thinking about creation....lucid and intelligent..." Mara Benjamin, Religious Studies Review, "Samuelson's approach to the religion-science interaction ultimately provides a foundation for judging, critiquing the adequacy of contemporary cosmology for the future of Jewish thought....Samuelson's efforts to draw us into that world are lucid and instructive....the new book by Samuelson is a vital, lucid, creative contribution." James F. Moore, Zygon