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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
Introduction: Creation in Process
Part I. The Sciences of Creation
1. Science and Creation: What Are We Seeking?
2. Cosmology and Physics: A Dynamic, Emerging Universe
3. Biology and Evolution: Everyone's Family!
4. Emergence, Fine-Tuning, and the Anthropic Principle: An Unlikely World That Fits Us Perfectly!
5. A Copernican Proposal: Natural Events and Their Emergent Patterns
Part II. Creation Theology in the Light of Science
6. Dynamic Universe: Self-Determining at Every Level
7. Freedom and Agency—Creatures’ and Creator’s: Everything Participates in Choosing the Future
8. To Life! A Cosmic Dayenu
Part III. Creation in Space and Time
9. Vibrating over the Face of the Deep: Continuous Creation and Jewish Faithfulness
10. Marking Time: The Jewish Calendar as a Prism on Creation
Part IV. Creation Ethics
11. Life as Good, Earth as Home
12. The Path of Stewardship: Humanity’s Relationship toward the Earth
13. Beyond Stewardship: A Partnership Celebrating Biodiversity
14. Creation and Death: Joining the Cycle of Life
Part V. Locating Ourselves: Israel and the World
15. Territory without Map: The Sanctity of Soil
16. The Earth Is the Holy One’s: Blessings for Food
17. Responsibility for Our "Place": The Earth Is in Our Hands
Conclusion: Clay in the Potter’s Hands—Telling the Creation Story from the Inside
Acknowledgments
Notes
Suggestions for Further Reading