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

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%E2%80%94we 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. (Dec.)