Why Evolution Matters: a Jewish View - Hardcover

Joel Yehudah Rutman

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0853038589 ISBN 13: 9780853038580

Publisher: Vallentine Mitchell & Co Ltd, 2014

Synopsis

Rutman examines the concept of evolution in relation to Judaism, showing that far from something to be avoided within the religion, evolutionary thought deepens our understanding of classic areas of Jewish concern including free will, moral behaviour, suffering and death. He presents a novel interpretation of biological evolution in which convergences, self-organization, constraints and progress are seen as components of the divinely intended world.

About this title

Review:

Joel Rutman has written a timely and profoundly important book on the relationship of Judaism and science. Since God is Author of both Torah and the laws of nature, these two domains cannot conflict. When they seem to be in conflict, for example in the case of evolution, we need to be wise enough to integrate the teachings of Torah and science. This book eschews obscurantism; it challenges readers to think, to be intellectually alive. That is no small accomplishment. --Rabbi Dr Marc D. Angel, Past President of Rabbinical Council of America

In this book Joel Rutman presents an intriguing, novel approach to the issues of evolutionary science and Judaism. Rutman embraces evolution and works into it a sensitive case for Jewish religious values. His is an outstanding contribution that deserves wide attention by scientists, theologians, and philosophers, as well as by lay-persons. --Yehudah Gellman, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Ben Gurion University of the Negev

A very readable and well-conceived attempt to reconcile Judaism and evolution. The approach is thankfully honest and free of apologetics. Rutman knows the science well and summarizes it beautifully for the lay reader. --Rabbi Dr Arthur Green, Professor and Rector of the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College in Newton, MA, Professor Emeritus at Brandeis University

In this book Joel Rutman presents an intriguing, novel approach to the issues of evolutionary science and Judaism. Rutman embraces evolution and works into it a sensitive case for Jewish religious values. His is an outstanding contribution that deserves wide attention by scientists, theologians, and philosophers, as well as by lay-persons. --Yehudah Gellman, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Ben Gurion University of the Negev

A very readable and well-conceived attempt to reconcile Judaism and evolution. The approach is thankfully honest and free of apologetics. Rutman knows the science well and summarizes it beautifully for the lay reader. --Rabbi Dr Arthur Green, Professor and Rector of the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College in Newton, MA, Professor Emeritus at Brandeis University

About the Author:

Now retired, Joel Rutman graduated from Harvard Medical School and completed residencies in both pediatrics and neurology followed by clinical practice and teaching. He was an Examiner for the American Board of Pediatrics with Special Competence in Child Neurology; Professor of Pediatrics (Neurology) at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas; and was a Graduate of the Hebrew Academy and Yeshivath Adath in Cleveland, Ohio.

About this edition

• Publisher: Vallentine Mitchell & Co Ltd
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0853038589
• ISBN 13: 9780853038580
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 200