
The Emergence of God
A Rationalist Jewish Exploration of Divine Consciousness
David W. Nelson(Author)
University Press of America
Published on 1. May 2015
Book
Paperback/Softback
162 pages
978-0-7618-6582-7 (ISBN)
Description
In a culture firmly grounded in scientific thought, it has become common to think of "God" as the label we use for natural law, the creative, organizational forces in the universe, rather than as a great, omniscient Being. Is it possible to imagine such a God as being conscious? This is the question at the heart of this book. Through an exploration of human consciousness, emergence theory, and Jewish thought and belief, David Nelson constructs an intriguing new model by which we may think about God as a sentient Self without sacrificing our commitment to rationality. This bold, innovative approach will challenge believers and skeptics alike, and will lead readers of all faiths to think deeply about God, community, and the experience of being human.
Reviews / Votes
David Nelson boldly tackles the question of what a life of faith could possibly mean in the light of new scientific discoveries. I am deeply moved by the author's willingness to face up to theological issues raised by science. This book deserves the close attention of everyone struggling to understand what the word "God" means in the age of science. -- John F. Haught, Georgetown University David Nelson addresses a difficult subject with honesty: How can there be God, given what we know about the world? His answers provide a surprising and extraordinary new way to think about God and Judaism. . . . We searchers are on a new path and David Nelson guides us with scholarship, wisdom, and spiritual sensitivity to the searcher as well as to the doubter. -- William Cutter, professor emeritus of literature and human relations, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Los Angeles A rigorous scientific worldview can seem incompatible with profound religious faith. In this surprising and creative book, David Nelson shows us how quite the opposite could be the case: how modern emergence theories of consciousness might support a theology of personal faith intimately interconnected with community. This book is an ambitious attempt to craft a compelling theology that is at once firmly grounded in Judaic tradition and simultaneously respectful of modern scientific understanding. -- Lynn Andrea Stein, professor of computer and cognitive science, Olin College of EngineeringMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Lanham, MD
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight
248 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7618-6582-7 (9780761865827)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
05/2015
1st Edition
University Press of America
€35.49
Available for download

E-Book
05/2015
1st Edition
University Press of America
€35.49
Available for download
Person
David W. Nelson teaches religion and Jewish studies, and serves as campus rabbi at Bard College in Annandale on Hudson, New York.
Content
Chapter One: In Search of God's Consciousness
Chapter Two: The Brain, the Mind, and Consciousness
Chapter Three: The Emergence of God
Chapter Four: Emergent God and Mitzvot/Commandments
Chapter Five: Scrutinizing the Model
Chapter Six: The Ultimate Mitzvah
Chapter Seven: Exploring Loneliness
Epilogue: A Brief, Final Thought: But What if I'm Wrong?
Index
Chapter Two: The Brain, the Mind, and Consciousness
Chapter Three: The Emergence of God
Chapter Four: Emergent God and Mitzvot/Commandments
Chapter Five: Scrutinizing the Model
Chapter Six: The Ultimate Mitzvah
Chapter Seven: Exploring Loneliness
Epilogue: A Brief, Final Thought: But What if I'm Wrong?
Index