Why Evolution Matters: A Jewish View - Tapa dura

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

Why Evolution Matters examines the concept of evolution in relation to Judaism, showing that far from something to be avoided within the religion, evolutionary thought deepens an understanding of classic areas of Jewish concern, including free will, moral behavior, suffering, and death. The book presents a novel interpretation of biological evolution in which convergences, self-organization, constraints, and progress are seen as components of the divinely intended world. Why Evolution Matters confronts some major questions that are leveled at the Jewish religion: How can God have created the world when evolution says everything just happened? How can we believe in the truth of Genesis when it conflicts with the facts of evolution? How did we evolve and why does it matter? The book explains how Genesis and evolutionary cosmology and biology reinforce, rather than contradict, one another. Author Joel Yehudah Rutman, an experienced pediatric neurologist, draws on his own practical experience in a branch of medicine in which our evolutionary past is much in evidence. Why Evolution Matters is a 'must-read' for scientists, religious studies scholars, and anyone with an interest in religion. *** "...thoughtful and very well-researched, with extensive notes, bibliography, and index. This book will fit into collections on Jewish thought and philosophy, especially those that already have material on Judaism and science." -- AJL Reviews, Vol. V, No. 4, November/December 2015 [Subject: Evolution, Jewish Studies, Religious Studies, Philosophy]