Sacred Fragments: Recovering Theology for the Modern Jew

JUDAICA

This is an imposing overview of contemporary Jewish theology for modern Jews. Based on courses that Rabbi Gillman taught at the Jewish Theological Seminary, it offers a lucid account of current Jewish religious beliefs and doctrines across the entire spectrum, from supernaturalist Orthodoxy on the right to naturalist Reconstructionism on the left. Key topics such as God’s existence, revelation, theodicy, religious authority, ritual, prayer, and eschatology are fascinatingly explored. Gillman’s own views, which favor a middle-of-the-road existentialist approach, do not preclude objective analyses of differing viewpoints. Excellent detailed bibliographies further enhance the value of the book. Directed to questing lay readers, this brilliant exposition of Jewish theology should satisfy the needs of readers wanting to transcend the facile popular approach exemplified by Harold Kushner’s books. A major effort that cannot be recommended too highly for all Judaica collections.

pp. 289 #290524