When Judaism Meets Science - Hardcover

by Roger L. Price (Author)

This book seeks to confront the challenge that science presents to the traditional pillars of Judaism. It identifies and analyzes a wide variety of issues, including some contemporary sacred cows. First, the book considers what is fact and what is fiction in the primary stories contained in Judaism's foundational texts. Then, drawing on Jewish ethical teachings, it seeks to determine how Judaism and science can inform each other with respect to a broad range of contemporary issues, from abortion and allergies to vaccinations and violence with firearms. Finally, it peeks into the future to address issues that Judaism and science are just now beginning to discuss, such as an exotheology for aliens on distant planets, a Jewdroid who seeks acceptance in a shul, and even the fate of the universe itself. When Judaism Meets Science addresses readers of all persuasions--regardless of denomination and whether a believer or not--as the author builds a case, with specific recommendations, for the value of a reality-based Judaism, one grounded on both traditional ethics and empirical evidence that can resonate with the educated adults of Israel.

Author Biography

Roger Price is a graduate of the University of Chicago Law School and the University of Michigan. Since retirement, he has concentrated on writing for the Judaism and Science website, where he explores the interrelationship of Judaism and the physical, biological, and social sciences. In the broader Jewish community, Price has taught at Hevreh: A Community of Adult Jewish Learners, the URJ Summer Learning Institute, BJE Chicago's Kickstart, Limmud, and congregations around the country.