What is reality? Is reality both mind and matter, body and soul, as taught by Western religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam? This is dualism, the approach of philosophers from Plato to Descartes. Or is reality only matter, as taught by many modern scientists and philosophers? This is materialism, the approach of philosophers from Hobbes to Marx. Or is reality only mind, as taught by Eastern religions and Western mystics. This is the approach of philosophers from Berkeley to Whitehead. The beginning of Genesis allows for multiple translations and interpretations. We will read the creation story in Genesis from the point of view of each of these three approaches--dualism, materialism, and idealism. In doing so, we will tell three very different creation stories. These stories will take us on a fascinating journey through science, philosophy, and religion. Join us on this journey as we explore issues such as does God perform miracles, why is there evil in the universe, was Darwin correct, can robots have souls, and if light is a wave, what is waving? ""Writing in a clear and personal style that draws in and holds the reader's interest to the end, Michael Gold examines fundamental questions on the nature of mind, matter, and God from three dominant perspectives within science, philosophy, and religion. Drawing from the wisdom of ancient, modern, and contemporary thinkers, Gold makes a compelling case that the universe is not simply made of inert matter but that it is, instead, imbued with life and consciousness."" --Marina P. Banchetti, Florida Atlantic University ""Seldom does one find in a single volume the range of knowledge contained in Rabbi Gold's work, Three Creation Stories. From Plato to Aristotle, from Descartes to Kant, Gold examines the creation stories of the Bible from the perspective of three major philosophical views of reality--dualism, materialism, and idealism. A must read for anyone wishing to grasp the intellectual basis of religious faith. A brilliant course in Western philosophy combined with solid theology."" --William Bogard, PhD ""Gold has gone beyond traditional rabbinic scholarship to define the mysteries of creation and reality. He has synthesized in this groundbreaking, maverick book one of the best and most convincing argumenting statements for faith in G-d as the one and only True Reality. Gold's writing is an absolute masterpiece of enlightenment and revelation for anyone searching for truth. I highly recommend this book."" --Choy Wong, Teacher of Biblical Mysticism, Caminos Educational Group Michael Gold received his PhD from Florida Atlantic University. He is the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Torah Sha'aray Tzedek in Tamarac, Florida, and a professor of philosophy and religion at Broward College. He is the author of five other books on Jewish family and spiritual life.
Industry Reviews
“Writing in a clear and personal style that draws in and holds the reader’s interest to the end, Michael Gold examines fundamental questions on the nature of mind, matter, and God from three dominant perspectives within science, philosophy, and religion. Drawing from the wisdom of ancient, modern, and contemporary thinkers, Gold makes a compelling case that the universe is not simply made of inert matter but that it is, instead, imbued with life and consciousness.”
—Marina P. Banchetti, Florida Atlantic University
“Seldom does one find in a single volume the range of knowledge contained in Rabbi Gold's work, Three Creation Stories. From Plato to Aristotle, from Descartes to Kant, Gold examines the creation stories of the Bible from the perspective of three major philosophical views of reality—dualism, materialism, and idealism. A must read for anyone wishing to grasp the intellectual basis of religious faith. A brilliant course in Western philosophy combined with solid theology.”
—William Bogard, PhD
“Gold has gone beyond traditional rabbinic scholarship to define the mysteries of creation and reality. He has synthesized in this groundbreaking, maverick book one of the best and most convincing argumenting statements for faith in G-d as the one and only True Reality. Gold’s writing is an absolute masterpiece of enlightenment and revelation for anyone searching for truth. I highly recommend this book.”
—Choy Wong, Teacher of Biblical Mysticism, Caminos Educational Group
