Introduction to Process Thought: Judaism Through the Prism of Dynamism & Relationship

Introduction to Process Thought: Judaism Through the Prism of Dynamism & Relationship

Thursdays, 10am-11am PDT

Note: This class is now full. Please do not attempt to register.

Prerequisite Note: Due to the virtual setting of this class, you must have computer capability, including internet access, in order to participate. A camera is also optimal but not required.

Much of what we were told when we were younger pits science against religion, unchanging laws of nature against miracles, a good God against the tragedies that strike all living things, a God who knows the future absolutely against an open tomorrow that our choices help make real. Process Thought reveals these to be false choices, and can liberate us from the strictures of ancient Greek and medieval European philosophy, allowing us to see all creation as related patterns of energy that continues to emerge dynamically. We will look at how this worldview – integrating contemporary science – opens a new understanding of God, Creation, Revelation and Redemption.

Week One (August 6, 2020): Almighty? No Way! Embracing the God You Actually Love

Week Two (August 13th, 2020): Renewing the Process of Creation: Science & Religion

Week Three (August 20th, 2020): Giving and Receiving: The Continuing Process of Torah

Week Four (August 27th, 2020): And On That Day: Redemption and Choosing a Worthy Future

ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES.

Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson holds the Abner and Roslyn Goldstine Dean's Chair of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and is Vice President of American Jewish University in Los Angeles. Rabbi Artson has long been a passionate advocate for social justice, human dignity, diversity and inclusion. He wrote a book on Jewish teachings on war, peace and nuclear annihilation in the late 80s, became a leading voice advocating for GLBT marriage and ordination in the 90s, and has published and spoken widely on environmental ethics, special needs inclusion, racial and economic justice, cultural and religious dialogue and cooperation, and working for a just and secure peace for Israel and the Middle East. A member of the Philosophy Department, he is particularly interested in theology, ethics, and the integration of science and religion. He supervises the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program and mentors Camp Ramah in California in Ojai and Ramah of Northern California in the Bay Area. He is also dean of the Zacharias Frankel College in Potsdam, Germany, ordaining Conservative rabbis for Europe. A frequent contributor for the Huffington Post and for the Times of Israel, and a public figure Facebook page with over 53,000 likes, he is the author of 12 books and over 250 articles, most recently Renewing the Process of Creation: A Jewish Integration of Science and Spirit.