The Emergence of God
January 1, 2015 DOI: 10.5771/9780761865834 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThis book explores the possibility that a God conceived as natural law or creative force, rather than a personal being, could still be conscious. Drawing on human consciousness, emergence theory, and Jewish thought, the author constructs a model of God as a sentient Self that remains compatible with rationality. The argument challenges both believers and skeptics to reconsider ideas about God, community, and human experience.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that God can be conceived as a conscious, sentient Self through the integration of emergence theory and Jewish thought, without sacrificing rationality. |
Abstract
In a culture firmly grounded in scientific thought, it has become common to think of “God” as the label we use for natural law, the creative, organizational forces in the universe, rather than as a great, omniscient Being. Is it possible to imagine such a God as being conscious? This is the question at the heart of this book. Through an exploration of human consciousness, emergence theory, and Jewish thought and belief, David Nelson constructs an intriguing new model by which we may think about God as a sentient Self without sacrificing our commitment to rationality. This bold, innovative approach will challenge believers and skeptics alike, and will lead readers of all faiths to think deeply about God, community, and the experience of being human.