From Library Journal
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.- Robert A. Silver, Shaker Heights P.L., OhioCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Sacred Fragments: Recovering Theology for the Modern Jew FROM THE PUBLISHER
For those seeking answers to the most difficult questions about religion today:How do we know there is a God?How could God allow the Holocaust to happen?Why do we need ritual?
Rabbi Neil Gillman will help you question what you believe. He will also make you angry. Most of all, he will leave you grateful for the questions, for the anger, and his guidance along the path toward your own theology.
SYNOPSIS
Rabbi Neil Gillman addresses the most difficult theological questions of our time and, retaining the sacred fragments of Judaism, he urges readers to rethink and reformulate what they believe.
FROM THE CRITICS
Hadassah Magazine
A wonderful way to begin taking Jewish theology seriously. The idea and the kinds of exercises he provides will enable Jewish parents to provide a coherent account of their beliefs for their children.
Theology Today
The best single introduction to Jewish religious thought in print, Gillman's book covers all the bases, from God to Holocaust, from prayer to Torah.
Library Journal
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.-- Robert A. Silver, Shaker Heights P.L., Ohio
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