Science and Religion

A Jewish Historical Perspective

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Science and Religion: A Jewish Historical Perspective

In the debate about science and religion, there are radical camps on both sides. However, various Jewish approaches, suggest Professor Cantor, have historically transcended both extremes.

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Topics:	Jewish History, Evolution, Torah & Science

By Geoffrey Cantor

Geoffrey Cantor is Emeritus Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Leeds and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Science & Technology Studies at University College, London. He has written extensively on the history of science since the 17th century, including books upon Michael Faraday, the wave theory of light and the responses of the Quaker and Jewish religions to science. With John Hedley Brooke he delivered the 1995–1996 Gifford Lecture at the University of Glasgow which was subsequently published as Reconstructing Nature: The Engagement of Science and Religion in 1998.

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10 Comments

Ellie Oregon May 29, 2015

So, nowadays, do most Jews merge the Torah's teachings with those of modern-day science? Reply

Charles E. Miller, Jr. Chesapeake, Va February 19, 2014

Theistic Evolution I agree with my friend from Oxford. I am surprised of the Anti-Semitic talk among some so-called scientist. Jews and Christians should stand together against such people. As the Rev. Billy Graham, G-d could have created our universe by any means. Reply

Dr. Elyas F. Isaacs, PhD, MPH, DDiv. New York, New York October 23, 2012

Agreement Shmuel delivers a good message. From the world of modern day science, we have both Charles Darwin as well as Albert Einstein evincing evolution and "science".
It would prove interesting and inspirational to learn the Rebbe's views on these modern day wisdoms and on their chief proponents' properties of righteousness. Reply

Shmuel Graybar Brooklyn, NY October 22, 2012

I am amazed the professor makes no mentioned of the Lubavitcher Rebbe's views on evolution and science in general, esp. since the Rebbe had been trained in both Torah and secular subjects, and was probably the preeminent Jewish leader of the 20th century. Reply

Mr. Norihiko Arima June 27, 2012

The boundary conditions. the moment liberation. Hello. Although not epistemology, Away from the existential self-effacement when it comes to consciousness, In other words, before and after the moment of liberation There is a time not be recognized. From the boundary conditions of transcendental number theory, Equivalent value is established around the outside boundaries of the real and imaginary, and in the. Expression inside and outside is present in the area in front of just before the boundary. Prophet and a small gate was allowed to prophecy of the future is important. Current is also important promises of the past time axis compression. These, but repetition of "the little nello", Existence until it is past. When you include the future to the past and present will be and continue to exist or how the monism. (Across the time axis is both ends remove and observe) Reply

Elyas Fraenkel Isaacs New York, New York April 6, 2012

The Language Used Halleluyah!! Reply

Daisey Fish Housotn, TX USA April 5, 2012

Science and Religion Please hve him present more lectures. He is so enlightening and refreshing. Reply

Elyas Fraenkel Isaacs New York, New York April 1, 2012

More On Parmenides To respond I'd like to open that every Friday night as darkness falls, Jews throughout the world welcome the Bride of Shabbos into their
lives and synagogue homes. The spiritual wisdom descends from above and joins those in the real world to extend the divinity and joyful
bliss of the Lord's rest day. Some will say that Parmenides relies on the Pythagorean view of being and of eternal forms fixed and unchanging.
But Parmenides' goddess of the Proem is not a static literary device but a vibrant, active, dynamic, ever changing voice responsive to that which
is encountered and understood. She offers wisdom but provokes that wisdom is not a gift but requires active participation and rebukes those who
do not even offer consideration to it. Within the Proem is readily shown that wisdom completely fills the earthen realm. It has existence, breadth,
and height of dimension forming its body for all to observe and evaluate and then apply and use for life. Reply

Suzi March 30, 2012

Jewish religion and science from Oxford Univ. I found this most interesting and hopeful. It was a breath of fresh air. I embrace both philosphies, and always have.

My way of thinking may be different than others, but it allows me the intellect of the formation of this world, and coexists with the Torah. Reply

Elyas Fraenkel Isaacs New York, New York March 29, 2012

Monotheistic Traditions I was told Parmenides followed and upheld a monotheistic spiritual tradition. How do you account for this in that historic era Greece? Reply

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Science and Religion: A Jewish Historical Perspective

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