Samuel Lebens, an academic philosopher and ordained Orthodox rabbi, discusses the existence of God in Jewish philosophy. Topics include the Problem of Evil, attributes of God, whether all religions worship the same God, metaphysical puzzles, God as a person, creation theories, universalism and punishment, altering the past, and multi-universe concepts.
Jewish philosophy emphasizes personal relationship with God over explicit arguments for existence.
Various theodicies and viewpoints in Judaism address the problem of evil and God's benevolence.
Judaism explores God's nature, interventions in history, and the complexities of time.
Deep dives
Philosophy of Judaism and Arguments for God's Existence
In the podcast episode, the exploration of the philosophy of Judaism reveals that arguments for and against the existence of God differ in comparison to other religions. Jewish thinkers often focus on the personal relationship with God throughout history rather than relying on explicit arguments for God's existence, such as the cosmological argument. Additionally, the discussion delves into responses to atheism's arguments based on God's hiddenness, showcasing the unique perspectives within the Jewish philosophical tradition.
Jewish Views on the Problem of Evil and Theodicy
The podcast discusses the problem of evil within Jewish theology, examining various theodicies and views on suffering in Jewish history, such as punitive theodicy and reincarnation. Jewish thought grapples with the complexities of reconciling the existence of evil and the attributes of a benevolent God. Concepts like soul-making theodicy and the role of evil in shaping individuals are explored, highlighting the diverse responses within Judaism to the problem of evil.
Understanding God in Judaism and Concepts of Omnipotence
The episode delves into the nature of God in Judaism, emphasizing the dualistic view that God is the foundation of all being while differentiating between mind and matter. Concepts such as God's omniscience and omnipotence are examined from a Jewish theological perspective, acknowledging both personal attributes of God and transcendent qualities that challenge traditional philosophical understandings. The discussion navigates the complexities of reconciling God's personal nature with attributes of perfection.
God's Interaction with Human Affairs and Jewish Universalism
The podcast explores the idea of God's intervention in human affairs, highlighting Jewish beliefs in God's active role in history beyond the constraints of natural laws. Additionally, the conversation touches upon Jewish universalism, acknowledging the inclusivity of righteous Gentiles in the world to come. Variations in Jewish theological perspectives on salvation and the afterlife are discussed, showcasing the diversity of thought within Judaism.
Metaphysical Puzzles and Concepts of God's Relationship with Time
In the episode, a metaphysical puzzle regarding God's ability to change the past is addressed. The exploration involves a hypothesis proposing that God can alter the past through a nuanced understanding of time and causation within Judaism. By introducing the concept of a hyper-presentist perspective, the episode delves into the complexities of how God's interaction with time challenges traditional assumptions about the nature of reality and divine omnipotence.
In honor of Rosh Hashanah, this week's podcast presents the arguments for, and against, the existence of God in Judaic history. From pogroms to the Holocaust, how to deal with the Problem of Evil — with respect to the existence of God and attributes of God? From a Jewish Orthodox perspective, do all religions worship the same God?
Samuel Lebens is an academic philosopher and an ordained Orthodox rabbi, having studied at various Israeli Rabbinical schools. He is an associate Professor in the philosophy department at the University of Haifa and co-founder of the Association for the Philosophy of Judaism.
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