Norman Solomon’s Purpose: Thought Provocation and Discussion Stimulation

By Rabbi Reuven Chaim Klein, July 21, 2024

Norman Solomon’s new book,Making Sense of “God”: What God-Talk Means and Does, serves as an invigorating touch of healthy skepticism in the often perplexing waters of theological discourse. Despite Solomon being an accomplished academic, his latest work is skillfully written for the wider public, encouraging readers to participate in enriching dialogues and to critically reassess their beliefs about the Divine.

Why It Matters

This work’s significance lies in its commitment to stir intellectual curiosity rather than impose beliefs. Solomon’s central aim is not to indoctrinate or convert, but to foster a dialogue where diverse ideas intermingle. This intellectual exercise invites readers—irrespective of their theological orientation—to engage the subject of divinity with openness and critical analysis. By doing so, it aligns well with democratic values, much like the vibrant and argumentative spirit embedded in Israeli culture.

A Contemporary Approach

Solomon frames God-related conversations amid a modern intellectual environment teeming with scientism, atheism, and secularism. Armed with sensible skepticism, he introduces a refreshing breath of clarity, dissecting the layered complexities involved in discussions about the Divine.

Diverse Perspectives and Cultural Insights

Traversing various interpretations of “God/god,” Solomon navigates through whether references to God signify metaphysical truths, natural principles, moral imperatives, expressions of social identity, personal experiences, or something else entirely. Highlighting the spectrum of religious viewpoints co-existing within societies mirrors Israel’s own rich tapestry of cultural and religious viewpoints.

Historical and Cultural Contexts

Solomon cautions against superimposing contemporary understandings onto ancient texts, emphasizing the richness of appreciating these texts within their original contexts. This echoes the Israeli spirit of respecting history while forging modern interpretations.

Embracing Diversity in Thought

Solomon avoids the common theological pitfall of presenting a homogenized argument. Instead, he champions a diversity of thoughts drawn from the Abrahamic religions as well as Hinduism, Buddhism, and lesser-known faiths. This inclusiveness reflects Israel’s pluralistic society, where a multitude of cultural and spiritual beliefs coexist.

Interdisciplinary Methodology

Providing concise summaries spanning disciplines such as anthropology, psychology, and philosophy, Solomon invites readers to explore the multidimensional aspect of divine beliefs and what influences them. This interdisciplinary approach aligns perfectly with Israel’s thriving academic and intellectual environment.

Accessible and Innovative

One of this book’s strengths is its approachable style. Solomon employs engaging and witty prose, much like Israel’s straightforward and innovative communication culture, making it a text accessible to beginners and experts alike.

Creativity in Presentation

With inventive formats, including dialogues between Divine entities and fictional academic discussions, Solomon layers theological exploration with imaginative storytelling. This reflects Israel’s innovative spirit, continually pushing boundaries in technology, culture, and academia.

The Author’s Authentic Journey

As a British nonagenarian rooted in Orthodox Judaism, Solomon enriches his scholarly work with personal charm, yet his reluctance to delve deep into how these discussions shape his own Orthodox beliefs offers readers a fertile ground for further exploration, emphasizing the Jewish intellectual tradition of questioning and seeking knowledge.

The Bottom Line

While Solomon admits that discovering ultimate truths is beyond his scope, his endeavor aims to dispel the pretensions of absolute certainty held by others. This pursuit of understanding is at the core of Solomon’s work, encouraging continuous inquiry, much like Israel’s relentless quest for innovation and progress. Through its creative presentation and thoughtful insights, his book stands as a testament to enduring intellectual curiosity and the continuous journey for knowledge and meaning.

Book Details

Making Sense of “God”: What God-Talk Means and Does
Author: Norman Solomon
Publisher: Wipf & Stock, 2023
352 pages; $39 (paperback)

Related Tags

Judaism, Literature, Spirituality, God

This story was first published on jpost.com.