Making Sense of “God”: What God-talk Means and Does (Wipf & Stock, 2023), by Norman Solomon
Reviewed by Rabbi Reuven Chaim
Klein (Rachack Review)
This book serves as a delightful specimen
of healthy skepticism in the often-murky waters of theological discourse.
Although the author is an accomplished academic scholar, this particular work
is written for a popular audience. With its engaging style, thoughtful
insights, and provocative questions, it has the potential to spark lively
conversations and inspire readers to rethink their own beliefs and biases about
the Divine.
Solomon's aim is not to
indoctrinate or convert, but rather to provoke thought and stimulate
discussion. His book presents a dynamic dialogue where ideas collide and
intersect, rather than adhere to a rigid doctrinal framework. In other words,
this book does not take one specific approach, but rather presents everything
as in dialogue with each other. This encourages the reader to approach the
subject of the God/god and other facets of the Divine with an open mind and a
critical eye.
In doing so, the author aims to
frame conversations about God/god within the contemporary intellectual milieu
(dominated by scientism, atheism, and secularism) and shows how intellectually-rigorous
versions of those conversations might look. The author is armed with a buoyant
skepticism that injects a breath of fresh air into the discourse, while also unravelling
the complexities implicit in discussions of the Divine.
Throughout this work, Solomon
delves into the multifaceted nature of the concept of "God/god,"
probing whether, when referencing or invoking God in conversation, people are
alluding to: a metaphysical or theological reality, the prime mover behind
nature, nature itself, a moral or legal imperative, an expression of social
identity, a deeply personal experience (perhaps facilitated by psychedelics),
or something entirely distinct from all these interpretations. The author observes
that a wide spectrum of beliefs about the Divine can be found even within a
single society or culture, highlighting how diverse interpretations of God can and
must coexist.
Another recurring theme in this
book is Solomon’s caution against the temptation to superimpose contemporary
understanding and language onto ancient texts. He emphasizes the importance of
appreciating these texts within their original historical and cultural
contexts, recognizing that their intended meanings are intricately tied to the
specific times and places in which they were written.
Although many theological works
adopt a singular approach or perspective on “the truth,” Solomon embraces the
diversity of thought. Therefore, rather than presenting a monolithic argument,
he presents to the reader a multitude of perspectives, allowing for a more
nuanced understanding of the topic at hand. As a result, the book’s exploration
of “God talk” extends far beyond the confines of any single religious
tradition. In fact, by drawing on examples from the so-called Abrahamic
Religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), as well as Hinduism, Buddhism,
and a myriad of lesser-known faiths (both historic and current), the author offers
the reader a panoramic view of the diverse ways in which humanity has grappled
with the concept of the Divine throughout history.
Additionally, the author provides
readable (yet comprehensive) summaries of the fundamental lines of inquiry tackled
by a range of disciplines, including history, anthropology, psychology,
philosophy, linguistics, jurisprudence, and other various branches of science.
Through this interdisciplinary lens, Solomon invites readers to explore the
multifaceted nature of human beliefs related to the Divine and what shapes
those views.
While Solomon's approach is
decidedly skeptical and cautious, it is also imbued with a sense of curiosity
and wonder. He invites readers to join him on a journey of discovery,
challenging long-held assumptions and interrogating strongly-held beliefs. Yet,
for all his skepticism, Solomon never loses sight of the profound significance
that the concept of God holds for countless individuals around the world.
Because this book focuses on
digesting these sophisticated discussions and bringing them down to a popular
audience, it is light on citing exact sources but instead opts to present
things in broader strokes (that said, there is an average of one footnote per
page). The author’s tendency to rely more on broad strokes than meticulous
citations may leave some scholars craving more academic rigor. For that, they
would likely have to consult with Solomon’s more serious academic works.
Additionally, some readers may
find some of Solomon's humor a tad irreverent, although a cynic like myself can
actually appreciate his tone. That said, these minor quibbles pale in
comparison to the book's overall strengths.
One of the book's greatest
strengths lies in its accessibility. Solomon eschews the dense and impenetrable
language often associated with academic discourse, opting instead for a style
that is engaging and approachable. This makes the book eminently readable for a
wide audience, from the casual reader with a passing interest in theology to
the seasoned scholar looking for fresh insights.
Moreover, while many scholarly
works on theology tend to adopt a solemn and reverential tone, Solomon's
approach is refreshingly different. With a touch of wit and a pinch of humor,
he navigates through the dense underbrush of theological debates, offering
readers a lighter reading on a weighty topic.
The book's original format is as
innovative as its content. While the majority of the text takes the predictable
form of discursive essays, the author injects creativity and originality into
his presentation by interspersing those chapters with chapters written in a
totally different style. Those chapters are crafted as dialogues between two Divine
beings (wryly named William and James), with the younger god being more
interested in overseeing the creation/development of the world and of humanity,
while the older one pessimistically expresses his expectation that that
experiment will ultimately fail. This literary device adds a playful dimension
to the discussion, inviting readers to consider complex ideas through the lens
of imaginative storytelling.
Other chapters are presented as
the minutes of a seemingly-fictitious academic society called the Crumpet Club,
where a cast of seasoned scholars gather to discuss profound questions over tea
and crumpets. Per the rules of the club, these academicians would converse
about deep questions in intellectually-charged but jargon-free conversations,
all the while partaking in tea and crumpets. The author presents himself as a
member of that club who was privy to those conversations between experts. Besides
breathing some fresh air into the serious discussion, this literary device is
used as a way of illustrating to the reader how rituals and their meanings can
change over time, as the book’s records of the Crumpet Club span several
decades and the scholars in the conversation change over the course of the time-period
documented.
Solomon makes it clear that the
ultimate goal of the book is not to provide definitive answers, but rather to
guide readers through the complexities of theological discourse. To do so, the
author takes a common-sense approach to these matters. In some ways, this
methodology infuses the text with authenticity and is a delightful departure
from conventional theological treatises.
The author’s profile as a British
nonagenarian, whose long and varied career has seen him serve as an Orthodox
Jewish rabbi in the pulpit and as a professor (of Jewish Studies and of Jewish-Christian
relations) adds another layer of charm to the book. Yet, as a reviewer who
shares Solomon's Orthodox Jewish background, there is a sense of disappointment
that he does not delve deeper into this aspect to explain how the discussions
in his book shape his own beliefs and practices. Likewise, he does not proffer a
view of how the book is or is not compatible with Orthodox Judaism(s).
But then again, the author makes
clear that the “bottom line'” is not the point of the book; rather he admits
that the final destination is beyond his understanding. He only seeks to help
people avoid deception by those who claim they have already arrived at the
understanding of the One Immutable Truth by showing that nothing is quite that
simple. Through its creative presentation and thoughtful insights, this book
serves as a model of intellectual curiosity and a reminder that the search for
understanding is an ongoing and ever-evolving process.
