US Review of Books
(reviewed by Carol Anderson, D.Min., ACSW)
In this "little book" regarding theology, the author begins by stating that what he's written is probably nothing new but perhaps examined in a different manner. This is because the focus is on helping others find their own paths and insights without religious dogma. The author achieves this by exploring in twelve chapters issues such as identifying the Divine, free will, the dilemma of the body/mind connection, eschatology, and reincarnation. He utilizes work from various religions and belief systems as well as teachings from various philosophers while looking at the issues of suffering, grief, impermanence, science, and evil. He notes that he does not use the term "God," for it has become a confusing word. Instead, he uses Divine Intelligence (DI).
Well-written, the book gives thought to a number of questions, including examining the DI and free will, which are the most interesting aspects of the book. In using various thoughts and beliefs related to the DI, he adds meaning to his discussion of how understanding the DI helps us to live our lives in a healthy manner. The chapters "Who to Believe," "Reincarnation," and the summary chapter are the strongest ones. Asking questions throughout the book also keeps the reader on their toes, for these questions help readers examine their own beliefs. A rather quirky hodgepodge of such information could be confusing, but the author manages to make it work. Yavelberg's book would serve as a good companion text to similar works or perhaps be suitable for those on a beginning path into spirituality. In short, it is simply engaging.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
Tucsonlocalmedia
There are questions that have answers, questions without answers, and questions that just lead to more questions. In his new book, "A Theology for the Rest of Us," local writer Arthur Yavelberg tackles all these types of questions in the hopes of providing some religious illumination in these uncertain times. Now that's not to say the book aims to convince anyone of anything, but by examining various religions' insights on topics like free will, the identity of the creator, and why evil exists, Yavelberg provides a map for spiritual awareness.
Yavelberg, who has worked as a teacher of history and comparative religion, as well as the head of Tucson Hebrew Academy, describes the book as "the sum total of his religious theological insight over a lifetime." But for a book that gathers sources as diverse as the Bible, Buddhist teachings, Dostoevsky's novels, the Koran and even The Terminator, it's condensed down to a surprisingly easy-to-read 100 pages.
As Yavelberg states in the book's opening, "We may never reach absolute certainty, but we are reasonably confident that we can make enough progress to make a difference in living our day-to-day lives."
Contemplative Life Bookstore
An educator, holding an M.A./B.A. Philosophies of Judaism (Jewish Theological Seminary of America) and M.A. Educational Administration (Northeastern Illinois University), Yavelberg writes in a conversational tone that makes complex ideas easy and accessible.
