Creation Ex Nihilo: Thoughts on Science, Divine Providence, Free Will, and Faith in the Perspective of My Own Experiences

by Benjamin Fain

Overview

Creation Ex Nihilo is about science and faith, the secular view on the one hand, and the Jewish-religious view on the other. Professor Benjamin Fain, the renowned physicist and Soviet refusenik, here adds his contribution to the literature showing that there is no contradiction between science and Judaism. In a scholarly yet readable philosophical meditation, Fain addresses the mind and soul; science, its character and cognizance; the evolution of life and divine providence; and God s omnipotence and omniscience versus humans freedom of will. Fain demonstrates how the human self with its soul, desires, and emotions is linked to the infinite divine mind. In this world of interplay between divine providence and free will, there is a place for human creativity; new things, including science, are created ex nihilo. This book demonstrates conclusively that not only do science and Judaism not collide, they complement each other in helping us to comprehend the world we live in.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789652293992
Publisher:	Gefen Publishing House
Publication date:	07/20/2007
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Benjamin Fain was born in Kiev. He obtained his Ph.D..D. from the Gorky University (USSR) and acquired a worldwide reputation in the field of laser physics. His activism as a Soviet refusenik, working to bring a cultural, spiritual dimension to the Jewish national movement in the Soviet Union, earned him a thick file with the KGB.

After suffering Soviet repression, in 1977 he was finally allowed to fulfill his lifelong dream to move to Israel, where he has been living and working ever since. He is currently Professor Emeritus of the School of Chemistry, Tel Aviv University.

What People are Saying About This

Jane S. Gerber

"Benjamin Fain's profound reflections on human existence reflect a remarkable contemporary scientist's restatement of ancient inquiries on man's free will and divine knowledge. Fain's role as leading Soviet activist, renowned physicist and historic personality is here joined with his creative ruminations on the conundrums of faith and meaning. His statement of faith as a man of science offers fascinating and inspired reading."--(Jane S. Gerber, Professor of Jewish History and Director, Center for Jewish Studies and Institute for Sephardic Studies at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York)

Irving Greenberg

"[A] remarkable book. It combines a sophisticated statement of the scientist's sense of design as the best proof of God the Creator, and of the Jewish contention that we live in a world of creation..."--(Rabbi Irving (Yitz) Greenberg, President, Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt Foundation)

Joseph Bodenheimer

"This is a breath of fresh air in the domain of the philosophy of science; it awakens renewed thought in all the subjects the book deals with. I am full of satisfaction at the many hours that I invested in reading it, and at the intellectual illumination that I merited to attain through it."--(Dr. Joseph Bodenheimer, President, Jerusalem College of Technology)

Natan Sharansky

"Dr. Fain's book - a deeply personal testimony of scientific and spiritual search of our times penetrates the secrets of the world and the depths of the spirit... This book is a must-read."--(Natan Sharansky, Distinguished Senior Fellow, The Shalem Center)