The modern Jew, living in a world of shattered beliefs and competing ideologies, is often confronted with questions of faith. Sacred Fragments is for those who still care enough to continue the struggle. In forthright, nontechnical language the author addresses the most difficult theological questions of our time and shows that there are still viable Jewish answers for even the greatest skeptics.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Outstanding and clear survey marred by major omissions:
The ' sacred fragments' are those pieces of the broken first tablets which are preserved with the second tablets Moses brings down. They represent for Gillman those elements of the original revelation, and religion which too are to be preserved, though they be supplemented and augmented by the second tablets. In his midrashic reading Gillman sees the whole course of Jewish religious life in terms of historical development. The original ideas, the fragments are in themselves not enough, but must be... more info
Unbiased and provocative:
I have to disagree with some of the other reviews, I think that this book is unbiased, it presents many options and theological points of view and compares and contrasts them but leaves them open for us to decide. The writing style isnt as easy as I would hope but the subject matter is very deep as well. I think that it is important if one want to get into a serious study of jewish theology to read this book as difficult as the reading style may be at times. The author covers most serious questions and... more info
Fine Survey of Jewish Theology:
Gillman has written a very readable book that covers a lot of ground. He provides analysis and descriptions of the views of many influential thinkers in this area including: Martin Buber, Franz Rosenzweig, Mordecai Kaplan, Richard Rubenstein, et al. The author also includes certain non-Jewish influences such as Paul Tillich. The book is well organized with a heavy emphasis on mythology. It includes extensive chapter references and recommendations for further reading and study. It is a winner of the National... more info
An Excellent Introduction to Modern Jewish Theology:
Judaism is about more than ritual, law and observance. It is also about God and His relationship with humanity. In this excellent book, Rabbi Gillman, chair of the philosophy/theology department at the Jewish Theological Seminary (which ordains COnservative Rabbis) writes a lucid introduction to this complex subject that is fully accessible to lay persons with no Jewish background (although a little knowledge of philosophy will help) Besides surveying all the major trends in Jewish theological thought from... more info
