A Theology for the Rest of US

If God exists and is good, why is there evil? Avoiding such questions underlies the spiritual emptiness and anxiety in today's world. A Theology for the Rest of Us explores how to approach the divine through Eastern and Western religious traditions without dogma, challenging readers to "be you lamps unto yourselves."

In a time of internecine wars and all kinds of abuse of authority and trust, too many good, thoughtful people are "voting with their feet" and turning away from organized religion. Popular "spirituality"-a sort of mysticism-lite articulated in memes-is often unsatisfying as well.

A Theology for the Rest of Us is a straightforward approach to the fundamental questions of religion and philosophy:

- Does God exist?

- Is there free will?

- What is 'evil'?

This book draws on the traditions of the East as well as the West-Taoism, Buddhism and Hinduism in addition to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam-to see what can make sense in today's world. Whether exploring the implications of 17th century Enlightenment philosophers, quantum physics, or the insights of writers such as Dostoyevsky and Alan Watts, the reader is offered a rational, coherent approach that can provide understanding and a basis for hope in a world where the spirit has been all but decimated by doubt and worse.

Most important, the reader is encouraged to sift through these sources and choose what resonates and what does not. As the Buddha taught so many years ago, the Prime Directive is "Be ye lamps unto yourselves." A Theology for the Rest of Us makes teachings accessible to those who have already begun their spiritual journeys, validating their questions and showing that reasonable answers are available.

“Religious advocates often have a tendency to keep pushing their brand, and that, sadly, only tends to push people away,” says Arthur Yavelberg, former Head of School (The Tucson Hebrew Academy) and Dean of Students (Sir Manasseh Meyer International School Singapore), who has witnessed the spiritual coming-of-age of thousands of young people, alongside grappling with his own search for life’s meaning. “If I can help some people sort through the vexing questions and give a sense as to possible answers out there, that might save someone some of the kind of turmoil I went through.  At the very least, they may realize they are not alone in their discomfort.”

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.