Permission to Believe

by Lawrence Kelemen

Book Overview

The most perplexing question of all times: does God really exist? And is it really irrational to believe so? World renowned lecturer and educator Rabbi Lawrence Kelemen, Harvard graduate, examines the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0944070558
• ISBN13: 9780944070550
• Release Date: January 1990
• Publisher: Targum Press
• Length: 104 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Much more convincing than his later book

I earlier reviewed a later book written by Lawrence Kelemen entitled "Permission to Receive." I stated that although well written and interestingly argued, I was left unconvinced that there was literally a revelation at Sinai. I read "Permission to Believe" several years ago and I have found it to be more convincing. What Kelemen does in both books is to use rational arguments to prove the existence of G-d (Permission to Believe) and the literal giving of the Torah by G-d (Permission to Receive). In searching for G-d, there have always been both rationalists and mystics. Kelemen argues the rationalist position well. He attempts to reason the reader into believing that G-d exists. Although reason cannot prove the existence of G-d, it can leave us convinved of the logic that G-d must exist. He advances four arguments to support his position in each book and in "Permission to Believe, I am convinced by the argument which could, perhaps, be summarized "something could not have been created from nothing." The reason why this book is more convincing than the later book is because here, it is quite possible to conclude that the divine is part of the nature of existence; that creation and life could not logically have come from nothing. In other words, he is trying to argue the natural order with logic. On the other hand, in "Permission to Receive," he is attempting to argue a subjective, supernatural event by using logic. A divine revelation is a supernatural event rather than being part of the natural order. Accordingly he was attempting to use reason to prove the mystical. In Permission to Believe, on the other hand, he is using logic and reason to prove the more general concept that philosophers have reasoned over for millenia; that G-d must exist. This argument, without trying to prove supernatural specific events, is stronger and I remain convinced in the existence of G-d in some meaningful form.

leave the "blind faith" principle behind before reading this

This is an excellent book that introduces you to the basics of belief (and not blind faith) in God. It is suitable for everyone that wishes to try and leave the "blind faith" principle of The Church behind and start to really think. Yes, there will be questions afterwards, many of them. That's just fine. It just means that one should go and learn more about God, this time without blinkers.A reviewer from the UK wrote, "For those who are familiar with the philosophy of Randian Objectivism this philosophy will be weak. For those without a deep understanding of science or philosophy this book will be very persuasive. This book must be read critically and the science used must be questioned."If the reviewer found the arguments weak he either does not fully appreciate the illogical conclusions of Ayn Rand which is that "Life is meaningless and I refuse to even consider any other view" or the reviewer is a confirmed Randian and is applying his own narrow minded view and refuses to even consider a rational approach to whether Life has any meaning.Randian philosophy like many other philosophies grew out of a society that when confronted with Science and rationality, found the primitive paganism of The Church complete nonsense. However, one should not paint Judaism with the same brush.Judaism, (unlike all the other systems of faith that "claim" to have superseded it), does in fact hold up to a rational and scientific approach. There is a God. He does care. There is meaning in Life. Go Learn!

The Name says it All.

A real mind opening book for those whom are willing to let their minds be opened. The author objectively shows how even the most logical of minds is able to admit logically that it is G_D whom created our world and all that is within it. He uses straight forward logic and documented sources. He quotes well known and respected personalities with a complete bibliography. Plus the book is very well written and very enjoyable to read. A must for everyone to better understand the world we are in.

Food for thought for one who is willing to think

Since I got this book,I've read it a few times,concentrating on the information it presents and analyzing it in relation to my worldviews.I find all that he says to be compelling one to research it further,if one is willing to be honest with himself.The book itself is written in an understandable language,which is often a problem with other books on this subject. I think it should be read by one who is willing to honestly consider the possibility of G-d's existence.

Concise, powerful, and brilliantly researched.

Kelemen offers the most powerful challenge to atheists and agnostics I have ever read. When I finished the book, I felt I would have to take a leap of faith to DENY God's existence. This is essential reading for any open-minded skeptic.