Judaism in Biological Perspective by Rick Goldberg

"Judaism in Biological Perspective - Biblical Lore and Judaic Practices" is a very special book that I count as a treasure in my bookcase. It is combining sound empirical studies on the evolution of Judaic mythologies and rituals with other chapters debating evolutionary studies of religion from Jewish perspectives. For example, the editor Rick Goldberg is comparing the old Rabbinic concept of Yetzer to modern perspectives of evolutionary psychology. And Michael Satlow is demonstrating how Judaism retained its more monist perspective on reality, making it more open to biological discourses than for example more dualist Christian traditions.

Given my scientific focus on matters of religion and reproduction, I have been enthralled by Laura Betzig's study of Fertility among prominent men in the Bible, of course. But with David Barash, intrafamily conflicts in the Bible and Biological Theory are also compared and discussed. Melvin Konner is exploring a Sociobiology of the Jews, from Sexual Selection to Circumcision and the centrality of texts in a coevolutionary framework.

In chapter 6, Rick Goldbergs adds a compelling case study about the fertility-enhancing traditions of niddah-tvilah, the conjugal separation and reunion of spouses, aimed at regulating family relationships and enhancing reproduction. Craig Palmer and Lyle Steadman are placing Judaism in the broader concept of human evolutionary success. Finally, famous ornithologist Amotz Zahavi adds a comparison of observations of handicap principles at work among birds - and Jewish humans. Goldberg debates the biological sense of Judaic Sacrificing and Richard Sosis presents a sound final: "Why Are Synagoge Services So Long? An Evolutionary Examination of Jewish Ritual Signals"

Whenever I opened the book for a fresh read of one chapter or the other, I found something new and refreshing. The texts are demonstrating that evolutionary studies of religion depend on insightful case studies of distinct traditions - adding new and scientific layers of depth and understanding to them. Actually, this book is opening a door to a new world of interfaculty cooperation and evolutionary discoveries. It gave me valuable insights and citations for comparative studies such as those of the high-fertile Old Order Amish. I can't wait to read (or write) about Christianity, Islam or Buddhism in Biological Perspective. 

Link: * Editor's page. List of Contents.