36 Arguments for the Existence of God Book Summary

In '36 Arguments for the Existence of God', Rebecca Goldstein weaves a thought-provoking narrative that explores the complex interplay between faith and reason. Through the story of Cass Seltzer, a philosopher who finds himself unexpectedly famous for his book on religion, Goldstein examines the nature of belief and skepticism. Each argument reveals the intricacies of human thought and the depths of existential wonder. As Cass navigates personal and intellectual dilemmas, readers are invited to question their own beliefs about divinity. This novel challenges the boundaries of philosophy and storytelling, leaving you eager to contemplate the mysteries of existence.

By Rebecca Goldstein

Published: 2010

""The pursuit of understanding is a form of worship; knowledge itself becomes our sacred text.""

36 Arguments for the Existence of GodBook binding

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Book Review of 36 Arguments for the Existence of God

From the author of The Mind-Body Problem: a witty and intoxicating novel of ideas that plunges into the great debate between faith and reason. At the center is Cass Seltzer, a professor of psychology whose book, The Varieties of Religious Illusion, has become a surprise best seller. Dubbed “the atheist with a soul,” he wins over the stunning Lucinda Mandelbaum—“the goddess of game theory.” But he is haunted by reminders of two people who ignited his passion to understand religion: his teacher Jonas Elijah Klapper, a renowned literary scholar with a suspicious obsession with messianism, and an angelic six-year-old mathematical genius, heir to the leadership of an exotic Hasidic sect. Hilarious, heartbreaking, and intellectually captivating, 36 Arguments explores the rapture and torments of religious experience in all its variety.

Book Overview of 36 Arguments for the Existence of God

About the Book Author

R

Rebecca Goldstein

Rebecca Goldstein is an acclaimed American author, philosopher, and novelist known for her thought-provoking exploration of science, philosophy, and the human condition. Her notable works include 'The Mind-Body Problem,' which won the National Book Award, and '36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction,' which was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. Goldstein's writing often blends intellectual rigor with rich character development, embodying a style that is both philosophical and deeply personal. In addition to her fiction, she has written extensively on philosophical subjects, reflecting her academic background and engaging readers in complex ideas through accessible prose.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Rebecca Goldstein
Published
January 2010
Publisher
Vintage
ISBN
030737890X
Language
English
Pages
400
Genres
Western PhilosophyPhilosophy of MindPhilosophyExistentialismLiteratureLiterary FictionEastern Philosophy

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"The pursuit of understanding is a form of worship; knowledge itself becomes our sacred text."

36 Arguments for the Existence of God

By Rebecca Goldstein

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