Simon Eder in the Chair
We were delighted to introduce Ben Winton Fromson who, following a much applauded presentation at the new books of Louis Jacobs site launch at JW3, lead important on-line lectures.
Ben has studied at Yeshivat Ma’ale Gilboa, Pardes, Hadar and the Aquinas Institute of Ireland. He has a BA in philosophy from the University of Leeds, where he focused on how people with doubts about God can justify religious practice. As a qualified teacher, Ben has taught in a variety of settings, including teaching philosophy of religion to primary school-aged children. He has recently presented at Limmud UK on the relationship between imagination and prayer, and on the need for persuasive arguments for Jewish practice. Ben currently works in the field of mental health at Jami, a Jewish charity based in London.
Does a Real God Really Matter? Should Jews do Theology – Lecture 1
Sunday 26th July at 5.30 – 7.00pm
Should Jews do theology? Why not just get on with life? Most Jews today think that arguments for the existence of God have nothing to do with them. We tend to either avoid the question, claim that Judaism is all deeds and no creeds, or redefine ‘God’ to be something an atheist can believe in. While always remaining respectful, Rabbi Louis Jacobs didn’t stand for any of this. In his spirit, this introductory session will explore whether seeking a real God still matters today.
Why God (Probably) Exists: An Introduction – Lecture 2
Sunday 26th July at 5.30 – 7.00pm
Arguments for God’s existence are frequently associated with organisations miss-selling religious certainty. Also, most progressive religious people don’t see why they’re needed. This talk provides an argument for God’s existence, explains why such arguments are necessary and how they can lead to a rational faith that is compatible with doubt.
God of the Philosophers – Lecture 3
Many philosophers have tried to demonstrate that God exists. Say that they are right – so what? This lecture will argue that the “God of the Philosophers” is far from indifferent, and even worthy of worship. We will focus on two things God might do for us, concerning morality and religious experience.
The Problem of Evil and the Cost of the Solution – Lecture 4
Horrendous things happen to decent people. Despite this fact, monotheists insist that their beliefs and practices are reasonable. Unfortunately, many Jewish educators think that it is enough to raise the issue, note the tension, and move on. This lecture aims to do better, and calls on other educators to do so too. We will explore some proposed solutions to the problem of evil and show what beliefs the rational monotheist would either have to reinforce or give up in each case.
1. Listen to the lecture
2. Follow with the PowerPoint
“You Want It Darker” Valuing life with(out) Faith – Lecture 5
Most people believe that life is worth living and perpetuating, despite the ways in which one may suffer. But what justifies this outlook? This lecture will propose that the answer does not lie in intuition or pleasure, but in either a secular or religious faith. With Leonard Cohen’s final song in hand, we will ask what really keeps life’s flame going.
Ben Fromson – Betting on God, Together – Lecture 6
If we cannot settle the God question, why live a life of faith?
Honest theology may be a never-ending inquiry, yet there is a rational path to attaining a stable religious life.
This lecture explored such a path, which can move an agnostic to start (or continue!) a lifelong religious quest – to be part of a monotheistic tradition.