Exodus to Humanism: Jewish Identity Without Religion (Philosophy and Literary Theory) [Hardcover]

David Ibry (Author)

Book Description

Series: Philosophy and Literary Theory | Publication Date: April 1999

The object of this book is to engage in a dialogue with the millions of the indifferent, the undecided, the don't knows and the don't cares who carry on pretending without any real conviction.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Ibry, a member of the British Association of Counselors, contends that Judaism is obsolete, but that it is possible to maintain a Jewish identity by embracing humanism. To buttress his argument, he sought others who might agree with him; he located 27 people who shared their ideas with him through interviews. However, Ibry's presentation is so confusing that it is difficult to separate his own views from the views of those he is interviewing. The book's limited range is further demonstrated by its failure to mention American Jewish humanists, a small but expanding group whose ideas echo Ibry's own. Eight marginally related chapters deal with a hodgepodge of subjects including morality, women, converts, exclusiveness and science. Occasional anecdotes enliven the discussion, but more typical of the book is an opaque linguistic analysis of life after death. Jewish humanism deserves a better declaration than this.
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Review

"A very good book for people from all backgrounds that are struggling with religion and identity, and that support a humanist life stance." -- Free Inquiry, Spring 2000

Is religion obsolete? If it is then an identity relying on an obsolete religion is destined to become obsolete. -- The Outlook on Books, July/August 2000

Jews can no longer rely on the Jewish religion for their identity in a world where religion is becomimg obsolete. -- Freethinker, May 2001

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 143 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (April 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573922676
• ISBN-13: 978-1573922678
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,972,065 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very readable interesting moving and at times funny book., June 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Exodus to Humanism: Jewish Identity Without Religion (Philosophy and Literary Theory) (Hardcover)

26 highly intelligent and articulate people, from various countries, some very well known, have contributed their ideas and life experiences relating to the theme of identity and its links with religion, specifically Jewish identity and Judaism. This theme though is of universal interest and is not limited to Jewishness and Judaism. I think the author has woven a hetereogeneous collection of contributions rather skilfully into a number of related themes. His style is somewhat idiosyncratic , but I enjoyed his "excursions" and recommend it as helpful in clarifying ideas about the way forward and offering support when doubts about religion threaten a moral vacuum and crisis of identity

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Starting Point, September 12, 2000

By 

XaurreauX ""Nobody can be exactly like me... (New York, New York, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Exodus to Humanism: Jewish Identity Without Religion (Philosophy and Literary Theory) (Hardcover)

I think the most important aspect of this book, aside from the fact that it is well written and unpretentious is that it starts the dialogue-- the inner dialogue one has with one's self and the one between one Jew and another. Ibry astutely avoids providing pat, specious answers, instead throwing open the discussion to fellow Jews and admitting that it is, in fact, a brave new world. Recognizing that old traditions and sentiments are hard to leave behind, he reminds us that the Jews invented Judaism, not the other way around.

The questions and opinions explored in this book, while specifically addressing the Jewish dilemma in the Twentieth and Twenty-first centuries, should also have appeal to anyone who feels constrained by the implausibility--if not outright absurdity--of a deity as described in ANY western religious scripture.

If you're looking for a place to begin your transitional journey from theism to rational thought, done with wit, intelligence and emotion, this is the place to start.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can Jews rely on religion for their identity?, November 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Exodus to Humanism: Jewish Identity Without Religion (Philosophy and Literary Theory) (Hardcover)

This book aims at providing an answer to this question. Included with the author's observations and experiences are arguments and explanations from 26 Jewish contributors who have either rejected Judaism or have never believed in it, including Prof. Sir Isaiah Berlin, Prof. Sir Herman Bondi, Prof. Albert Ellis, Prof. Adolf Grunbaum,Rose Hacker, Prof. George Klein, Dr. Henri Morgentaler, Prof. Jean-Claude Pecker, Prof. Ernest Poser, Prof. Howard Radest, Claire Rayner, Prof.Evry Schatzman, Helen Suzman, and Arnold Wesker. The author is concerned about the survival of the Jewish identity when Jews will realize that the religion of Judaism is obsolete and has the guts to face the problem head on. I found it of great help because it opened my mind to the realities of our day.