How can we draw nearer to HaShem’s throne without a living…
““How can we draw nearer to HaShem’s throne without a living parietal lobe to navigate space? How can we see his glorious light without the rods and cones that color our visual cortex? How can we learn and appreciate Torah with sages past without an all-too-human neocortex to effect higher thinking and comprehend language? How can we even register any reward at all without the dopamine receptors spiraling across our nervous system?8 We can’t, and we should not disrespect these serious teachings by taking them to mean something so scientifically backwards and absurd. Dare I say, we don’t have the time. As the Rambam implied and Rabbi Sacks stated, 'If a Biblical narrative is incompatible with established scientific fact, it is not to be read literally.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human cognition is limited; interpreting divine concepts through scientific lenses can be misguided, so literal readings of scripture may conflict with established facts.
In simple terms: Our brains can’t fully grasp divine mysteries, so literal interpretation may clash with science.
Key Takeaway
Accept limits of human understanding.
Themes
faith
science
interpretation
Mood
thoughtful
contemplative
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- religious study
- scientific education
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
Epistemology
theology
cognitive limits
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance faith with scientific knowledge?
- When should metaphor replace literal reading?
A Different Perspective
Literal readings can ignore deeper metaphorical meanings.