Judaism and Interreligious Co-evolution: A Retrospective Reading

Abstract

This introductory essay is my attempt to offer a reading of the corpus that provides the basis for the essays in the present issue of Contemporary Jewry. The books that form the basis for reflections divide into two categories-collaborative interfaith projects and studies in Jewish theology of religions. Beyond this division, I identify a common approach that is theologically informed and that sees religions as evolving entities that reach toward fulfillment of their higher purpose. I propose application of the term "coevolution," drawn from the field of biology and evolutionary theory but increasingly applied to the social sciences, as a means of describing the interdependence between religions. My application considers coevolution to be purposeful toward a higher goal. In this light, advances in interreligious understanding, collaboration, and theology all contribute not only to a more peaceful society but also to the actual growth in religions toward their own stated spiritual ideals and goals.