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The Persistence (2018)

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Jon D. Levenson's Creation and the Persistence of Evil: The Jewish Drama of Divine Omnipotence explores the complex theological tensions in the Jewish tradition surrounding the relationship between creation, divine omnipotence, and the enduring presence of evil in the world. Levenson presents a rich analysis that intertwines biblical exegesis, theological inquiry, and historical context, crafting a narrative that reveals the dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and the chaotic forces that persist in creation.The book challenges the overly simplistic notions of divine omnipotence that dominate modern theological discourse, particularly those influenced by Enlightenment rationality and Western philosophical traditions. Levenson argues that the Hebrew Bible, particularly in its depiction of creation, portrays a more nuanced and dramatic interaction between God and the chaotic forces of the universe. Creation, in this framework, is not a singular, completed act but an ongoing process in which order is continually asserted over chaos. This notion diverges from the classical view of God as an absolute, detached sovereign and instead emphasizes a God who is engaged in an ongoing struggle to maintain and sustain the cosmos.Central to Levenson’s argument is his exploration of the motif of cosmic conflict found in ancient Near Eastern mythologies, which also permeates the biblical narrative. In these accounts, creation is often depicted as the outcome of a divine victory over primordial forces of chaos, symbolized by monsters or the sea. Levenson demonstrates how these themes are present in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in texts such as Psalm 74, Isaiah 27, and Job 41, where God's creative acts are linked to the subjugation of Leviathan or other symbols of chaos. Unlike the static creation narrative often associated with Genesis 1, these passages reveal a world in which the forces of chaos remain subdued but not entirely eradicated, necessitating ongoing divine intervention.Levenson also delves into the ethical and existential implications of this view of creation. The persistence of evil and suffering in the world is not seen as a flaw in God’s omnipotence but as an intrinsic aspect of a dynamic and unfinished creation. This perspective challenges theodicies that seek to justify evil solely through human free will or as a consequence of divine punishment. Instead, it suggests that the divine-human relationship is marked by a shared responsibility for sustaining creation against the encroachment of chaos. Humanity is called to participate in this divine drama, aligning with God’s purposes to uphold order and justice in the world.The book's theological insights are particularly relevant to contemporary questions of faith, suffering, and the human role in addressing evil. Levenson’s approach avoids both the determinism of a God who controls every aspect of existence and the deism of a God who is entirely removed from the world. Instead, he presents a relational theology in which God’s power is real but not coercive, and human agency is integral to the unfolding of creation. This perspective offers a framework for grappling with the realities of evil and suffering without abandoning the hope and responsibility central to the Jewish tradition.Levenson’s scholarship is both rigorous and accessible, drawing on a wide range of biblical texts and ancient Near Eastern sources to support his arguments. His ability to weave historical-critical analysis with theological reflection enriches the reader’s understanding of the biblical narrative and its implications for contemporary faith. While his focus is primarily on the Jewish tradition, the themes he addresses resonate across religious boundaries, inviting readers from diverse backgrounds to engage with the profound questions he raises about creation, power, and the persistence of evil.In Creation and the Persistence of Evil: The Jewish Drama of Divine Omnipotence, Levenson offers a compelling vision of a God who is neither aloof nor all-controlling but deeply involved in the ongoing struggle to uphold a world that remains vulnerable to the forces of chaos. This vision reclaims the dramatic and relational aspects of the biblical narrative, challenging readers to reconsider their understanding of divine power and their role in the cosmic drama of creation.