A challenging and esoteric, yet illuminating, study of the intersection of spirituality and science.
A scientist seeks to unite science and religion.
Born to a Christian family in Algeria who fled Northern Africa after the nascent Islamic nation’s Algerian War of Independence, Alonso is intimately familiar with the long history of bloodshed and animosity among rival religions. Moreover, as a deeply religious man with a Ph.D. in science and technology from the University of Manchester, he is also well versed in the long history of tension between science and religion. In this book, he seeks to bridge these tangled divisions “with the intention of contributing to the achievement of peace.” As religious interpretations exist right now, at least among “the four great religions coming from the Fertile Crescent” (Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Islam) that are the focus of this book, humanity has reached a theological “dead end” with little promise of those faiths uniting behind a singular, universal religion. While acknowledging the roles of scientific knowledge and ethics in advancing “social progress,” the author suggests that there is a connection between “Sacred Scriptures” and “the basic tenets of quantum mechanics” that may wed all religions behind a new, “natural exegesis” that transcends current dogmatic divides. Written for fellow “believers” in a transcendent God, this book comprises two parts. The first addresses reconciling religious interpretations (such as the notion of a Great Flood) with current scientific research. The second part, complex but fascinating, uses new theories in quantum physics to explore divine mysteries. With a solid grasp on science and an open-minded approach to religion, this is a well-argued, if admittedly “moderately rigorous,” read that leans heavily on theological and scientifically technical jargon. Barring an odd fixation with masculinity and femininity that fails to engage with contemporary literature on gender theory, it’s a well-researched work from an author knowledgeable about both religion and science. Save for a few passing references, though, religions developed beyond the Fertile Crescent, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, are largely left out of the book’s narrative.
A challenging and esoteric, yet illuminating, study of the intersection of spirituality and science.Pub Date: April 18, 2019
ISBN: 978-980-18-0332-4
Page Count: 277
Publisher: Joseph Alonso
Review Posted Online: Oct. 18, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This a book of earlier, philosophical essays concerned with the essential "absurdity" of life and the concept that- to overcome the strong tendency to suicide in every thoughtful man-one must accept life on its own terms with its values of revolt, liberty and passion. A dreary thesis- derived from and distorting the beliefs of the founders of existentialism, Jaspers, Heldegger and Kierkegaard, etc., the point of view seems peculiarly outmoded. It is based on the experience of war and the resistance, liberally laced with Andre Gide's excessive intellectualism. The younger existentialists such as Sartre and Camus, with their gift for the terse novel or intense drama, seem to have omitted from their philosophy all the deep religiosity which permeates the work of the great existentialist thinkers. This contributes to a basic lack of vitality in themselves, in these essays, and ten years after the war Camus seems unaware that the life force has healed old wounds... Largely for avant garde aesthetes and his special coterie.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1955
ISBN: 0679733736
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
