FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CREATION

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.