Astrophysics and Creation: Perceiving the Universe through Science and Participation

Good book, great price, interesting read

This book is a jewel in the field of books on science and religion. Astrophysics may seem light years away, but not with Benz. He utilizes Walt Whitman in tying feeling with science. Part 1, Amazing Formation, shows how open space is not empty. Tiny dust grains of atoms, molecules, and elementary particles hover throughout space with ice mantles that are the origin of water on earth long before our solar system appeared. He describes how the Big Bang at billions of degrees, Black Holes "bend" space, and Event Horizons make it impossible to say what lies beyond. Part 2, Dissolution and Horror,describes how both the universe and life on earth have histories of inevitable decay. The sun will eventually make life on earth impossible, and meanwhile asteroids may collide with earth, and there are environmental, social and personal risks. He turns to Pascal's mystical experience. Benz calls art and religion "participatory participation". "Clockwork" explanations are transformed into "larger than rational" alternatives. Part 3, Interpretation as Creation, focuses on he astounding fact that life exists on earth. Every fiber of the human body contains at least 3 generations of stars, and half of known molecules of molecular clouds and proto-stellar envelopes are organic molecules of more than a dozen atoms. However, 70 species go extinct go extinct every day, and human life itself is threatened, leading inevitably to ethics and Biblical stories linking creation with primal feelings of gratitude and hope. In the Epilogue he is standing atop Mauna Kea at he Maxwell Telescope, gazing up again at the night sky and humanity as a gift. Another wise man following stars bears a book to help readers look up wisely into the night sky.

Arnold Benz’s latest book, Astrophysics and Creation has something for every inquisitive mind open to discuss whether today’s scientific knowledge truly displaces traditional religious belief. Remember your youthful late-night bull sessions? This book will take you back to your school days. Only hearts of stone are unmoved by the wonders of a starry night; be assured that Professor Benz is one of us! Also, Dr. Benz gives a light touch to potentially complex issues. The author, a renowned European lecturer, provides convincing arguments that God exists, countering such atheists as Messrs Hitchens and Dawkins. However, I won’t spoil your reading by telling you exactly how he accomplishes this! But here are a few hints: First, the eminent astrophysicist provides a very helpful summary of recent discoveries in astronomy. He then explains that the “Big Bang” is not today’s equivalent of the Garden of Eden; on the contrary, the best evidence of a living God may be that in our ever-expanding universe, creation was not a single event, it is a continuing phenomenon. Add to this recipe Benz’s conclusion that the physics behind the creation of our earthly home is a miraculous combination of improbabilities. Finally, forget about proving God, but savor Benz’s illustrations on how to experience God. So, if you are prepared to offer your awe of nature, to recognize that everything from the large, (the universe) to the small, (your life), are amazing gifts, then purchase this book and share your excitement with others. Astrophysics and Creation begs friendly dialogue!