"New Proofs for the Existence of God" a science book

Please use this sub-forum to discuss any non-fiction books such as autobiographies or political commentary books.
Post Reply
User avatar
moderntimes
Posts: 2249
Joined: 15 Mar 2014, 13:03
Favorite Author: James Joyce
Favorite Book: Ulysses by James Joyce
Currently Reading: Grendel by John Gardner
Bookshelf Size: 0
fav_author_id: 2516

"New Proofs for the Existence of God" a science book

Post by moderntimes »

For those who are interested in the duality of religion and science, there's a superb book, "New Proofs for the Existence of God" by Philip Spitzer, a theoretical physicist and cosmologist.

This is not an easy read. I've got a degree in chemistry, have studied that plus biology and math, and some of the higher math in this book is tricky for me, someone who knows calculus.

But knowledge of math isn't necessary. Anyone who's fairly bright and has reasonable familiarity with powers of ten and large numbers, as well as a passing acquaintance with the ideas in quantum theory, will sail thru this book.

Spitzer takes about a dozen independent characteristics of nature, such as the charge of an electron, the mass of a proton, or the valence charge on the carbon atom, and investigates all the consequences of such from the Big Bang onward.

This is NOT a "creationism" book -- it's a book of science written about those who may believe in a supreme being as the designer and originator of the universe. So don't look for a 4004 year old Earth or denial of evolution here. This book deals with the Big Bang and the development of the universe since, and the nature of existence.

A challenging read, but a rewarding one.

And oh yeah, Dr. Spitzer is PhD, SJ. What else? ha ha
"Ineluctable modality of the visible..."
User avatar
gaporter
Posts: 244
Joined: 03 Oct 2015, 13:47
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 111
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-gaporter.html
Latest Review: Lives of Museum Junkies by Marilynne Eichinger
Reading Device: B0051VVOB2

Post by gaporter »

It's nice to see when science and religion can work together and not inherently deny each other, regardless of where a person's belief on the matter lies. If I were to read a book about religion, an author who uses science would be top of my list. Nice review!
User avatar
moderntimes
Posts: 2249
Joined: 15 Mar 2014, 13:03
Favorite Author: James Joyce
Favorite Book: Ulysses by James Joyce
Currently Reading: Grendel by John Gardner
Bookshelf Size: 0
fav_author_id: 2516

Post by moderntimes »

Thanks. As a collegiate educated person with an extensive study into physics and general science, plus a "believer" (but not in a literal Bible) I find no conflict in either. There are various terms describing my general belief system -- rational Christian or whatever -- but labels regardless, I can study the Big Bang, evolution (human evolution too), and all other scientific principles and still be a person who considers himself a Christian.

I must say that I find that the Episcopal church provides such an allowance, but I also know that there are other "deist" groups who are equally within this same belief system.

However this is only one person's opinion. I completely understand other belief systems.
"Ineluctable modality of the visible..."
User avatar
Taylor Razzani
Posts: 319
Joined: 08 Jan 2016, 19:56
Favorite Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... 59294">The Shadow of the Wind (The Cemetery of Forgotten Books)</a>
Currently Reading: The Bachman Books
Bookshelf Size: 56
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-taylor-razzani.html
Latest Review: The Hand Bringer by Christopher J. Penington
fav_author_id: 2684

Post by Taylor Razzani »

That seems pretty interesting. It isn't everyday you see science and religion in a book together where they aren't attacking each other. Thanks for this!
User avatar
moderntimes
Posts: 2249
Joined: 15 Mar 2014, 13:03
Favorite Author: James Joyce
Favorite Book: Ulysses by James Joyce
Currently Reading: Grendel by John Gardner
Bookshelf Size: 0
fav_author_id: 2516

Post by moderntimes »

As I said, the book is not an easy read -- lots of hard science there -- but it's a significant piece of writing and superb.
"Ineluctable modality of the visible..."
User avatar
Kymo
Posts: 10
Joined: 02 Apr 2016, 16:20
Currently Reading: Broken Angel
Bookshelf Size: 6
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kymo.html

Post by Kymo »

That sounds like a good book for me to read next. As a person with a degree in biology and a professing Christian I always enjoy books where science and religion can compliment each other.
User avatar
moderntimes
Posts: 2249
Joined: 15 Mar 2014, 13:03
Favorite Author: James Joyce
Favorite Book: Ulysses by James Joyce
Currently Reading: Grendel by John Gardner
Bookshelf Size: 0
fav_author_id: 2516

Post by moderntimes »

As someone with a scientific education, you'll appreciate the book especially.
"Ineluctable modality of the visible..."
Post Reply

Return to “Non-Fiction Books”