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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

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

As someone with a scientific education, you'll appreciate the book especially.