American Unitarian Conference Forum

I can't resist another book dealing with the science / religion issue. I have not finished the book but so far it is a good read....

"The author earned his Ph.D. (physics and biology) at MIT before moving to laboratories at the Weizmann Institute of Technology, the Hebrew University, and the Volcani Research Insititute in Israel."

Prior book: The Science of God - reconciliation of science and faith as different perspectives on a single whole.

Snippet re Genesis -

"The opening word is usually translated as "in the beginning"....when actually, "Be'reasbeet can mean "in the beginning of" but not "in the beginning"....the object of "of" is missing....Be'reasbeet is a compound word and the Aramaic translation is thus: "With wisdom God created the heavens and earth" an idea reflected in Psalms 33:6, 104:24. "Wisdom is the fundamental building block of the universe, and it is inherent in all parts. In the processes of life it finds its most complex revelation. Wisdom, information, an idea, is the link between the metaphysical Creator and the physical creation. It is the hidden face of God."

As I read the book, I am keeping in mind Wilber's AQAL concept...will the theme be purely focused in one or two quadrants or will it be integral. We shall see....

Renown former atheist Antony Flew noted this book as being influential in his decision to adopt a Deist stance...see this interesting interview with him:

http://www.biola.edu/antonyflew/

Atheist Becomes Theist
Exclusive Interview with Former Atheist Antony Flew

Concluding words:

The author's effort can be described as making a "strong" design argument vs the normal "intelligent" design version. In other words, by showing the incredible complexity from the physical beginning of the universe through formation of life and specific organs to consciousness we are presented with a powerful reason for believing there must be Wisdom...God's action at the root of it all. Of course, this does not constitute proof...as many an atheist will attest..but it certainly makes "beyond a reasonable doubt" more likely.