The View from the Center of the Universe: Discovering Our Extraordinary Place in the Cosmos
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • It's Just Different.
  • Complicated But Informative Book On The Universe
  • Important cosmic perspective
  • Everybody on Earth Should Read this book!
  • unusual approach to cosmology
The View from the Center of the Universe: Discovering Our Extraordinary Place in the Cosmos
Joel R. Primack , and Nancy Ellen Abrams
Manufacturer: Riverhead Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: B000MR8TEU

Book Description

A world-renowned astrophysicist and a science philosopher present a new, scientifically supported understanding of the universe, one that will forever change our personal relationship with the cosmos.

For four hundred years, since early scientists discovered that the universe did not revolve around the earth, people have felt cut off-adrift in a meaningless cosmos. That is about to change.

In their groundbreaking new book, The View from the Center of the Universe, Joel R. Primack, Ph.D., one of the world's leading cosmologists, and Nancy Ellen Abrams, a philosopher and writer, use recent advances in astronomy,physics, and cosmology to frame a compelling new theory of how to understand the universe and our role in it.

While most of us think of the universe as empty space peppered with stars separated by vast distances, the truth, the authors argue, is far richer and more meaningful. For the first time in history, we know that the universe is more coherent and spiritually significant than anyone ever imagined and that our place in it is actually central to the expanding universe in important ways.

According to Primack and Abrams, this new cosmology clarifies how the universe operates, what it's made of, how it may have originated, and how it is evolving. Even more surprising, these startling ideas spring from both cutting-edge science and the metaphors of ancient symbols. The result is a very human book that satisfies our fundamental need for order and meaning in our world and in our lives.

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars It's Just Different........2007-10-06

I took the couples class at UCSC. And boy was it a little weird and interesting... luckily their book was slightly less weird. It's def a different read with many mini history lessons on the cosmos.

4 out of 5 stars Complicated But Informative Book On The Universe.......2007-10-02

This is a very informative book. It talks about the history of what humans used to believe about the universe and the most recent discoveries of our day. It can get complicated and at times tedious to read but I would suggest it to anyone interested in the universe's workings and in science.

5 out of 5 stars Important cosmic perspective.......2007-09-17

Humans are in the very rare position within the whole Universe of being aware of our fortunate evolutionary history, as well as the history of the Universe. The authors argue that a thoughtful realization of that new cosmological perspective should lead us to develop new ways of viewing ourselves and the rest of the Universe.

5 out of 5 stars Everybody on Earth Should Read this book!.......2007-09-03

This is a wonderful book. I am not going to reveiw it here. I think every human now on Earth should read this book. I would like to send copies to Mr. Bush and Mr. Ahmadinejad. It is not a diatribe against religion but rather a scientific romance with ourselves and the story of our incredible journey through the vastness of time and space. When we hear someone say that God created the universe what are they actually saying? Saying that God created the universe tells me nothing. How we got here through aeons of time and the immensity of space is quite a story. A story that we should all know.

From the book:

"Cosmology is a branch of Astronomy and astrophysics that studies the origin and nature of the universe, and it is in the midst of a scientific revolution that is establishing its lasting foundations. What is emerging is humanity's first picture of the universe as a whole that might actually be true. There have been countless myths of the origin of the universe, but this is the first one that no storyteller made up--we are all witnesses on the edges of our seats."

The authors do argue that we are part of a kind of cosmic lottery with life emerging by chance. They remind us that we have hit the jackpot really and are in some sense fundamental to the meaning of the universe. It is up to us to give it meaning. I do not fully agree with the random jackpot explanation. Paul Davies the rather emininent cosmologist from Arizona State university also posits the idea of a cosmic jackpot but he adds a thought that I think is important to make. Human life, as such, may not have been 'planned' but the life principle itself was etched within the physical laws of the universe. Perhaps this explains why the universe is so vast and the time scales for human evolution are so great. The appearance of life is so unlikely that it needs vast time scales and vast spaces through which to roll the dice. Life is achingly rare and precious.

One thing is clear...we are all children of the Big Bang. Time to end all the religous angst and hatred. Science tells the true story of who we are and where we came from. It is time to enfold our ancient mythologies into the emerging story of mankind.

4 out of 5 stars unusual approach to cosmology.......2007-06-01

This book attempts to place current advances in cosmology into a modern mythology that would restore the central importance to human beings in the scientific view of the world. Many readers will find this a little flakey, particularly where the argument is thin (Kabbala). But I found it thought provoking and very well written. Even if you are a hard core science buff you might find this worth your time because the author studied with Marcea Eliade at Chicago. Very original and very thoughtful in my opinion.There is nothing like it on the market that I know of worth reading. I think it may find a solid readership in time.

In addition, this book benefits from having been written for a humanities course given at Santa Cruz. This may be the best introduction to modern cosmology in that it takes the time to clarify fundamental points about dark energy and matter and aspects of inflation that are often bungled in better known and more sophisticated texts. It is clear that the authors have spent a lot of time answering questions from confused students. The care is appreciated; I wish more of these texts were so well edited. An excellent place to start. It comes with a strong recommendation from Paul Davies whose recent Cosmic Jackpot is also excellent.
The First Three Minutes: A Modern View of the Origin of the Universe
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A book that satisfies no one.
  • Steven Weinberg: Nobel leaureate and biographer of nature
  • Have to disagree
  • Failure to Planck?!
  • A Classic--Any Edition
The First Three Minutes: A Modern View of the Origin of the Universe
Steven Weinberg
Manufacturer: Basic Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0465024378

Book Description

The classic of contemporary science writing by a Nobel Prize-winning physicist explains what happened when the universe began, and how we know.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars A book that satisfies no one........2007-07-30

There's no questioning Weinberg's knowledge, but he doesn't present it well. This is a book that, unfortunately, can't satisfy anyone: it's too technical for the lay reader, too simplified for the scientist. It's also thirty years old, and a lot has happened in cosmology since. For those looking for just an overview of the history and science, try Timothy Ferris, Brian Greene, or Stephen Hawking.

5 out of 5 stars Steven Weinberg: Nobel leaureate and biographer of nature.......2007-07-04

In 1979 Steven Weinberg was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics.

This book is his 1976 take on the origins of the universe.

To understand why Weinberg was honored we need to understand first how nature is organized. As it stands, there are four fundamental forces in nature:

1) Gravity -- best described by Albert Einstein in his 1916 general theory of relativity -- gravity is the property massive objects have to distort the contours of space time itself.

2) The strong nuclear force -- which operates to hold the nucleus of all atoms together.

3) Electromagnatism --still best described by James Clerk Maxell over 100 years ago whose unification of electricity and magnetism actually prompted the likes of Albert Einstein to his turn of the 20th century discoveries.

4) The weak nuclear force -- which operates among leptons.

It was these last two forces that Weinberg preseciently forecast the unification of in 1971 and for which he won the Nobel prize.

As has been rightly pointed out by other reviewers, this book is a democartically short 149 pages making it accessible, well, to anyone, willing to take the time to read them.

And in exchange for that time, one is rewarded with Weinberg's then existing take on the origins of the universe (most of which still holds up) as well as is thoughts on the direction of physics itself.

Long story short: Weinberg said that the Big Bang was like a great freezing which hid the original constituent elements of nature in a great phase transition. So just trying to infer which atoms went where in a glass of water from their current status as ice cubes we're necessarily a little at a loss trying to figure out what todays hadrons were doing prior to the end of the first billionth of second after the Big Bang.

Interestingly enough Weinberg's bottom line remains todays bottom line: we don't know.

1 out of 5 stars Have to disagree.......2006-11-21

This is NOT a book for non-physicists. I have a doctorate in Dentistry and began reading the book, thinking it would become less obtuse. Ten pages later, I resorted to flipping each page in the hope that I would find something that made sense to a "layman"...no such luck. It could have been written in a medieval Persian language and I would have learned as much from it.

3 out of 5 stars Failure to Planck?!.......2006-11-15

Steven Weinberg is without a doubt the closet thing
we have to a Newton or Einstein alive today.
But he isn't perfect as much as his books are almost required reading in physics!
This popularization was imitated by others...
Weinberg made the big bang go off in modern times.
But he fails to mention a basic in modern cosmology:
the Planck scale.

5 out of 5 stars A Classic--Any Edition.......2006-04-18

True that the first version of this book--appeard some time ago, that does not diminish its usefulness to the layman or person interested in the history of the popularization of cosmology--which is a steady business with many competitors.

To find one such book so clearly written is valuable in itself, even as a landmark in this stream of such publications. As such, it belongs on any amateur astronomer's bookshelf, as well as any true scholar who wishes to place more recent findings in their appropriate context. I can add one personal note, my father, Dr. Ralph A. Alpher, commented to me when Dr. Weinberg's book appeared that this was the first book to have the history of cosmology through 1977 "right." And he was in a position to know...on that basis alone, I'll recommend it--if you can find the early paperback edition, it is a fun and short read, also.

Highly recommended!
Immortality, Resurrection and the Age of the Universe: A Kabbalistic View
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Reconcilliation of Science and Religion
  • Jews are not Fundamentalists!
  • I ever have schre a book off Kabbalistic
  • I ever have schre a book off Kabbalistic
  • This well written book contains many insights in Judaism
Immortality, Resurrection and the Age of the Universe: A Kabbalistic View
Aryeh Kaplan , Yaakov Elman , and Israel Lipschutz
Manufacturer: Ktav Publishing House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0881253456

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Reconcilliation of Science and Religion.......2002-05-11

Let me say that the rating is primarily based on the brevity of the work considering the price tag usually associated with it. The reader will quickly discover that only half of the book is written by Rabbi Kaplan, the rest by Rabbi Lipschitz. Not that Lipschitz's reading is poor by any means, it just isn't what I paid for. Although I found Rabbi kaplan's work extremely interesting, I found it a bit brief. None of the concepts are taken to any depth and only let the reader hang on many topics. Admittedly the complilers associate the work with a collection of lectures and personal notes but I don't think a person could know until after purchase. The true value of this book lies in its openness to new scientific hypothesis and its position that simply a literal reading of the Bible is faulty. I particularly thought the commentary on how two differing opionions are deemed correct, or at least possible, until proven otherwise was refreshing and would be good advice to at least the Christian community. His brief commentary on the resurrection shed some light in my mind on the general absence of its discussion in the Tanakh. Overall, it's a good book and worthy of discussion but unfortunately a bit shallow.

5 out of 5 stars Jews are not Fundamentalists!.......2000-06-28

Kaplan does an excellent job of clarifying this distinction in his marvellously approachable book.

This book surprised me (pleasantly) in more than a few ways. Science and Judaism are not diametric opposites, and (despite the ponderous title!) this is a down-to-earth, readable source for exciting traditional Jewish views.

In his essay on the age of the universe, Kaplan points out that the insights of Jewish tradition have -- from the very beginning -- NEVER been strictly literalistic ones.

Kaplan also touches on the dangers of aligning ourselves with evangelical Protestants and others who would exchange the richness of our midrashic heritage for a simple-minded "God wrote it; I believe it" allegiance to the Biblical text. As serious Jews (or Christians, for that matter), we need not adopt convoluted "creation science" theories or look the other way ("study it because it's on the test, but ignore it the second you step into a synagogue").

We need to embrace evolution, NOT with our fingers crossed, but because it is every conscientious scientist's best guess as to how God got us here in the first place. English is not the BEST language in the world, but we use it because it's the best we have to communicate with each other. Same with evolution. Not perfect by any means, but it's the closest we get to articulating the mysteries we thank God for putting us here to ponder.

5 out of 5 stars I ever have schre a book off Kabbalistic.......1999-08-04

I think it is treuly,becourse it come out of numbers.When we are liveing in 1999 and john has wright 666 and you take them 3x666=18=19=10 0+0=0+1=1 The same we do wih the 9+9+9+1=28 2+8=10 0+0=0+1=1 Now if you see good this is the numbers off aug 8+11 8+1+1=10 0+0=0+1=1 Than we have teh same thing the moon will be going for the sun and we got darkness.Thad is the call off John And on the 11 of the 8 aug will we go in a new age. The people sets Jeruzalem but it it is s. The z meens the number 3.Evrye word has a number.I am not realy good in wrightting in englisch but I have a loth to tell the people. I hope thad the time is goming soon thad somebody will lissen to a childtalk.I am not a child but evrye thing is coming trou me.Thy say we cant under stand you becourse I do evrye thing with numbers.I thank you very must.tcentrum@zeelandnet.nl

5 out of 5 stars I ever have schre a book off Kabbalistic.......1999-08-04

I think it is treuly,becourse it come out of numbers.When we are liveing in 1999 and john has wright 666 and you take them 3x666=18=19=10 0+0=0+1=1 The same we do wih the 9+9+9+1=28 2+8=10 0+0=0+1=1 Now if you see good this is the numbers off aug 8+11 8+1+1=10 0+0=0+1=1 Than we have teh same thing the moon will be going for the sun and we got darkness.Thad is the call off John And on the 11 of the 8 aug will we go in a new age. The people sets Jeruzalem but it it is s. The z meens the number 3.Evrye word has a number.I am not realy good in wrightting in englisch but I have a loth to tell the people. I hope thad the time is goming soon thad somebody will lissen to a childtalk.I am not a child but evrye thing is coming trou me.Thy say we cant under stand you becourse I do evrye thing with numbers.I thank you very must.tcentrum@zeelandnet.nl

5 out of 5 stars This well written book contains many insights in Judaism.......1998-11-27

This small, well-written book contains a collection of essays on important topics in Judaism by one of the most prolific and profound Orthodox Jewish writers of our century. Aryeh Kaplan was a first-rank scholar who was familiar with all phases of Jewish knowledge, and was also trained in physics. As a result, he was in an almost unique position to comment on issues relating traditional beliefs to modern scientific knowledge. This book covers the following topics: The age of the universe, longevity and immortality, resurrection, stars and angels, and male & female. Kaplan has much of interest to say about these topics, including some truly eye-opening ideas. Included in this book are translations of essays from an early kabbalistic sage, Isaac of Acco, and an important 19th century scholar, Israel Lipshitz on the great antiquity of the earth. The hebrew text of the latter's essay occupies the last 31 pages of this 169 page book published by Ktav Publishing House.

The reader will be struck by the novelty of some of the ideas on the above topics as well as the scholarship of the author. I, therefore, strongly recommend it anyone who has an interest in these topics and wishes a better understanding of the possible harmonization of Biblical themes and scientific knowledge.
THE KOLOB THEOREM - A Mormon's View of God's Starry Universe
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Interesting Theory...
  • A middle-of-the-road review
  • "Science" Hits a new Low
  • A facinating insight to our existance
THE KOLOB THEOREM - A Mormon's View of God's Starry Universe
Lynn M. Phd. Hilton
Manufacturer: Granite Publishers, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000M7VGR2

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Interesting Theory..........2007-08-03

I found the thoery in this book interesting.I have a scientific background being a jet pilot and having studied astral navigation at aviation college. The theory in this book could actually be true, my question to the author would be does interplanetary travel happen and if so how? Would it be maybe through a worm hole on each planet like the Bermuda Triangle? How would this all interconnect with things like Enoch's City dissappearing from earth?

Above all this book gets you thinking and this makes you value life on earth even more.

3 out of 5 stars A middle-of-the-road review.......2007-04-08

With such disparate reviews coming before me, I'll try to take a more balanced approach. This book is obviously targeted to those espousing Mormon theology, particularly the "fringe" and "deep doctrine" stuff you won't learn about unless you search it out. While astronomers will cringe at Hilton's theological interpretation of how the universe is structured, Mormons with an interest in cosmology will likely find it fascinating and faith-affirming. Much of what Hilton argues could in fact be integrated within LDS theology. Do not, however, assume everything he says is actually true, without checking both your theological and scientific facts (not all galaxies, for instance, are structured the way the Andromeda galaxy is). The writing is tolerable (don't expect to be impressed). If you have extra money to spend and a strong interest, go for it. Most people probably shouldn't bother. A better introduction may be Science, Religion, and Mormon Cosmology by Erich Paul. That book is an excellent academic and well-reasoned broad approach to Mormonism and science, this one is most definitely not.

1 out of 5 stars "Science" Hits a new Low.......2007-03-07

Just like the monitor in the stupid show, "Billy Madison", after reading this book, I felt a little dumber. Seriously, don't be deceived...there is no science, there is no evidence, there is nothing but a series of pipe-dreams from a faithful Mormon who hopes with all his heart that what he believes can be scientifically proven. But it can't, it won't, and the publisher of this book should be embarassed for trying.

Dr. Hilton (who is NOT a Ph.D. in anything remotely related to astrophysics or astronomy) suggests that God lives on a planet nearest a great star named Kolob, and that it is this combination of star, throne of God and God Himself that serves as the center of the Milky Way galaxy. We are shielded from observing this because of Dark Matter.

Furthermore, every galaxy that we observe in the universe is home to other Gods...OUR God gets the Milky Way, but the other galaxies are home to other gods.

None of this is supported by science. He makes his arguments by scripture and by mental gymnastics using his basic understanding of the structure of the universe, and cramming that rudimentary understanding into a model that confirms what he already believes.

Beware of pseudo-science in the name of religion. Dr. Hilton, like the great tradition of church apologists before him, begins with what he believes is true (in this case that Joseph Smith was divinely inspired when he translated the Book of Abraham from a common funerary papyrus burried with a run of the mill Egyptian mummy), and then works backward to craft a theory that connects all the dots, although hardly in a manner that could be called science. In fact, this approach violates the scientific method itself, and the fact that the previous reviewer was buffaloed by this approach is a sad commentary on the state of scientific awareness by the faithful.

The Book of Abraham and all its associated "interesting and unique" doctrines, such as the existence of a planet on which God lives, is the stuff of faith, not science. Whether it is believed allegorically, symbolically, figuratively or literally, it cannot be proven scientifically, and Mormons don't do themselves any favors when they make the attempt. They would be better served to simply say, "I believe this to be true because I choose to," rather than lean on the non-sensical, at times ridiculous assertions made in this book and others like it.

The best use of the paper in this book would be to spread it out on the bottom of the parakeet cage.

5 out of 5 stars A facinating insight to our existance.......2007-02-15

I bought this book and love it! It provides insight to how the universe, our galaxy, and our planet fit into God's plan. It makes how we got here and where we're going seem more real, as it provides scientific explanations and evidence. Increase your faith and testimony of God by reading this book.
3-D Star Maps: A View of the Universe in Three Dimensions/27 3-D Maps and 2 Set of 3-D Glasses
Average customer rating: Not rated
    3-D Star Maps: A View of the Universe in Three Dimensions/27 3-D Maps and 2 Set of 3-D Glasses
    Richard Monkhouse , and John Cox
    Manufacturer: HarperCollins
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

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    ASIN: 0060161310
    A Wider View of the Universe: Henry Thoreau's Study of Nature (Environment Human Condition)
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      A Wider View of the Universe: Henry Thoreau's Study of Nature (Environment Human Condition)
      Robert McGregor
      Manufacturer: University of Illinois Press
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

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      ASIN: 0252066200
      Majestic Universe: Views from Here to Infinity
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • More than Visually Stunning!
      • ABC's of the universe
      • Beautifully done synopsis for both newbie and pro
      Majestic Universe: Views from Here to Infinity
      Serge Brunier
      Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover

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      ASIN: 0521663075

      Book Description

      Only a book this big could convey the majesty of the ever-expanding universe and provide a glimpse into the ultimate limits of space. Originally published in French in 1997 and updated to include recent developments, this volume takes readers on a unique, scenic exploration of the universe. More than 200 incredible, full-color photographs gathered from the Hubble Space Telescope and the largest telescopes in the world capture the magic and wonder found in the vast expanse of the universe. In a beautiful, large format, containing many full-page color spreads, Majestic Universe allows readers to witness the birth of stars; scan the sky for extrasolar planets; venture near black holes; travel into the realm of galaxies and clusters of galaxies; gauge the vastness of space with Hipparcos; and finally wonder about the history and future of our mysterious universe. Clear, enthusiastic captions accompany each image, providing details on the great theories of the structure of the cosmos; descriptions of the latest advances in cosmology; and a trip into the past in search of the origins of the universe, of space, and of time. Majestice Universe is the ultimate "vehicle" for armchair space buffs to explore the final frontier. Serge Brunier is chief editor of the journal Ciel et Espace, a photo-journalist, and the author of many nonfiction books aimed at both specialists and the general public.

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars More than Visually Stunning!.......2006-08-18

      This book can be thoroughly enjoyed by anyone, of any age. The photographs are awe inspiring, and frankly, they,alone, would be reason enough to own this book. Majestic Universe doesn't stop there however, it is filled with information. I have had the book for a few years now and have probably sat down with it over a hundred times and not once have I thought, "Welp, I'm done with this book. Time to sell it on Amazon." I'm going to keep this one.

      5 out of 5 stars ABC's of the universe.......2005-04-17

      The book is accessible to a novice but still presents some difficult concepts in easy to understand manner. Serge strikes a great balance in this regard ! The explanation of "Big bang" theory and the practical observations that back-up the theory is great ! The language is poetic sometimes, to keep the reading interesting and not being too dry. All in all, a good "introduction" book on Sun,stars,galaxies,clusters,big bang, and more .. There are lot of clear, full-page pictures and are well captioned.

      4 out of 5 stars Beautifully done synopsis for both newbie and pro.......2000-06-13

      This book is a beautiful rendition of the myriad wonders of our universe; replete with beautiful full color photos of various subjects discussed: the birth of stars from nebulae; the discussion of the possibility/probability/proof of extrasolar planetary systems, the discussions on what happens near black holes, and the history and future of what potential space exploration might bring, as well as what we might hope to discover in the future with current astronomical projects using such tools as the Hubble Space Telescope and the space station Freedom project. Chock full of goodness on the pictorial side, the book also explains concepts and introduces discussions in a manner both easy to understand for neophyte and pleasing to seasoned professional. A beautiful book and highly recommended for both ends of the experience spectrum with astronomy. Nice coffee table book that would be sure to generate discussion. :)
      Endeavour Views the Earth
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Endeavour Views the Earth

        Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

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        ASIN: 0521570999

        Book Description

        Endeavour astronaut Jay Apt captured on camera many of the glorious moments of his space flights. This collection has been put together by Robert Brown with a commentary to give an insight into the experience of spaceflight. ‘I have been into space twice so far. In my opinion, there is no better way to share the experience of spaceflight than by pouring over photographs. The US Space Shuttle has, by far, the best expanse of windows of any spacecraft yet built. In fact, the view from inside is not very different from the view I recall from being outside on two spacewalks. What you will see in these pictures is what you would have seen out the windows had you traveled with us.’ Jay Apt, astronaut. Chosen for their aesthetic and educational value, these gorgeous pictures of Planet Earth, as seen from space, will both astound and enchant. Showing the Earth in all her beauty, this collection of photographs should be treasured for years to come.
        Ancient Light: Our Changing View of the Universe
        Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
        • Only for beginners.
        • Inspirational
        Ancient Light: Our Changing View of the Universe
        Alan Lightman
        Manufacturer: Harvard University Press
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

        AstronomyAstronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books
        CosmologyCosmology | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books
        UniverseUniverse | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Science | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books
        AstronomyAstronomy | Astronomy | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
        CosmologyCosmology | Astronomy | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
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        ASIN: 0674033639

        Customer Reviews:

        3 out of 5 stars Only for beginners........2002-11-30

        This book gives a brief outline of the different cosmic models (steady state, Big Bang, the anthropic principle) and an explanation of the instruments and techniques used to explore the cosmos.
        It is a little bit out of date.
        I also missed the swinging style and the speculations of John Gribbin's 'In the Beginning' or Martin Rees' 'Before the Beginning'.
        For a more profound and up-to-date introduction to cosmology I recommend the more difficult book 'The elegant Universe' by Brian Greene.

        5 out of 5 stars Inspirational.......2000-08-04

        I first came across this book in my English class during my freshman year in college. It was very easy to read, and most of all, it was very inspirational. It's a great book to read when you're looking for something to enjoy peacefully, and yet, think about. Highly recommended!
        Race and the Cosmos: An Invitation to View the World Differently
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • Relating Race to Cosmology
        • An insightful metaphysical study of cosmology & race
        • A compelling and insightful metaphysical study of cosmology
        Race and the Cosmos: An Invitation to View the World Differently
        Barbara A. Holmes
        Manufacturer: Trinity Press International
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

        GeneralGeneral | Race Relations | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
        Ethnic StudiesEthnic Studies | Special Groups | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Theology | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
        Science & ReligionScience & Religion | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
        African AmericanAfrican American | Other Practices | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
        CosmologyCosmology | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books
        All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
        NonfictionNonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
        Religion & SpiritualityReligion & Spirituality | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
        ScienceScience | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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        ASIN: 1563383772

        Book Description

        In Race and the Cosmos, Barbara Holmes boldly suggests that theoretical physics and cosmology have the power to break through our stalled and difficult discussions about race. At the intersection of ethics, cosmology, and physics, a new view of human life is emerging—a view not neatly divided along lines of race, ethnicity, class, or sexual orientation. Human life at cosmic and quantum levels has a unity independent of external social categories such as science and religion.

        The ways that modern culture defines us can no longer provide spiritual connections, Holmes says. Quantum and cosmic metaphors about self, society, and God point to origins, mysteries, and ultimate things. The worlds of cosmology and quantum mechanics offer us the resonance and rhetoric of a multi-dimensional universe, and give us new ways to talk about the individual and communal quest for moral fulfillment.

        The language of cosmology can replace older ways of thinking and talking about race and ethnicity. This new language unifies rather than divides, in a cosmic universe that is both staggering and healing in its human/divine scope.

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Relating Race to Cosmology.......2005-06-11

        Barbara A. Holmes. RACE AND THE COSMOS: AN INVITATION TO VIEW THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Trinity Press International, 2002: 187 pages. ISBN 1-56388-377-2.

        [Reviewed by Theodore Walker Jr., Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275 in June 2005.]


        I accept and I prescribe that other liberation theologians accept Barbara A. Holmes's invitation to see and describe the cosmic contexts of liberation struggles. Holmes judges that our efforts to develop a truly liberating theology and a just society have "stalled," and in significant part, this is because we are not inspired by a liberating awareness of our cosmic contexts. Accordingly, we are invited to consider our relations to planets, stars, galaxies, and other cosmic realities, and to consider that we are composed of microscopic, molecular, atomic, subatomic, and quantum parts (particles-wavicles or events). Cosmic and quantum myopia can yield only seriously inadequate or wrong views of the world. If we are to develop more adequate liberation theologies and inspire more liberating struggles, we must accept this invitation.

        Holmes advocates considering various cosmologies, including traditional and modern scientific cosmologies. Here she is most attentive to insights from recent scientific cosmological and quantum studies (such as string theories). These insights from science can help with understanding various oppressions, including economic, gender-based, and racial oppressions. By offering a series of examples, Holmes demonstrates that we can be empowered to see better and orient more righteously by relating race to cosmology.



        5 out of 5 stars An insightful metaphysical study of cosmology & race.......2002-09-14

        Race And The Cosmos: An Invitation To View The World Differently by Barbara A. Holmes (Associate Professor of Ethics and African American Religious Studies, Memphis Theological Seminary) is a compelling and insightful metaphysical study of cosmology, race, and what it means to awaken to full liberation. From the eternal quest for finding meaning to one's life, to interpreting what it truly is to be reasonable and tolerant in the grand scheme of things, Race And The Cosmos is offers a new and recommended look at the basic philosophies that shape our lives and how we view the universe.

        5 out of 5 stars A compelling and insightful metaphysical study of cosmology.......2002-09-05

        Race And The Cosmos: An Invitation To View The World Differently by Barbara A. Holmes (Associate Professor of Ethics and African American Religious Studies, Memphis Theological Seminary) is a compelling and insightful metaphysical study of cosmology, race, and what it means to awaken to full liberation. From the eternal quest for finding meaning to one's life, to interpreting what it truly is to be reasonable and tolerant in the grand scheme of things, Race And The Cosmos is offers a new and recommended look at the basic philosophies that shape our lives and how we view the universe.

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