The Hand of God: Thoughts and Images Reflecting the Spirit of the Universe
Product ID: 7054829
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The Hand of God combines inspiration for the mind and spirit by juxtaposing what Astronomy magazine has called “the most beautiful astrophotos ever taken” with illuminating words of scientists, poets, and theologians. Introduced by an essay from award-winning science writer Sharon Begley, this revised edition includes more than sixty new images and creates for the reader an unforgettable experience of the wonder of the universe. It was once believed that to look into the heavens was to look into the face of God. The first Hubble telescope images from space, which appeared in 1990, confirmed that sentiment in ways that are beyond imagination. These eerily luminous landscapes, splendid with color and motion, gave us a glimpse into the outermost reaches of the universe—a vast, unexplored realm where spiraling galaxies cartwheeled, nebulae shimmered, and stars were born. Dark clouds parted like gauzy curtains and allowed us to peer directly into the heart of a mystery. Since that time, more images have been captured on film that are simultaneously wondrous and troubling, restoring to our lives that very mystery that seems to be part of the human experience. Throughout history, scientists and theologians, artists and writers, poets, and philosophers have struggled eloquently to make sense of the universe and God’s part in it. Together the images in The Hand of God and the accompanying reflections encourage a sense of awe and, perhaps, purpose in an age hostile to both. “We cannot take a single step toward heaven,” French mystic Simone Weil once said. “If, however, we look heavenward for a long time, God comes and takes us up.” Perhaps it is time to look up once again. Review: Brings a glimpse of wonder of our amazing universe to the coffee table - This work brings home the grandeur of our universe (and the creator behind it) as best as any book, video or special I have ever seen. The quotes from theologians, astronomers and prophets that accompany the images do not all point to a singular philosophy or faith, so do not be too hasty to write this tome off as a religious work or creationist propaganda. The photo prints are of superb quality and the quotations are well matched. My personal favorite quote is found on page 128, next to an image of a cluster of Massive Infant Stars: "I find it as difficult to understand a scientist who does not acknowledge the presence of a superior rationality behind the existence of the universe as it is to comprehend a theologian who would deny the advances of science. And there is certainly no scientific reason why God cannot retain the same relevance on our modern world that he held before we began probing His creation with telescope, cyclotron and space vehicles." -Wernher Braun This text is also a fresh reminder that while popular, secular science writers often demonstrate a lack of wonder and exaggerate the claims of their theories, the real scientists, the Einsteins, Newtons and Keplers, regarded themselves as full of wonder and mere children who had stumbled upon a few pretty pebbles upon the ocean's beach (a paraphrase from Abraham Heschel's "A Philosophy of Judaism"). Regardless of your personal faith proclivities, if you understand that no human has all the answers (and perhaps not even very many) you will enjoy this book, guaranteed. Review: Beautiful blend of science and spirituality - Amazing photos and thought-provoking quotes.
| Best Sellers Rank | #2,845,960 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #1,781 in Science & Religion (Books) #28,408 in Photography & Video |
| Customer Reviews | 4.9 out of 5 stars 50 Reviews |
E**H
Brings a glimpse of wonder of our amazing universe to the coffee table
This work brings home the grandeur of our universe (and the creator behind it) as best as any book, video or special I have ever seen. The quotes from theologians, astronomers and prophets that accompany the images do not all point to a singular philosophy or faith, so do not be too hasty to write this tome off as a religious work or creationist propaganda. The photo prints are of superb quality and the quotations are well matched. My personal favorite quote is found on page 128, next to an image of a cluster of Massive Infant Stars: "I find it as difficult to understand a scientist who does not acknowledge the presence of a superior rationality behind the existence of the universe as it is to comprehend a theologian who would deny the advances of science. And there is certainly no scientific reason why God cannot retain the same relevance on our modern world that he held before we began probing His creation with telescope, cyclotron and space vehicles." -Wernher Braun This text is also a fresh reminder that while popular, secular science writers often demonstrate a lack of wonder and exaggerate the claims of their theories, the real scientists, the Einsteins, Newtons and Keplers, regarded themselves as full of wonder and mere children who had stumbled upon a few pretty pebbles upon the ocean's beach (a paraphrase from Abraham Heschel's "A Philosophy of Judaism"). Regardless of your personal faith proclivities, if you understand that no human has all the answers (and perhaps not even very many) you will enjoy this book, guaranteed.
C**T
Beautiful blend of science and spirituality
Amazing photos and thought-provoking quotes.
G**N
Fascinating Book
A visually beautiful book that makes you think about the wonders of the universe.
S**N
A beautifull mind
The stunning images in this book are like looking into the mind of a divine artist and seeing firsthand the beauty and grandeur that only an infinite intelligence could dream up for the creation of the cosmos. The photos are peppered with uplifting quotations from famous scientist and philosophers concerning Gods design and shows , contrary to modern propoganda, that many of the greatest of these thinkers saw in science a completey reasonable case for faith.
J**N
Humbling & inspiring
I dare you to ponder these thoughts from some of our greatest & most respected minds...then gaze at the awesomeness of the universe beyond us and not feel humbled and inspired.
S**S
Great book
So glad I bought it. It sent me on a long quest to google interesting nebulas and learn more about them. I felt more connected to the universe. It added to not only the night sky, but life in general. I kinda feel like a changed person. For the better. You can find some trippy images inside nebulas. If you thought cloud watching was trippy, seeing what things look like, wait til you apply that to nebulas and start researching these things. It's the coolest. If you don't get what I mean, read Alice O Howell.
S**C
Breathtaking and inspiring book!
No matter what your religious beliefs, you will be stunned by the deep space photographs in this book. The quotes are thoughtful and very deep - it is a very positive book in so many ways. If any house guests pick it up, they will want to take it home with them - so buy a couple extra!
M**D
How fantastic to see all those galaxies--and the wonder
How fantastic to see all those galaxies--and the wonder, intelligence, and courage of real people to take them---and for us to know that they are REAL, and not imaginary! Thank you!!!
B**T
Vast
If your problems are beginning to feel too big to handle, look at these photos and you'll see how small they actually are.
N**N
This book is breath-takingly powerful and beautiful. In it one can surely see the Face ...
This book is breath-takingly powerful and beautiful. In it one can surely see the Face of God.
F**I
Inspiring & Unusual
A fascinating and unusual book which makes a lovely gift or coffee table item. This is beautifully crafted and extremely well put together in a thoughtful and mesmerising way.
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