Summary (from the Introduction): In the pages to follow I intend to put forth what I think we know and how we know it as viewed from the shoulders of some of the giants of human knowledge. I will then address one of the greatest of all issues, the question of God. In fact, this book is really about God, what I think we believe, and whether it is possible, in the cold light of scientific inquiry, to continue to think of God as existing outside the limitations of space and time. Next, the study of cosmology will be presented in terms of approaching a synthesis of vast contradictions, of being and nothingness, of temporality and infinitude. Modern cosmology could be the best way to do modern philosophy. If faith and reason can ever coexist peacefully, then cosmology might be able to provide a framework of meaningful discourse to fulfill the vision of Isaiah, that of reasoning together. (Isaiah 1:18) That kind of conversation in terms of reasoned argument would be the task of a philosophy which is informed by the best of what we think we know about the world in concert with an intuitive mode of trustful living which everyone knows as faith. Finally, whatever conclusions may be drawn must be able to look backwards and forwards, inside and out. The story of the cosmos is not never-ending, even though the universe itself is a world without borders. The only boundary the universe has is its end. I approach my task with fear and trembling. I am a scientific layperson who has been a practical theologian for over forty years. As such, I must beg forgiveness for any scientific error and misunderstanding. What I really want to do is to reflect thoughtfully on some of the great questions which science raises, especially the world view of modern physics. I mean for these reflections to take the form of an honest and sincere search for truth.
About the Author: "If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things." - René Descartes It's a truism that no one's life is very interesting except to oneself. How many autobiographies of average folk have made the New York Times best seller list? We all do pretty much the same things. We are born, grow up, get married and have children, pursue a career, and, if we are fortunate, grow old, and die. My father was a student of philosophy who often asked me questions. One of them was, "Son, what do you know?" Then he would pause and add, ". . . for sure." That question, and others like it, made a deep impression on my young mind and in a sense set the tenor and aim of my life, to seek the truth no matter what the world threw at me. Therefore, when I think of my little life, I find that it is not defined so much by what I have done as what I have thought and believed and doubted. That's not to say that I am not proud of some of my accomplishments. Allow me to lay claim to a few. I can fly an airplane, which I learned to do at age sixty. I love building and using computers. I enjoy singing. I was practiced in the martial arts. I have been a teacher. I drove a fuel truck for the National Park Service at the Grand Canyon one year when I was Resident Intern for A Christian Ministry in the National Parks. I even sold houses! In summary . . . * I received an excellent education in the arts and humanities as well as religious and philosophical studies. * I have always wondered as I wandered. * I am enchanted by the world and intensely interested in how it works. * I have often wondered if my life has meaning to anyone else. The jury is still out on that one! * I have always been a seeker after truth, which led to this book. * The meaning of my life is easy to state: husband, father, "pop-pop," singer, minister of the gospel. * It has not been as easy to live. * One thing I know for sure: I will die trying! Facts of Life: DOB: April 5, 1942 POB: Chester, PA Education: Murfreesboro (NC) Grammar School (1948-1956) Smithfield (VA) High School (1956-1960) University of Richmond (VA), B.A., (1960-1964) Crozer Theological Seminary (PA), M.Div., (1965-1968) Claremont School of Theology (CA) Ph.D., (1975-1980)