God and the Astronomers Second Edition [Paperback]

Robert Jastrow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2000 | ISBN-10: 0393850064 | ISBN-13: 978-0393850062 | Edition: New and Expanded Edition

If every effect in science has a cause, what caused the birth of the Universe? Have scientists brought themselves face to face with the possibility of God?

In God and the Astronomers, Dr. Robert Jastrow, world-renowned astrophysicist, describes the astronomical discoveries of recent years and the theological implications of the new insights afforded by science into mankind's place in the cosmos. He explains the chain of events that forced astronomers, despite their initial reluctance ("Irritating," said Einstein; "Repugnant," said the great British astronomer Eddington; "I would like to reject it," said MIT physicist Philip Morrison) to accept the validity of the Big Bang and the fact that the universe began in a moment of creation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Dr. Jastrow places the facts before us so lucidly that the Cosmos becomes a living thing. -- John Barkham Reviews

Jastrow's scientific credentials are impeccable. And he knows how to write for the layman. -- The New York Times

Lucid, delightful, instructive. -- The Wall Street Journal

Robert Jastrow ranks among the top writers on astronomy. -- Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Robert Jastrow, Ph.D., is the director of Mount Wilson Observatory and was founder and director for twenty years of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies. He is the author of Red Giants and White Dwarfs and Until the Sun Dies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Readers Library; New and Expanded Edition edition (July 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393850064
• ISBN-13: 978-0393850062
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #779,902 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Created Universe, July 8, 2001

By 

R. Michael Friends (Round Rock, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: God and the Astronomers Second Edition (Paperback)

With this excellent book, Robert Jastrow has written a good, easily understood overview of the Argument for Design from the perspective of cosmology. He first presents the reasons why there is a consensus among scientist for the Big Bang theory and an expanding universe (particularly convincing is Penzias/Wilson's radiation from the cosmic fireball). The universe is not only expanding, it is doing so at a controlled rate that allows for intelligent life (a bit faster start would have lead to rapid expansion, slower leading to an early collapse). He then leads the reader to the obvious questions raised by the new cosmology; who did it and why. Why did the Universe begin in an explosion? Did the Universe exist before that moment? Why does the Universe seem designed for life and for man? A nice extra is the final chapter by Steven Katz; Judaism, God and the Astronomers. He argues that Judaism permits freedom of ideas, and that interpretation of Biblical texts is a long tradition. He quotes Maimonides, saying that the writers of Genesis used metaphors, "in order that the uneducated may comprehend it according to the measure of their facilities and the feebleness of their comprehension; while the educated take it in a different (i.e., allegorical or nonliteral) sense." Other nice extras include the many historical photos as well as an index.

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good introduction. . ., December 21, 2000

By 

David Zampino "21st Century Hobbit" (Delavan, Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: God and the Astronomers Second Edition (Paperback)

. . .as to why science and theology don't have to be enemies. Dr. Jastrow, recognized as one of the world's foremost astronomers (and an acknowledged agnostic on religious matters) demonstrates with remarkable honesty that astronomy and theology may well have more to talk about than the fanatics in either field would like to admit. He does so in a manner which is non-threatening, non-controversial, and non-technical.

The book's greatest flaw, in my opinion, is that at times it does not seem techincal enough. The type of person most likely to purchase this book is frequently well-read and informed about the issues, and well able to handle a deeper discussion.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well written, April 14, 2003

By 

Ben Holcomb (Wichita) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: God and the Astronomers Second Edition (Paperback)

Read this book if you have an interest in Astronomy or how astronomy relates to God. Jastrow presents a plausible view for how the universe began. What makes this book special is Jastrow's views on God and on the universe.

Robert Jastrow is certainly not a Christan, and never proclaims to be. The God Jastrow argues for is very secular and can accomadate many religions. And perhaps that is the what makes his views special.

Much of what Jastrow says about the universe and how it had to have a beginning and a creator is very revealing. Jastrow has some famous quotes in this book that you may have read elsewhere. For this purporse alone the book is worth reading. One of the more famous views comes from his story of a philsopher trying to prove that God does not exist. The philsopher for years has come up against this unbearable mountain called God and just when it appears they are read to scale the mountain and proclaim victory, another mountain twice the orignal's size pops up. Jastrow argues that this second mountain is unaviodable and unclimbable. Because this is unacceptable for some, many chose ot ignore it or dismiss it. However, despite their efforts the mountain is still there and as Jastow points out, the mountian is there for good. Calling this mountain the Big Bang does not solve anything, rather it avoids the issue altogether.

Very well written. If you have not read books on astronomy do not worry. Nothing to complicated here, so you can dive right in.