God and the Astronomers Second Edition (Paperback)

by Robert Jastrow (Author) "WHEN A SCIENTIST writes about God, his colleagues assume he is either over the hill or going bonkers..." (more)
Key Phrases: fireball radiation, cosmic fireball, flatness problem, Big Bang, Mount Wilson, Steady State (more...)

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

Product Description
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.

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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: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #117,404 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 36 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 (REAL NAME)

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.

20 of 22 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 (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

. . .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.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Big Bang and Intelligent Design, September 5, 2005

By	Cosmas Topographicos "Cosmas Alexandrinus" (Cosmic Megalopolis) - See all my reviews

"Irritating," said Einstein; "Repugnant," said the great British astronomer Eddington; "I would like to reject it," said MIT physicist Philip Morrison (On the Big Bang, and that the universe began in a moment of creation)


God and the Astronomers:
In his informing updated book, Dr. Robert Jastrow, a world class astrophysicist, renders a lucid account of the astronomical discoveries in recent years. This book focuses primarily on the Big Bang, how scientists discovered the evidence for it, and how they, reluctantly, gave up alternative theories. Jastrow focuses on several points where the two disciplines of science and religion converge, but a cyclic feedback is kept alive. He, meanwhile, discusses the various theological implications of the new scientific insights. He examines what the philosophical and theological implications might be. He ventures through this without risking any serious consequences, for mankind's place in the cosmos, arguing that; just because the Big Bang took place does not mean that God and evolution cannot coexist.
Originally published in 1978, this second edition includes an appendix presentation by Catholic and Jewish theologians.
He concludes his book with this often quoted statement: "He has scaled the mountains of ignorance; he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries."

New Edition Reviews:
"Robert Jastrow, a world renown astrophysicist and agnostic, takes an honest and inquisitive look at the theological implications of recent astronomical discoveries. Every effect in science has a cause, so what caused the Big Bang and the birth of the universe?" [...]

"Dr. Jastrow explains the chain of events that forced astronomers, despite their initial reluctance to accept the validity of the Big Bang and the fact that the universe began in a moment of creation." (SCIENCE/ASTRONOMY)

Author & Astrophysicist :
Dr. Robert Jastrow, is the director of Mount Wilson Observatory and was founder and director for twenty years of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies. He authored books which explore the universe; Red Giants & White Dwarfs, and Until the Sun Dies.