Customer Reviews

From Science to God: The Mystery of Consciousness and the Meaning of Light

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A beautiful book! It is little in size but big in content. Peter Russell has graced us with the story of his own journey from common-sense atheistic scientist to one who has Awakened. Along the way he builds a fascinating bridge between the developing theories of science and the inner mysteries of consciousness itself. The theme is not new but then this story is always new when it unfolds itself again in you. This is indeed the ultimate meaning and purpose of life; the discovery that your own self is non-other than the wondrous Self of all. That your deepest being is already one with the light and energy which ever creates and sustains the universe. This is a very timely and wise and well written book. Don't miss it!

I love this book. It is so clear, so concise, so readable. Deep, yet easily understandable. It is a short book, but if you're like me, it will take you a few days to read as you constantly put the book down to contemplate and digest what Russell says.

It's especially valuable to those of us with a science background who have found it hard in the past to find a satisfying middle ground between science and spirituality.

A great book to start your journey with.

I just finished reading this, which couldn't have come at a better time for me. After the murder of a loved one a few months ago, I've been catapulted into a search for understanding that is taking me through science, religion, metaphysics, philosophy, meditation, with lots of tears along the way. I can't say I found this book comforting, but it seems to be pointing in the same direction as other reading I'm doing. Wonderful tour of the history of physics for the layperson, it's also a compelling argument for taking up meditation. I also recommend How to Know God, by Deepak Chopra. I know, I know, I thought so too, until a skeptical friend recommended it to me. Both are mind-expanding.

I first read this book in 2002 and just read it again; it was even better the second time around. Don't be deterred by the Publishers Weekly review that criticizes the author's scientific credentials. Here's the bottom line: Peter Russell is a well-educated, scientifically literate person who had no interest in religion until his study of human consciousness led him to explore eastern philosophy (Buddhism and Vedanta) and meditation. His mystical experiences changed his mind about spirituality by giving him a concept of the divine that is reasonable, progressive and compatible with modern science. Russell's book will be especially beneficial to thoughtful people who are understandably skeptical of organized religion but still believe "there's more to life than meets the eye." This deceptively simple book is one of my favorites!

Peter Russell's background in Mathematics, Physics and Philosophy makes him the perfect author of the material in his newest book. This book is written so kindly and quietly that you can follow his train of thought and come to your own conclusion in just one full afternoon of reading. I've been a student of Ontology for 35 years. Now, Peter Russell has given all Ontology students a bright and radiant perspective to an age old dilemma in the West: What conjuncts Science/God? Another book that broached this topic was produced in 1982, by Satprem. It was published under the title : The Mind of the Cells -- a wonderful book of observations by the Mother,(a primary student of Sri Aurobindo). Anyone on their own path will find use and delight in Peter Rusell's marvelous 125 page jewel of Light. Buy it then share it with friends! It is an excellent gift book, for any occasion.

From Science To God: The Mystery Of Consciousness And The Meaning Of Life is a profoundly compelling and philosophical examination of the nature of consciousness. Author Peter Russell persuasively seeks to reconcile faith and science within the context of the observable universe. A meaningful book, written to be clearly understood by non-specialist general readers of all educational backgrounds, From Science To God is a personal and impressive testimony of hope and peace in a world where too many people uphold either religious belief or science and unilaterally denounce one or the other.

This little book offers hope for all who thirst for plausable answers to humanity's most haunting questions: Who is God?... Why should I believe?...Is there more than dirt, rocks, air and light? A brilliant scientist who overcame years of disbelief and his own personal doubts, expresses with simplicity his case for becoming a believer. Not at all religious, and certainly not a "soul-saver," Russell places the entire universe in the lap of the reader. You'll love learning about 'paradigms' and the relation of light to all creation. Once you've finished reading, you'll likely flip back to page one and read it through a second time.

A must-read for anyone seeking insight into scientific, metaphysical, and psychological principles. He's able to tie them all together into a consistent picture that portrays consciousness and reality in a new & consistent light.

I question Russell's reasoning on a couple of things, this is far outweighed though by the new ideas I've gained to ponder. Perhaps these are my shortcomings and not his...

I love new ideas and fresh prespectives, this book is full of them. Highly recommended.

Do not let the title put you off FOR ANY REASON! This book has answers for those devoted to their religion and for those with little or no religion at all - it is a fantastic book full of info about LIFE and actual reality.

I am a physics student myself and was looking for books by top scientists whose insight lead them to radical new world views. And indeed, this book proposes a new paradigm that appears consistent with both science and some aspects of different religions. It contains interesting observations and ideas; so far so good.

Unfortunately, Peter Russell doesn't write like a scientist, but as a person with religious convictions. He has lost his sense of skepticism and presents his ideas as a truth that will inevitably become the new "metaparadigm".

Worse, the book gives an incomplete picture and leaves the critical reader with some rather concerning questions that were never answered. What happens when we die? After we die? Is there a purpose with life? Another disturbing issue is that even though he claims love and respect to be all important to the new paradigm, there are no arguments as to why this would be. In fact, the paradigm seems like the mass murderers dream - everybody will forgive you, and the light that shines within you and defines you is invariant. The light is God, meaning, God is an invariant. There simply are no consequences. Perhaps the answers lie somewhere in eastern religions/philosophies and are assumed to be known, but I can't be impressed with a book that proposes a new "metaparadigm" without bothering to address such fundamental issues.

In the end, Peter's ideas are just speculation that can't be proved right or wrong for now. They could contain elements of truth, but many other ideas exist that are equally valid, consistent both with both modern science and elements of religion. Some of these give a much more complete picture than Peter offers here, making them more convincing candidates for new paradigms in my eyes.