The Wonder of the Universe: Hints of God in Our Fine-Tuned World [Paperback]

Karl W. Giberson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 29, 2012

Like detectives sleuthing out the greatest mystery of all, scientists over the centuries have uncovered clues about the structure and origins of the universe. The work of Galileo, Newton, Einstein, and a host of other tenacious researchers and thinkers reveals a cosmos of almost unimaginable wonder and beauty.

If we then honestly follow the evidence of science wherever it leads, where do we end up?

Karl Giberson takes us on a fascinating guided tour of planets and protons, galaxies and gamma rays. We discover that if gravity were slightly stronger, neutrons a tiny bit lighter, the size of our sun somewhat larger or a dozen other factors altered by fractions, there would be no life.

The author shows that for many observers, even those who do not embrace religious faith, all of this looks suspiciously like the expression of a grand plan--a cosmic architecture capable of both supporting life such as ours, and inspiring observers like us to seek out hints of a creator.

Join this cosmic expedition and discover the wonder of it all.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Wonder of the Universe is written in a style easily accessible to a broad audience. Avoiding the extremes of too much science jargon or sidestepping the science altogether, Giberson explains his scientific arguments in terms and examples that engage both scientist and layperson alike. He weaves a rich tapestry of the history of science, scientific discoveries and the many great--albeit sometimes quirky--minds of groundbreaking scientists themselves. Observing the remarkable lawful order and suitability for life we find in our universe, Giberson explores the fine-tuning 'problem' and cautions his readers not to simplify the debate between the competing explanations of the multiverse hypothesis versus purposeful design as merely science versus religion. He comments on the shortcomings of science when it comes to questions of meaning and purpose, and asserts that while evidence for fine-tuning in nature does not prove God's existence, it 'fits comfortably, supportively and logically' within a belief system holding God as Creator. This book is a very well-written, thought-provoking and enjoyable read." (Leslie Wickman, Center for Research in Science, Azusa Pacific University)

"Giberson lays out the case that the universe is 'wonderful, surprising and provocatively friendly to life' in an appealing and readable way. This book will be a welcome addition to the library of books on science and faith, one in which the reader is encouraged to see scientific advances as 'encouragements to faith, rather than challenges.' Individuals, churches and student groups will find it helpful." (Dorothy Boorse, professor of biology, Gordon College)

"In The Wonder of the Universe, Karl Giberson takes us on a delightful journey through space and time, offering enlightening insights into key historical events that shaped our understanding of the universe with glimpses of the wonder and glory of our Creator." (Randy Isaac, American Scientific Affiliation)

"Readers looking for a clear, accurate and interesting account of modern cosmology and the religious questions it raises should buy this book." (Edward B. Davis, professor of the history of science, Messiah College)

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (February 29, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830838198
• ISBN-13: 978-0830838196
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #688,684 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Karl Giberson (1957, New Brunswick, Canada) is an internationally known scholar, speaker, and writer. He holds a PhD in Physics from Rice University. Dr. Giberson has lectured on science-and-religion at the Vatican, Oxford University, London's Thomas Moore Institute, and at many prestigious American venues including MIT, Brigham Young University and Xavier University.

Dr. Giberson has published more than 200 reviews and essays, both technical and popular, in outlets that include NY Times, CNN.com, the Guardian, USA Today, LA Times and Salon.com. He has written or co-authored 9 books, and contributed to many edited volumes. In addition to his published works, Karl is a regular contributor to the public dialogue on Science and Faith. He has appeared as a guest on NPR's Morning Edition and Talk of the Nation as well as other radio programs. He also blogs at The Huffington Post where his articles have generated thousands of comments and are frequently featured.

From 1984 to 2011, Dr. Giberson was a professor at Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) where he received numerous recognitions and awards. From 2007 to 2010 he headed the Forum on Faith at Science at Gordon College. For 3 years, ending in 2009 he was the program director for the prestigious Venice Summer School on Science & Religion. Currently, Dr. Giberson teaches writing, and science-and-religion in the Cornerstone Program at Stonehill College. Karl also lectures at universities, churches and other venues across the country and is working on his 10th book, due for publication in 2014.

Karl enjoys writing in his gazebo, listening to Bob Dylan, watching re-runs of Star Trek the Next Generation, and drinking Diet Coke.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Rebuttal of the Atheist Inference of Mainstream Cosmology and Biology March 19, 2012

By George P. Wood VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Like many Christian ministers, I did not study science at the undergraduate or graduate level. Instead, I opted for philosophy and theology, academic disciplines which I felt would better prepare me for ministry. Thus, while I am not wholly ignorant of modern science, my understanding of it is admittedly thin. My conversations with ministerial colleagues indicate that this thin understanding is the rule among us, not the exception.

Such a thin understanding of science is, it now seems to me, a hindrance to ministry in the modern world. While the most enduring objections to Christianity--the problem of evil, for example--do not arise from scientific inquiry, the most interesting ones today do: the origins of the universe (Big Bang cosmology) and the origin of the species (biological evolution). According to the so-called New Atheists, scientific explanations have displaced theological ones, so that God is a "failed hypothesis," as the subtitle of a book by Victor J. Stenger puts it.

One response to the scientific critique of Christian belief is simply to reject the science. This is the strategy of Young Earth Creationism and the Intelligent Design Movement, both of which reject biological evolution, although they disagree on cosmological issues such as the age of the universe and the Big Bang. These two responses are very prominent within North American Pentecostalism and evangelicalism.

Another response--more commonly found among Christian academics and professional scientists than among laypeople--is to accept the scientific consensus on cosmology and biology but to reject the atheistic inference. This is the strategy of Karl W. Giberson in his new book, The Wonder of the Universe. Rather than dispute either Big Bang cosmology or biological evolution, Giberson argues that they may provide "hints of God in our fine-tuned world," in the words of the subtitle of his book.

From 1984 to 2011, Giberson was professor of physics at Eastern Nazarene College. In 2008, he became president of the BioLogos Foundation, "a community of evangelical Christians committed to exploring and celebrating the compatibility of evolutionary creation and biblical faith." He currently directs the Science & Religion Writing Workshop at Gordon College.

Young earth creationists will dismiss Giberson's acceptance of mainstream cosmology and biology out of hand because they conflict with a literal reading of the Bible. Intelligent design advocates will split the difference, accepting the cosmology but rejecting the biology. (To be accurate, most of the book deals with cosmology and physics. Only one chapter addresses biological evolution.) Those who give Giberson's argument an open ear, however, might discover that "fine-tuning fits comfortably, supportively and logically within a worldview grounded in the belief that God is the Creator of all that is."

Whether you ultimately agree with Giberson's scientific conclusions on cosmology and biology, you will find that The Wonder of the Universe is an accessible introduction to mainstream cosmology, and thus a partial remedy to a thin science education. You might also find that the atheistic inference from science is not as strong as New Atheists say it is.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Introduction June 7, 2012

By A. Morgan

Format:Paperback

Karl Giberson has really written two books here. The first, which is the first half of this book, is a wonderful overview of science and some of the great scientists of history. Giberson looks at the major discoveries, the evolution of understanding about our world, the universe and space; the smallness of earth in comparison to the vastness of space and much more. Giberson's overview is extremely well written both in terms of content and information.

The second half of the book looks at the argument of design in the universe. Giberson does this very well. He is both a scientist and a Christian but he does not make exaggerated claims either way but seeks to navigate a very sensible, logical process. He writes "I have tried in this book to be cautious but not timid in drawing connections between the wonder of the world and belief in God. I don't think the profound character of mathematics proves that God exists. But I do think it makes belief in a reality that transcends the physical world entirely reasonable and, I would argue, necessary."

Giberson is not a theologian trying to find a theology - but a scientist who obviously loves science and the process of discovering information, looking at the process of science through the lens of a believer in God.

I have a non-existent background in science - but I found this book more than just readable, but enjoyable as well as informative.

Recommended!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I'd buy a hundred if Ken Ham would read it July 7, 2012

By Joel L. Watts VINE™ VOICE

Format:Kindle Edition

Karl Giberson is part philosopher, part teacher, and all scientist; but he refuses, just refuses to step into the realm of theology. In his latest solo offering, Giberson takes us through various scientific revolutions (from Aristotle to Einstein and beyond) and shows us what they are giving us in terms of a universe uniquely fitted, not designed, but fitted for human life. Indeed, he is as much anti-design as he is anti-creationist, but he has the good sense not to discuss the theology of these matters, only the science behind them. But, the science is divine.

The book is divided into two parts. Part One deals with the Book of Nature as many have called it. What does science look like and how has it aided us in our understanding of the physical world? It is a valid method of looking at the physical world? Does science continuously change? These are some of the questions that Giberson is taking up in the first several chapters. One of the more important points in this part, and it is one subtly repeating in the next part, is that science is in the habit of making predictions that will many times turn out to be true (Neptune is given as an example in the book, but today we should also not the Higgs boson). Giberson is writing to the lay person, a student with no background in physics or the higher sciences, and it is this lay person who more often than not is confused about the basic method of science. Giberson induces us to the Bacon method of inductive reasoning rather than the syllogistic route of Aristotle and many Christians today. It doesn't take much to understand that science and philosophy (of which theology is a subset) arrive at truth, at different types of truth, in different ways. This is important to understand, especially in the world of today when science is not correcting bad theories, but expanding old ones into new directions (Giberson reminds us that Newtonian gravitational theory is still used today). Giberson directly challenges Al Mohler on this point that one can be assured in science regardless of popular deception that science is nothing but a collection of changing facts.

This is not the only highlight of Part One. Giberson also reiterates what he and other, even skeptic, scientists have in the past, that this universe is uniquely fitted to produce human life. While he stands apart from intelligent designers, he does allow that certain knobs have been tweaked to exact values (following Dyson and others) that give us life. As we expand our horizons with the theory of the multiverse (Green over Hawkins, as I understand them), this becomes more important to understand, because then it gives way to such things as the Game Theory (Nonzero-sum, as produced by another skeptic) that has shown something higher than mere laws.

Part Two deals more with a where-do-we-go-from-here stance. He doesn't theologize, but he does use the evidence to suggest that there is something more than nothing. Reminding us that the Big Bang was first rejected as a theory because it was considered a religious theory, Giberson uses Lewis and other skeptical and believing scientists to give us a firm grasp to suggest that we have enough hints in the universe that we do not need to postulate a God of the Gaps theory or theology (as Newton did) but to allow that science is spreading before how the universe was put together by God.

That is my one complaint with books like this and with Giberson's style over all. He simply refuses to theologize science. Yes, he does have a great point that once you use God to fill in the gaps, then once the gaps close, you no longer have place for God; however, what Giberson does is to give us something better, a real theology. His use of Game Theory among other things comes close to providing a sound scientific theology, but he at the last moment shies away from it. Of course, maybe that is for the Asbury's to do and not the Bacon's.

Giberson's book is highly readable, never laden with specialist language, and filled with helpful anecdotes, providing an antidote to those who suggest that with science we cannot have God. Indeed, the authors of the Heidelberg Confession were correct, that the books of God, Scripture and Nature, reveal to us God and should thus be read.