Why the Universe Is the Way It Is (Hardcover)

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Key Phrases: old universe, decaying universe, cosmic creation event, Milky Way Galaxy, Lonely Universe, Local Group (more...)

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Product Description

Increasingly astronomers recognize that if the cosmos had not unfolded exactly as it did, humanity would not, could not, exist. Yet these researchers--along with countless ordinary folks--resist belief in the biblical Creator. Why? They say a loving God would have made a better home for us, one without trouble and tragedy. In Why the Universe Is the Way It Is, Hugh Ross draws from his depth of study in both science and Scripture to explain how the universe's design fulfills several distinct purposes. He also reveals God's surpassing love and ultimate purposes for each individual. Why the Universe Is the Way It Is will interest anyone who wonders where and how the universe came to be, what or who is responsible for it, why we are here, or how and when the universe ends. Far from leaving the reader at this philosophical jumping-off point, Ross builds toward answering the big question of human destiny and the specific question of each reader's personal destiny.

From the Inside Flap

Do science and the Bible offer contradictory answers to life's biggest questions? Hugh Ross the astronomer knows his science. This Christian author and apologist also knows Scripture. And he sees no conflict between the two. The same God who created the universe gave humans the intellect and curiosity to explore it. The search for answers takes us on a thrilling adventure of discovery. Ross leads the exploration by showing how cutting-edge research and key biblical principles agree. This faith-building page-turner is equally useful for personal and group study, deep reflection, and serious debate. Why the Universe Is the Way It Is opens our minds--and our eyes--to a stunning new view of the Creator.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (October 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801013046
• ISBN-13: 978-0801013041
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #48,000 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Answers to atheists objections about why God created the universe as He did, September 23, 2008

By	Richard L. Deem "Rich Deem" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

In a slight departure from their usual books on a testable creation model, Hugh Ross (Reasons To Believe) takes on the big "why" questions about the universe and why God created in the way He did. This book represents a continuation of Dr. Ross' previous book, "Creation As Science" with more emphasis on how biblical theology fits with what we know about the characteristics of the universe and life on earth.

An integration of biblical theology and science is sorely needed, since most skeptics assume that God created the universe just as a nice place in which human beings could live. Such misunderstandings often lead to objections to the way the universe was designed, when a proper understanding of theology explains the "why" of the characteristics that make up the universe.

Included in the why questions are Why is the universe 1) so large, 2) so old, 3) so dark, 4) so entropic, etc. Probably the most asked question is why didn't God create a perfect universe now. The Bible provides at least 11 main reasons why the universe was created the way it was before God creates the perfect new creation.

Hugh Ross' latest book is an excellent integration of biblical theology with the latest scientific evidence that supports the Christian worldview and the Bible as God's revelation to humanity. It also provides answers to common skeptical questions and complaints. The book is not overly technical (but does contain endnotes for those who want additional detail), so it is recommended for all those interested in science and the Christian faith.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Universe is the way it is because it was designed to be the way it is., April 3, 2009

By	Butch (From the American Heartland.) - See all my reviews

In my opinion Hugh Ross should be requirred reading for all college freshman. His perspective is neither fundamentalist nor postmodern. He is an astrophysicist with the heart of a mystic. He sees no problem between the findings of Science and a belief in a Creator. In this he reminds me of the Jesuit Priest Paleontologist and Geologist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. You might like to get a copy of de Chardin's book, "The Phenomenon of Man". It is obvious to Mr. Ross that the Earth is not 6,000 years old. This though amazingly the vast majority of those that call themselves Christians see his position as heresy. You can't please everyone. Fundamentalist literalists aside the Earth is about 5 billion years old. A thousand years to the eternal is as a day to the temporal. Ross is a Christian. But he is not a slave to tradition.

Ross's writings are for the most part about the odds of things being the way they are. Or, "Why The Universe Is The Way It Is". Especially the odds of there being life on Earth. Or anywhere else in the Universe for that matter. Contrary to popular opinion the odds are against it. Against life appearing anywhere in the Universe. It isn't old enough, and it isn't big enough. He explains at length in scientific terms why this is the case. Life is an anomaly.

For intelligent life to exist there must be a whole laundry list of things that have to fall into place at just the right time and in just the right place. The galaxy must be a certain type and age. The star must be a certain size and type. A relatively small and stable star. The planet must be a certain size and distance from its just right star. To close, Venus. To far away, Mars. Earth is just right. Even its tilt is just right. And its rate of rotation. No tilt no seasons. Equator to hot, poles to cold. Any faster to windy. Any slower days to long, nights to long making for overly extreme temperature swings. The list goes on. And on.

In my opinion a person does not have to be a Christian to appreciate this and other books by Hugh Ross. I believe all people of good faith with an open mind will find his information eye-openning. Something caused the Big Bang 13.7 Billion years ago. A Creator of some sort. An intelligent force. God for lack of a better word. I AM THAT I AM in the report of Moses.

In short, it is not a leap of faith to believe in a Creator, the leap is to believe there isn't one. Again, popular opinion aside. Once popular opinion believed the Earth was flat. So trust your own insight and read this book and see for yourself that there is something going on here that can be explained in far better terms than by chance over time.

Someone once said that Religion without Science is blind and Science without Religion is dead. I agree. And so does Hugh Ross. If I had ten books in my library this would be one of them.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid!, November 28, 2008

By	Clint Field "Clint" (Lexington, KY) - See all my reviews

Dr. Ross hits another home run with this book. If you like astronomy/cosmology, etc. then you will enjoy this book. It is packed with interesting facts about the latest discoveries of our universe and how they point to a Creator. The material is perfect for any Christian that wants to learn more about how God's righteousness is declared in the Heavens. It will change the way you look at the universe, and it will add a whole new dimension to the way you see God's handiwork.