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Brother Astronomer: Adventures of a Vatican Scientist (Hardcover)

~ Guy Consolmagno (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

It's the last two words of its subtitle that will arouse interest in this amiable book--and deservedly so. Like other Jesuit scientists before him, most notably Teilhard de Chardin, Consolmagno conveys well a passion for science wed to faith in God: two objects of devotion that, as Consolmagno realizes, many see as mutually exclusive. The triumph of his book is its persuasive argument that doing science can be a religious act--"that studying creation is a way of worshipping the creator." Regrettably, that triumph is confined to only a minor portion of the text, which overall, despite its other merits, has a ragtag feel, with Consolmagno moving from a look at his monastic-scientist's routine to discussions of his specialty, the study of meteorites; a history of Galileo's problems with the Church; a mini-autobiography; and Consolmagno's experiences hunting meteorites in Antarctica. And, in fact, the final chapter reveals that much of the book consists of reworked versions of the author's past talks and papers. Other than the brilliant defense of science's place in the religious life (and vice versa), no section of the book excels, though all are serviceable. The hard science discussions are elegant but rather technical; the Antarctic narrative, while enjoyable enough, lacks the alert wordsmithery of the practiced storyteller; and some of Consolmagno's statements, such as that all of Western science's achievements result "from the Incarnation," are so bald as to deny anyone but a devout Christian any grip. Even so, the book works, and well, for Consolmagno is a charming writer, witty, self-deprecating and, above all, genuine. There's not a whit of posturing in his words, but, instead, a sincerity and enthusiasm that are consistently congenial and infectious. 60,000 first printing; author tour. (Mar.) FYI: Brother Astronomer launches McGraw-Hill's ambitious new trade science program, which in the year 2000 will publish books by, among others, Ellen J. Prager, Alan Lightman and Joel de Rosnay.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal

Consolmagno, a Jesuit brother for the past ten years, has spent 25 years as an astronomer. He is now at the Vatican Observatory, where he curates one of the largest meteorite collections in the world. Consolmagno's book is an uneven mix of memoir, science, and religion; four large sections cover meteorites and comets, the perceived rift between science and theology, his life's path leading up to the decision to join the Jesuits, and his recent participation in a scientific mission to the Antarctic. The threads connecting these disparate topics are clear, deft writing and a mind at home with science and faith. However the four sections, while interesting in themselves (the last one on Antarctica is especially wonderful), do not make a cohesive whole. In addition, parts of the text were conference presentations or previously published articles, adding to the book's cut-and-paste feel. Recommended for larger collections.
-Michael D. Cramer, Cigna Healthcare, Raleigh, NC
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

  • Hardcover: 256 pages
  • Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (February 12, 2000)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 007135428X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0071354288
  • Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,220,991 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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More About the Author

Guy J. Consolmagno
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Customer Reviews

12 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.2 out of 5 stars (12 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars a brief review of Brother Astronomer's book, May 22, 2000
By Brad4d "bb" (United States) - See all my reviews
  
(Brother)(Dr) Guy Consolmagno has given us a delightful book, obviously written by someone who has comfortably lived (and uncomfortably adventured) in the two worlds of scientific and religious inquiry. The author discusses his infectious enthusiasm for both "worlds," although he doesn't think there is an essential line between the two. During the course of this book, you will travel to the ends of the earth to look for fragments of another world, understand why serendipity (and a good high school English teacher) are often major parts of a successful big-league scientific presentation, and learn why the Vatican maintains one of the world's best meteorite collections (in a home built by the pope who helped condemn Galileo). You will also find how Dr C answered the "killer question" -- namely, why care a fiddle or a fig about the makeup of Jupiter's moons, when people are suffering on earth? (Dr C mentions he briefly gave up science, joined the Peace Corps to directly help starving people, wound up teaching science to Kenyan students, and came away convinced that scientific development can provide one of the soundest foundations for preventing ignorance and starvation. It can also provide a sound foundation for religious understanding). Dr C discusses how the established church helped found modern science and scientific thinking (Galileo's trial was a correctable aberration, just like the regrettable dark alleyways occasionally taken by scientific minds). The established church and science have traditionally been partners in seeking methodological and insightful understanding, appreciating truth in our world, and combating ignorance and superstition. I did have some editorial quarrels (examples: there is no index and no bibliography, and Father Lemaitre did not "invent" the Big Bang theory; he "proposed" it). Nevertheless, when I closed this book, I had improved both my understanding of why a sane person would risk his life for science, and why a sane scientist would want to become a good Jesuit.
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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A multi-faceted book......., May 19, 2000
Following are just some of the things this small book manages to be:

An autobiography tracing a career in science and a path toward a religious calling.

A discussion of meteor and planetary science.

An adventure set against the harshness of Antarctica.

A discussion of the Occidental attitude toward nature which has led to the historical development of the scientific method.

A meditation on life as a gift and love superceding both obligation and duty as a motive for action.

Finally, a gentle reminder that the threadbare proposition that science is incompatible with religious belief is far too facile and much too simple. Brother Consolmagno portrays a reality that is more complex, more ambiguous and flat out more interesting.

By the way, it's all related with a winning sense of humor

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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Do Science for Religious Reasons? Absolutely!, May 12, 2000
By Zane Grey (Flagstaff, AZ) - See all my reviews
This book is an eye-opener for both true-believing religious folk who mistrust science and hard-nosed materialists who consider theological ways of thinking to have been overthrown by science. For those who already knew better, this book falls a bit short of advancing recent dialogs between religion and science. Subjective religious experiences are uncritically reported as "God's" influence with little or no reflection on the psychological nature of their origin. Further, both past "mistakes" and current dogmatic assertions of the Catholic Chursh are discussed without persuading this reader that the author has been as thoroughly honest in his pursuit of "Truth" as is claimed. But all in all, this is an enjoyable book with an entertaining exposition of meteorite hunting that constitutes an honest-to-God adventure. Well worth reading!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A Review From a Minister, Teacher, and Amateur Astronomer

I like science, especially astronomy. I own a couple of small telescopes and am a member of the Astronomical League. Read more
Published 10 months ago by R. Kirkham

5.0 out of 5 stars A thoroughly entertaining author
I had the pleasure of meeting Brother Guy in the summer of 2001 during a visit to Castel Gandolfo where he was kind enough to take us on a guided tour of the observatories on the... Read more
Published on April 5, 2005 by B. Levine

5.0 out of 5 stars The Desire for Truth and Understanding -- and Mars Rocks
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Published on January 26, 2005 by George A. Reynolds

5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful romp
Brother Astronomer is a delightful romp into the life of a joyful and spirit-filled man. Brother Guy exemplifies the bridging of the purported gap between faith and science; in... Read more
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4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Book from an Interesting Man
In "Brother Astronomer", Br. Guy Consolmagno describes his life and views as a Jesuit brother who is also a professional astronomer. Read more
Published on July 28, 2003

4.0 out of 5 stars La iglesia no solo se dedica a rezar!
Uno pensaría que la Iglesia y principalmente sus más cercanos servidores, los sacerdotes, solo se dedican a los aspectos meramentame espirituales, que si bién son grandiosos, no... Read more
Published on November 28, 2000 by Dr.Felipe Flores Parkman

1.0 out of 5 stars Wasted efforts
I was very disappointed in this book, as I expected a book with at least some insights into religion versus science Instead, we are 'treated' to someone who never found what he... Read more
Published on August 16, 2000 by James Nelems

3.0 out of 5 stars A Living Example of the Science-Religion Conflict
Consolmagno is a good writer and has produced an entertaining account of his "adventures" as a participator in both the world of science and religion. Read more
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4.0 out of 5 stars Good look at a religious astronomers life
This is a good look at the life of a religious astronomer. And a good look at why that isn't an impossibility. Read more
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