Friday, March 12, 2010

The Language God Talks On Science and Religion By Herman Wouk's


When mankind first left the earth I was there. A friendly National Geographic executive invited me to witness the liftoff of Apollo 11 from Cape Canaveral on July 16, 1969, a day when the Cape buzzed with the powerful and the famous.

How different it was to watch an Apollo launch at the Cape, rather than on TV! No warm-voiced avuncular Walter Cronkite on the small screen, no space-suited astronaunts going off to their fate with waves and smiles, no close-ups of the towering snowy Saturn V shaft wisping vapor, no clueless interviewers killing time by badgering scientists and engineers. None of that, just a long wait under a baking Florida sun on a wooden bench in a crowded stand; the rocket gleaming white and diminutive at a safe distance, Mission Control droning from a loudspeaker overhead: “Five…four…three…two…one…We have ignition!”

And that was it!

The Language of God by Herman Wouk’s is his gem on navigating the divide between science and religion. In one rich, compact volume, Wouk draws on stories from his life as well as on key events from the twentieth centry to address the eternal questions of why are we here, what purpose faith serves, and how scientific fact fits into the picture.

He relates wonderful conversations he’s had with scientists such as Feynman, Murray Gell-Mann, Freeman Dyson, and Steven Weinberg, and brings to life such pivotal moments as the 1969 moon landing and the Challenger disaster.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from Hachette Book Groups. I found this book at times challenging because I don’t really have a scientific mind, so there are times when my attention was lost in some of the details pertaining to science facts or mathematical calculations, however overall I found the book enjoyable. I learned what it was like first hand to witness the launching of the Hubble Telescope and the science race through the eyes of Mr. Wouk.

I would recommend this book to anyone with a deep love of science, space, and a great math mind. This book takes a view of how science tries to explain religion which is a great resource for any Christian mind to have.

If you are interested in obtaining more information about the author or the book and where you can purchase a copy, please click on the link below.

http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1332402

RELIGION, SCIENCE
Format: HARDCOVER BOOK
Publish Date: 4/5/2010
Price: $23.99/$28.99
ISBN: 9780316078450
Pages:192
Size: 5-1/2" x 8-1/4"

I am also doing a giveaway for two copies of this book. Just leave a comment on my blog telling me why this book interests you and the winners will be chosen on Thursday, March 18th. Please No P.O. Box addresses and this giveaway is only available to those in the US and Canada only. Please make sure I have an email address to reach you if you should win!

10 comments:

Denise said...

Nice review.

KrippledWarrior said...

Hopefully by now you know what a nit pick I am. And you'll forgive me saying that Walter Cronkite did not report the moon launch. It was ABC Science editor Jules Bergman.

Mich said...

Interesting topic. I so wish I had the time to read more.

Just Be Real said...

Kat, thank you for the review. Blessings.

Deborah Ann said...

That sounds awesome! The universe is so fascinating, isn't it? Just think of how much you are learning by reading all these books!

Saleslady371 said...

I give you lots of credit for tackling this science based book in your busy life. (But you are a smart gal.)

Loren said...

OH Kat! Once again....we are alike in this! Although I would not even be able to stick with it the way you did! Great review :)
Love you!

Dogmom Diva said...

Kat, wonderful review..tough subject!
Thanks for stopping by my pink saturday blog, and leaving such a nice comment...take care, have a great weekend

blessings,
Barb

He & Me + 3 said...

I think my Dad would like this book. He reads like a book a day. I should get him into reviewing books. LOL Kidding...he doesn't use the internet. But he loves books.

Edie said...

This actually sounds like an interesting book. Unfortunately I still have 5 or 7 (?) books still waiting for me to read. Just haven't had the time lately. So I will pass up this opportunity. I hope you're still doing this when I finally get caught up. :)

Have a great weekend!