Taking Johannes Kepler as his guide, Gingerich argues that an individual can be both a creative scientist and a believer in divine design--that indeed the very motivation for scientific research can derive from a desire to trace God's handiwork.

An “eminent scholar . . . shows how religious perspectives have played significant roles in major scientific discoveries and frameworks. . . . fascinating.” (Choice) Today, science and religion are the two major cultural entities on our planet that seek a coherent explanation for the structure, origins, and fate of the universe, and of humanity’s place within it, though their interpretation of evidence differs dramatically. Many scientists look at the known universe and conclude we are here by chance. The renowned astronomer and historian of science Owen Gingerich looks at the same evidence?along with the fact that the universe is comprehensible to our minds?and sees it as proof for the planning and intentions of a Creator-God. God’s Planet exposes the fallacy in thinking that science and religion can be kept apart. Gingerich frames his argument around three questions: Was Copernicus right, in dethroning Earth from its place at the center of the universe? Was Darwin right, in placing humans securely in an evolving animal kingdom? And was Hoyle right, in identifying physical constants in nature that seem singularly tuned to allow the existence of intelligent life on planet Earth? Using these episodes from the history of science, Gingerich demonstrates that cultural attitudes, including religious or antireligious beliefs, play a significant role in what passes as scientific understanding. The more rigorous science becomes over time, the more clearly God’s handiwork can be comprehended. “Owen Gingerich provides new facts and deeper understanding of [Copernicus, Darwin, Hoyle].” —Freeman Dyson, author of The Scientist as Rebel “[A] short, punchy, accessible, and thought-provoking book.” —Christian Century “A rich volume you’ll want to keep in your library.” —Forbes.com

There are many ways of understanding the reality of the world we live in and experience. Science, philosophy, art all offer us ample descriptions, explanations and intuitions. But Christian believers go beyond all that, for they attempt to understand the origins of the universe in terms of the creation of the world by God. Revelation tells us what God had in mind when he made the world ex nihilo, without presuppositions of any kind. God’s Gift of the Universe attempts to present the principal elements and stages of creation theology. The doctrine is to be found fundamentally, of course, in Scripture, both Old and New Testament, which describes the world in the light of God’s word. Yet since God actually gave existence to the world, down to the last detail, our reflection on God’s word not only explains the reality of creation, how it works, its nature, as science does. It also explains how creation came into being in the mind and heart of the Triune God, and, ultimately, why God created the world. In God’s Gift of the Universe, a considerable effort has been spent throughout the book on the Christological and Trinitarian aspects of creation, particularly in the theology of Church Fathers. Creation is presented besides in a deeply eschatological key, for God created the world for purpose of making his glory eternally manifest. The book also considers the way God ‘intervenes’ in the life of the created world, through conservation in being and providence. The meaning of time, matter and spirit are considered. The need for ecological awareness is central. One aspect of the mystery of creation that receives special attention is the presence of evil in the world. This is of particular importance once we accept that God made the world, whole and entire, thus assuming responsibility for the world as it is. The origin of evil through the sin of spiritual creatures provides the ultimate though not the only explanation of the mystery of evil. Particular consideration is given to the reality of ‘original sin’.

In this engrossing retelling of Greek myth, Jean-Pierre Vernant combines his profound knowledge of the subject with brilliant and original story-telling. Beginning with the creation of Earth out of Chaos, Vernant continues with the castration of Uranus, the war between the Titans and the gods of Olympus, the wily ruses of Prometheus and Zeus, and the creation of Pandora, the first woman. His narrative takes us from the Trojan War to the voyage of Odysseus, from the story of Dionysus to the terrible destiny of Oedipus and to Perseus's confrontation with the Gorgons. Jean-Pierre Vernant has devoted himself to the study of Greek mythology. In recounting these tales, he unravels for us their multiple meanings and brings to life cherished figures of legend whose stories lie at the origin of our civilization.

Taking Johannes Kepler as his guide, Gingerich argues that an individual can be both a creative scientist and a believer in divine design--that indeed the very motivation for scientific research can derive from a desire to trace God's handiwork.

Do you think the Bible is hard to understand? Maybe you have been told there are contradictions in the Bible that can't be explained, or you have never found an answer to your questions that really satisfy your curiosity. This may be exactly what you've been looking for. Learn how to make the Bible easy to understand, cut through the contradictions and discover the answers to your questions. Dig through the language, the culture and the history to free yourself from the traps that have held you prisoner and kept you from learning the truth. Explore the Bible as many never have, using it to define itself and allowing the word of our Creator to speak clearly without being twisted out of context for our convenience. Experience how to live the way God created you to live and maintain the authority of our Creator and His word.

Holding doctorates in chemistry, physics and biology, Peter Plichta applies his multifaceted scientific knowledge to the search for a universal building plan and makes a profound discovery. Plichta shows how a mathematical formula based on prime numbers underlies the mystery of the world. By decoding this fundamental numerical code, Plichta answers questions that have baffled mankind for ages and proves that the universe did not arise out of chance.