The Sacred Depths of Nature (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780195126136)

For many of us, the great scientific discoveries of the modern age--the Big Bang, evolution, quantum physics, relativity-- point to an existence that is bleak, devoid of meaning, pointless. But in The Sacred Depths of Nature, eminent biologist Ursula Goodenough shows us that the scientific world view need not be a source of despair. Indeed, it can be a wellspring of solace and hope.
This eloquent volume reconciles the modern scientific understanding of reality with our timeless spiritual yearnings for reverence and continuity. Looking at topics such as evolution, emotions, sexuality, and death, Goodenough writes with rich, uncluttered detail about the workings of nature in general and of living creatures in particular. Her luminous clarity makes it possible for even non-scientists to appreciate that the origins of life and the universe are no less meaningful because of our increasingly scientific understanding of them. At the end of each chapter, Goodenough's spiritual reflections respond to the complexity of nature with vibrant emotional intensity and a sense of reverent wonder.
A beautifully written celebration of molecular biology with meditations on the spiritual and religious meaning that can be found at the heart of science, this volume makes an important contribution to the ongoing dialog between science and religion. This book will engage anyone who was ever mesmerized--or terrified--by the mysteries of existence.

Author: Ursula Goodenough
ISBN-10: 0195126130
ISBN-13: 9780195126136
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Language: English
Published: 10/29/1998
Pages: 224
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.93lbs
Size: 8.64h x 6.08w x 0.85d

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 10/26/1998 pg. 56
Booklist 11/01/1998 pg. 458