Brother Astronomer - Hardcover

Consolmagno, Guy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 007135428X ISBN 13: 9780071354288

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education, 2000

Synopsis

Blending memoir, science, history and theology, Guy Consolmagno takes us on this exploration of Vatican science. We tour the Vatican's meteorite collection and learn how astronomy progresses despite its dearth of tactile evidence. It seeks to prove that not all religion is hostile to science.

About this title

Review:

Despite its persecution of Galileo, the Catholic Church has supported scientific inquiry more often than not, says American-born Jesuit and Vatican astronomer Consolmagno in this collection of essays on planetary lore, theological mastications, and the pleasures of a well-spent youth. For this planetary research scientist, lecturer, and curator of the Vatican's collection of meteorites, life couldn't be better. In a charming day-in-my-life essay set in the tranquil hills around Castel Gandolfo (the Pope's summer residence and home of the Vatican Observatory). Consolmagno portrays himself working among a dozen scientists for whom Church dogms and the scientific method are the means employed "to find God in all things." Refreshingly sensible apologia, supported by relevant quotations from theologians, astronomers, and historical sources, depict the 21st-century Church as a haven for intellectual thought. Charming moments of humor, skepticism and die-hard faith in this best of all possible worlds.

From the Back Cover:

Praise for BROTHER ASTRONOMER:

"Congenially conveying both meaty science and meaty theology, Consolmagno contributes vitally to the rapprochement of science and faith." - Booklist

"Consolmagno spills the contagious cheer of a man happily married to two loves - religion and science." - The Philadelphia Inquirer

"Deft writing" - Library Journal

"Memorable" - Natural History Magazine

Brother Astronomer is a wonderful contribution to the ongoing science-and-religion debate, from someone living in both worlds. Blending memoir, science, history, and theology, Brother Guy takes readers on a grand adventure. Revisit the infamous "Galileo affair" and discover the circumstances and misconceptions of the times that influenced what really happened. Glimpse into a world of working scientists and see how scientific discoveries are proposed and advanced. Learn the inside story of the "Mars meteorite": how can we be sure it's really from Mars, and why can't scientists agree on whether or not it contains evidence of life? Through Brother Guy's recollections, science and religion fuse together in one individual, and by extension, explain how they both are needed in order to answer the big questions: What would it mean to us if we did find life elsewhere in the universe? How did the world begin, and does it follow natural laws?

About this edition

• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 007135428X
• ISBN 13: 9780071354288
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256