The Collapse of the Three Story Universe: Christianity in an Age of Science

by Daniel Wolpert, Trey Everett (Illustrator)

The purpose of this book is to try and present a series of images that will allow us to understand how it is indeed possible for an invisible being, God, to be part of our material reality, the universe, in an manner that is both significant and consistent with what we currently understand about that reality. This work is organized along theological lines, using theological categories from the Christian faith as a framework on which to paint this new image. This exploration also relies on contemplative practice and teachings as a method for examining reality, as the spiritual tradition will help us see all things new. Such a discussion will be useful on several fronts. One is for the person of faith inside the church who may, consciously or unconsciously, be anxious about discussing a faith built upon a model of reality, the Three-Story Universe, they know to be false. I believe that if this person had another more consistent model or image to draw from that they would be more confident about being a person of faith in the modern world.Hopefully this work will also be of help to the thousands of people who have left the church precisely because they can no longer deal with a faith based upon an image of material reality that is untrue. Perhaps if they had an image of faith and reality that was more consistent they would be able to reconnect with their faith lives in a more meaningful way.Finally, I hope that this work will be useful in interfaith dialogue. People of different faiths continue to kill one another by the thousands often because of differences in doctrine and dogma. But what if the images of our faith began to derive from the common image of the universe that we all, wether we are willing to admit it or not, share? Perhaps we could begin to relate to each other from a stance and posture that was more peaceful.

124 pages, Paperback

First published April 8, 2013

Reviews

[Dnicebear · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Who says heaven is up?" is the first question posed to the reader.

Such a book runs the risk of being too simplified, but, for me, it became a way of re-tracing a journey I've made too, giving up an invisible, but over simplified, view of the universe. I like thinking with Mr. Wolpert about how this view came to dominate so many ways of thought, and I love exploring how science and religion (Christianity) belong together and that contemplation is the window towards seeing them together. I also was drawn in by the first line: "the most important things in life are invisible."

Another reason I'm attracted to read with Mr. Wolpert is because I too once lived in northwest Minnesota, where the great sky dominates, and I love thinking of the people there becoming more contemplative in outlook, which will have incredible ramifications for the land, plants and animals I once lived with through several seasons.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind opening perspective of how we percieve God and the universe. Caused me to nod my head in agreement in so many places. Will keep on my shelf to re-read and recommend to others who may feel closed in by the sense of simply "heaven or hell" at the end of times.