God of the Big Bang: How Modern Science Affirms the Creator

by Leslie Wickman

CAN FAITH AND SCIENCE COEXIST?
Scientific evidence strongly suggests that our universe had a beginning: the "Big Bang." What does this mean for those who believe in God as Creator? In God of the Big Bang , astronaut, research scientist, and Christian Dr. Leslie Wickman explores our biggest heart-and-soul questions about how faith and science go together:
In this rich and faith-affirming book, Dr. Wickman interprets complex scientific discoveries in ways we can understand, giving us a better understanding of how Scripture, science, and creation fit together.

Genres: Science, Astronomy, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Religion, Theology

187 pages, Paperback

First published April 14, 2015

About the author

Former Lockheed Martin corporate astronaut, rocket scientist, and engineer on NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station programs, Leslie Wickman, Ph.D., is currently 
chair of Engineering and Computer Science as well as director 
of the Center for Research in Science at Azusa Pacific University. Stanford University–educated Wickman also works as a research scientist with government think tanks on technical 
and political aspects of national aerospace and defense issues. She is an internationally respected research scientist, engineering consultant, and inspirational speaker. Leslie lives in Los Angeles, California. 


Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.


Modern sciencists have been trying for many years to prove that God does not exist. By testing various hypothesis and proposing theories, scientists believe that they have arrived to the evidence that God is not needed.


Dr. Leslie Wickman disagrees.


In her book God of the Big Bang, Dr. Wickman lays a foundation of why she knows that God created all that we see and how science is proving more and more that God created all that is.


Dr. Wickman starts with the premise that God created everything and that science should be used to see how His creation works. I agree completely.


I found her book to be very simple and easy to understand. There is not much technicality to wade through which makes this ideal for someone who would like a primer on what scientists are presently discussing and theorizing. However, for those wanting a more in-depth book I would suggest starting with Dr. Wickman's website.

[Dustin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Let's be honest, this book had a slim chance of being good. It's thesis is ridiculous.

In this short book you're given several of the terrible ideas common to most apologists: 1. science doesn't know; therefore god. 2. It has to be my Christian god because the Bible states Jesus fulfilled prophecies and various archeological findings support various things stated in the Bible. Which, technically, would validate any religion. Ie: the Odyssey and the illiad described real events and real people, therefore Zeus! There are a couple more arguments, all of them basically can be shelved under #1.

Then she abandons the thesis and rants about the environment. While I describe it as ranting, I wish every GOP denier would read this chapter: it's the only bit I'd agree with in the entire book. Sure her reasoning is bunk, . I'd rather you'd be intelligent enough to realize polluting the earth is a bad move on its own without needing a God to spank you in death if you don't, but whatever gets you to protect the one earth we have is fine with me.

And then a discussion on aliens. Whee!

[Kimberly Schimmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book is written by an actual rocket scientist, it is accessible to the reader without a Ph.D. Dr. Leslie Wickman shares her love of science and the stars with her readers. She also explains why she sees no incompatibility between her faith in God and her scientific investigation of the universe.

Having some engineering training myself, I also never had problems reconciling faith and science. Like Wickman, I believe something called "truth" exists and we can learn it. We also believe all truth is God's truth, so seeking the truth will never lead us away from God--only reveal more of God to us.

If you lack the confidence of people like Dr. Wickman and myself, read this book. She lays out the arguments for the existence of God and for a beginning and a Creator in ways understandable without a seminary degree. At the same time, the information is not simplistic/watered down. Dr. Wickman is a naturally gifted teacher and leads you through the arguments with patience and skill.

I received a free digital review copy of God of the Big Bang from Worthy Publishing.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good introduction to the issues Christians frequently have of reconciling faith and science. Wickman advocates a cycle of new scientific discovery followed by an adjustment in our interpretation of Scripture. She shares her own story of having a crisis of faith when studying science, then her own investigation into the reconciliation of the two. She wants people to come to a place between a six day creation and a totally naturalistic view. She goes through the evidence and arguments for God's existence. She also has insights into the possibility of multiple universes and extraterrestrial life. She has a long chapter on earth care and advocates pursuing renewable and sustainable sources of energy. Those who have read much on this topic may not find much new here but its short length is great for those who are beginning to look at the issue.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/19YfEEE.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Richie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok, so as a Christian I'm not looking to books like this for a scientific proof of God's existence, faith takes care of that. That being said this book is a whiff when it comes to the science of things. It has two good chapters. One on how many sources of the bible have been found and how it is the most validated history book ever. If it wasn't also a religious text everyone would take it for the most complete and factual history book ever written. Two, the chapter on the goldilocks zone is well done. It actually has statistics and science involved. Which is something the rest of the book lacks. One forth of the book is about global warming (although devoid of many statics) and whether or not aliens exist and how. To find out this was written by a rocket scientist was a real disappointment. Give us more science, because I agree with Mrs. Wickman, that science is covered with God's fingerprints. I would not recomend this book to anyone!

[Charity Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!! Ok, SMART PEOPLE UNITE!! This book is so cool. Despite the appearance,we are not talking about a God of evolution. This is a book that covers many things from the odds of the earth surviving being even 1% farther from the sun, to UFO’s and much more! Simply intriguing!!!

Leslie is astronaut, rocket scientist, engineer on NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station program, and many other things that are insanely awesome!! She really knows her stuff and had done her research. She can show you how it’s crazier to believe there is no God than to believe in a Higher Being.

Please pick up a copy for you and a friend!! Thank you, Worthy Publishing, for this great book! As always, this is my honest opinion. Here’s to many more!!

[whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Christian, this book added to my simple, personal belief that there's too much perfection and order in the universe for it all to have come into existence by chance. The author provides many examples of some of the wonders of the Earth and the universe, and highlights the impossibilities of there not being a creator. And to some other reviewers who offer the multiverse explanation, how is that explanation any more viable at this time than a creator?

The book comes up a star short of five due to its last two chapters on the Environment and whether we are alone in the Universe. They were not on par with the previous chapters.

[David Moody · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have probably never heard of Leslie Wickman. She is a scientist who has written a very interesting book called "God of the Big Bang". The thesis of the book is to reconcile science and the Bible instead of positing two different worldviews. Though I don't agree with all of her conclusions, she does a good job of explaining her position of logic and faith in layman's terms. She lays out all the different views on origins and shows that only the earth has all the right qualities for life designed by a creator. There is even a chapter on ufo's. Overall a very interesting book.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won as a First Reads Goodreads Giveaway. I found the book very interesting and thought provoking.

[Cince · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received God of the Big Bang: How Modern Science Affirms the Creator by Leslie Wickman as a Goodreads Firstreads promotion in exchange of an honest opinion.

First I am exceptionally impressed with the education and work positions held by Dr. Leslie Wickman and then even further impressed that she competently managed to explain in laymans terms all of the scientific methodology used in a way to emphasize the existance of God. In the end, however, people will see and hear whatever "proof" is in existance as beneficial to whatever it is they want to believe or not believe. I, therefore, especially liked the segment where Dr. Wickman expresses the reasoning of why is it better to hold on to a belief in God than to disbelieve stating the believing will not hurt anybody if their is no God, but the reverse is not so equally equitable.

I really enjoyed this tome and find it well worth reading for anyone who might find themselves trying to reconcile faith and a belief in God, a divine being, versus science which has not proved the theory of the beginnings of creation, but works under an assumption based on the fact they have not disproved the current popular theories yet.

[Charissa Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as part of the Goodreads First Reads Program for the purpose of a fair review.

Overview: Can God and science co-exist? Let’s join Dr. Leslie Wickman as she seeks to prove her stance that, yes, they can.

Likes: We get to see the Pascal’s Wager, those who have converted to a belief in God due to the preponderance of evidence, and a nifty visual aid of the odds that we got her by way of an accident, or chance.

Dr. Wickman kept the technical terminology to a minimum.

Dislikes: The big one: we had several versions of the Bible being used here.

I don’t see how throwing money at any problem will do anything except make a few people richer.

Also, fossil fuels are renewable or they’re not. You can’t have it both ways. Nor can you say that UFO visitations only happen to those who, either knowingly or unknowingly, dabble in the occult.

Conclusion: It’s a fascinating study. But, if I were you, I’d used one version of the Bible to prove all things. (I’m a fan of the King James version (not the NEW King James) myself.)

[907mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of God of the Big Bang: How Modern Science Affirms the Creator in exchange for my honest review.

Leslie Wickman doesn't bring anything new to the table concerning this topic, but she does a wonderful job of listing the points where we all as humans question our existence. She has brought scientific theory and the ideas of 'great thinkers' to the pulpit, then cross weaved the science and religion into a fact fabric of faith.

This book proves one point very well, we are all human and our understanding has its limits; but the understanding we have gained through history is undeniable - creation didn't just happen by chance, it happened for a purpose. To this day, we still question that purpose.

I recommend this book for those who are looking for a group study or for the individual who questions their beliefs or knowledge of God or science- in the very least it will show you that we are all connected by our inquiry.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from Worthy Publishing in a GoodReads First Reads giveaway.

Leslie Wickman delves into some of the issues between faith and science that often plagues Christians. She presents her thesis in favor of a Creator and then uses science to back up her thoughts. Wickman appears to be well-educated and seems to have done her research. I think that she makes valid points but I just found myself wanting more information and asking more questions.

One of the pros to this book is Wickman's writings. She does a fantastic job of presenting complex scientific research and information in a way that the average reader can easily understand it. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in both Christianity and science.

[Kylie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly I feel like this book would do more good promoted towards Christians who need to come to terms with science than at the scientific community looking for a path to Christianity. I felt like the arguments broke down at some points, most notably with the argument that having an eternal external Creator is more logical than the existence of a multiverse. Since by acknowledging that the Creator is external to the universe you've already acknowledged a second "somewhere", thus the existence of multiverse. I did read an ARC of this book but I did feel that it needed more stylistic editing to improve the flow. Overall it's a 21st century Christian Apologetic.

[Alex Shrugged · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about reconciling Christianity and science. It does a reasonable job, but not a fantastic job unless one is a full-on believing Christian. (I am a full-on believing Jew.) If you are a Christian, it will make you feel good about being one and feel reassured that science (per se) is not your enemy. On the other hand, I don't think the author made her full case.

She had some good logical points to make, but she seemed not to be aware that there are no writings from eyewitnesses of the miracles performed by Jesus. Believe me. Biblical scholars would LOVE IT if they could justify such a claim, but that's just not the case. The author, Leslie Wickman, states clearly that such personal eyewitness accounts exist, but they don't. She made a mistake and that weakened her argument.

On the science-side, she brought up the major modern arguments in favor of intelligent design. My complaint is that she didn't bring up the counter-arguments (and there are reasonable ones) that would have brought doubt to her arguments. I find it unbelievable that she wouldn't be aware of them. Perhaps she thought that those counter-arguments (if she has included them) would have made her book twice as long because those counter-arguments would require a lot of background information to give them just treatment. Nevertheless, when she made the argument that the planet Earth was is the perfect spot for human life to develop she SHOULD have pointed out that if it HADN'T BEEN in the perfect place, there wouldn't be anyone alive to say that it wasn't. That is the point of the Weak Anthropic Principle. I know she knew this because she mentioned the book from which it came, "The Anthropic Cosmological Principle" by Barrow and Tipler. (I've been reading it this month. It is dense material and well argued.)

"Weak Anthropic Principle (WAP): The observed values of all physical and
cosmological quantities are not equally probable but they take on values
restricted by the requirement that there exist sites where carbon-based life
can evolve and by the requirement that the Universe be old enough for it to
have already done so."
-- "The Anthropic Cosmological Principle", p. 16.

In other words, you must take into account that you, as an observer, exist, and that means that the environment in which you find yourself must be, in some ways, special. Otherwise, life would not have formed where you exist. Cavemen wouldn't have discovered fire, and you would not be reading this posting asking yourself, "What the heck is he talking about?" I'm saying that there could be reasons (other than G-d made it so) why we find the planet Earth in such a perfect spot and a Universe made up of such amazingly interesting properties... almost as if it was all tailor made for us.

FYI, I believe that G-d made us and the universe, but I feel compelled to say that there could have been other ways it could have come about. Those other ways are not very convincing to me when I look at them carefully, but they exist, and I want you to know they exist. However, the author seemed to gloss over them as if they weren't worth mentioning.

So... read the book if you feel compelled. It is good writing. I am a Jew and not a Christian, but I found her points paralleled Jewish thought most of the time.

Here are a list of books that I think are important on this subject:

o "The Anthropic Cosmological Principle" by Barrow and Tipler. This is not your average science book, but the first few chapters are mostly a history lesson on the subject.

0 Genesis and the Big Bang Theory: The Discovery Of Harmony Between Modern Science And The Bible by Gerald L. Schroeder. This is reconciliation of science and religion from a Jewish perspective. I liked it because the author ended with a discussion about where he might be wrong... just like a good scientist should.

o Spooky Action at a Distance: The Phenomenon That Reimagines Space and Time—and What It Means for Black Holes, the Big Bang, and Theories of Everything by George Musser. This book covers current knowledge about how the universe works at the level of Scientific American readers. I recommend it in this context because it comes up with a lot of alternative explanations that really are very spooky.

o The New Testament (Great Courses) by Bart D. Ehrman. He discusses where the Gospels came from.

That's it. I doubt I will read this book again. There are better ones. That doesn't make this book bad, but there are better ones.

[Rewa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the years, I've read lots of articles & books on the origins of Earth, The Bible & Christianity and I have to say for such a small book, < 200pgs, Dr. Wickman has made all 3 complex subjects into thought-provoking simplicity. Just like "The Goldilocks principle" she mentions in CH 7, this book wasn't too much info or too little, it was just right, even if someone hasn't read too much things on the "how, where & whys" of life & God. She did a beautiful job and I can't believe this is her only book, shucks!

[Mary Poston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book during a very hard time in my life. I was questioning how science and God could coexist. This book, paired with Something Other Than God by Jennifer Fulwiler, really helped me understand how science and God can not only coexist, but compliment each other in SUCH a beautiful way. This is coming from someone who has been atheist the majority of their adult life.

I highly recommend these two books TOGETHER if you ever find yourself questioning your beliefs, or if you just want to strengthen your beliefs!

[Theodene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comparing the Almighty God of the Bible and the notion of earth being created by the “Big Bang”, Leslie Wickman pulls together the scientific reasonings and evidence that both can coexist. We don’t need to choose one over the other, but both God and science is here on Earth and God of the Big Bang explains a lot of it. Please visit my review: https://becomingabookworm.wordpress.c...

[Trey Nowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad book by any means, broken down well for the average person and not too over top of their heads. Most everything in this book I have heard many times before in debates and read by other authors. Nonetheless, I think it is good for someone that has difficulty grasping too hard of concepts (which some addressed in this book are complex but not gone into great depth).

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

After teaching in Texas for 18 years and going through the creationist vs. evolutionist squabble over science textbooks, it was pleasant to read a book that formalized what I've always felt. God and science are not mutually exclusive. My only disappointment was the chapter on UFOs and aliens.

[Richard S. Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review God of the Big Bang

Thoughtful analysis of the interrelationships between science and faith. Dr. Wickman gives many references in support of her thesis which refutes that science are mutually exclusive.

[Joey Peacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy but scientific explanations from someone who struggled with science and faith but learned to embrace both. Chapters on origins, the Bible and the exact requirements for life on earth are exceptional.

[Sue Bastiani · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's so good!

[Peg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done and logical arguments for the existence of God. Faith and science are NOT mutually exclusive!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of facts, statistics, well cited quotes, thought provoking moments, all stuffed into an easily portable easy focus enjoyable read.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a well-reasoned series of essays integrating science and belief in the Judeo-Christian God. The most convincing scientific arguments center around the ideal conditions for life as we know it in the universe and how tiny adjustments to timing, spacing, location, etc. would effectively prohibit us from existing.

[Kristine Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend. Great for teens too.

[Carey Smoak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great layman's book for those interested in science and faith topics. The author takes difficult topics and puts them into language that anyone can understand.

[Laura Zachary · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent look at science and faith.