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Oer: Het grote verhaal van nul tot nu
Oer begint met een fascinerende hervertelling van het scheppingsverhaal. Proton, een minuscuul deeltje dat vlak na de oerknal ontstaat en door de ruimte vliegt, neemt de lezer mee op een duizelingwekkende reis door de tijd, van oerknal tot de evolutie van het leven tot de dagen van Jezus en het leven van nu. Proton maakt vol verwondering mee hoe de Schepper de ruimte en tijd instelt, wetten in gang zet, licht schept, geluid en kleur. Hoe Hij ervoor zorgt dat de planeet aarde een veilig huis wordt voor de mens en hoe bijzonder het is dat God zelf op een dag in de persoon van Jezus zijn schepping instapt.
De drie auteurs vullen elkaar naadloos aan: Corien Oranje is de verteller, Gijsbert van den Brink is theoloog en Cees Dekker is wetenschapper. Samen vertellen zij het grote verhaal van Gods schepping op een nieuwe, frisse manier, die recht doet aan wetenschappelijke bevindingen én aan de Bijbel.
De drie auteurs vullen elkaar naadloos aan: Corien Oranje is de verteller, Gijsbert van den Brink is theoloog en Cees Dekker is wetenschapper. Samen vertellen zij het grote verhaal van Gods schepping op een nieuwe, frisse manier, die recht doet aan wetenschappelijke bevindingen én aan de Bijbel.
128 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 27, 2020
‘Oer’ is een origineel, maar op zeer kinderlijke wijze beschreven vertelling van de natuurhistorische reis die hoofdpersoon Proton, naar het gelijknamige subatomaire deeltje, meemaakt vanaf de oerknal tot de nabije toekomst. De drie auteurs hebben geprobeerd deze kosmologische en evolutionaire omzwerving te laten samensmelten (no pun intended) met de mainstream christelijke opvatting van de geschiedenis, wat met een vakterm wel omschreven wordt als heilshistorie. Dit doen ze door voor tweederde van het boek Bijbelse taferelen als de zondeval, de exodus en het leven van Jezus te parafraseren vanuit Protons perspectief. Toch is het vreemd om een boek te lezen dat constructief-kritisch wil kijken naar de verhouding wetenschap en geloof, maar tegelijkertijd uitgaat van een ontegenzeggelijk positivistisch wetenschapsbeeld. Nergens worden noten gekraakt over de manier waarop wetenschappelijke kennis zélf aan historische evolutie onderhevig is en dat is een te groot manco voor de enorme pretenties van het boek (ondertitel: ‘Het grote verhaal van nul tot nu’).
May 20, 2020
Een lekker leesbaar boek. Leuk gevonden dat je alles beleeft door de ogen van een proton. Waar echter de eerste helft overtuigd, lijkt de tweede helft een heel ander boek. De eerste helft is combineert wetenschapelijke inzichten met een bijbelse interpretatie. De tweede helft is simpelweg een letterlijke lezing van de bijbel, en daardoor saai, niet spannend, niet vernieuwend. Waarom Adam en Eva vernieuwend interpreteren, maar de woestijntocht uit Egypte niet? Terwijl daar ook genoeg onderzoek naar is. Ik vind het een gemiste kans.
October 11, 2022
Summary: An imaginative account of cosmology, evolutionary biology, and the creation-fall-redemption story of Christianity, bringing all these together in one grand narrative, recounted by a proton who witnesses it all.
I’ve never encountered a book like this before. I’ve read books on cosmology. I’ve read books on evolutionary biology. I’ve read and re-read the biblical narratives. And I’ve read numerous books trying to relate cosmology and evolution with the Bible. I’ve never read an account attempting to describe cosmology, evolution, and the biblical account of beginnings, human rebellion, and God’s redemptive work as a single story. Until this book.
Furthermore, it is an eyewitness account. How can this be? The story is narrated by a proton, emerging in the first second after the Big Bang and persisting throughout the existence of the universe, combining with neutrons and electrons to become an atom, and bonding to others to become a molecule, witnessing the formation and death of stars, the beginnings of our own solar system, ending up on earth, becoming part of a strand of RNA incorporated in the earliest forms of life, witnessing cell division, and the emergence of various forms of life, including the advent of homo sapiens.
They witness Maisha and Womuntu (Eve and Adam) among an early human community, the rebellion against God’s command not to draw water from a particular well (not a tree in this account), the dire consequences, God’s restart in Abraham, the deliverance under Moses, the hopes under David and hopes dashed and the many years until Proton in a spider web witnesses the birth of the child, God’s Son among us. Yet here as well, it appears the plan is frustrated as it ends in the Son’s death, or so it seems until, as part of Peter’s walking staff, Proton witnesses the risen Lord and the work of the apostle John on Patmos. The narrative continues up to the present and a conversation between a Christian and skeptics aboard the International Space Station. On a space walk, Proton is carried back into space, having witnessed the fulfillment of the Creator’s loving plan.
The story was written as a collaboration of a scientist, a theologian, and a children’s writer gifted in explaining scientific ideas for young readers. It offers an imaginative rendering from a proton’s perspective of the first seconds of the universe, the forming of heavier elements, the cooling and coalescing of matter into stars and planets, the incorporation of atoms into molecules that form the building blocks of life, the experience from inside a cell of cell division. It also creatively retells the biblical narratives. This pivot is set up by the conversations Proton has with other particles about the purposes of the good creator, waiting with anticipation over the eons of how the creator would fulfill his purposes in creation, and the puzzling of how God would do so when humans rebelled against God’s command.
The account draws on current understanding of the evolution of human life, setting the first couple among a community of others, but singled out to know Creator’s intention (even the biblical accounts hint at the possibility of other humans in the marriage of Cain in Genesis 4). The fall also occurs as a result of drinking from a well rather than eating fruit from a forbidden tree. Otherwise, the narrative tracks closely with the biblical accounts, as rendered through the eyes of a proton. We capture the wonder of the nativity, the opposition of an enemy, the bewilderment and dashed hopes of the crucifixion, and the unbelievable joy of the resurrection.
The book does stretch credulity that this particular proton witnesses all this, but if one can set that aside, this is an imaginative rendering that weaves into one story the sweeping stories of cosmology, evolution, and the redemptive arc of God’s work with the human beings he loves.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
I’ve never encountered a book like this before. I’ve read books on cosmology. I’ve read books on evolutionary biology. I’ve read and re-read the biblical narratives. And I’ve read numerous books trying to relate cosmology and evolution with the Bible. I’ve never read an account attempting to describe cosmology, evolution, and the biblical account of beginnings, human rebellion, and God’s redemptive work as a single story. Until this book.
Furthermore, it is an eyewitness account. How can this be? The story is narrated by a proton, emerging in the first second after the Big Bang and persisting throughout the existence of the universe, combining with neutrons and electrons to become an atom, and bonding to others to become a molecule, witnessing the formation and death of stars, the beginnings of our own solar system, ending up on earth, becoming part of a strand of RNA incorporated in the earliest forms of life, witnessing cell division, and the emergence of various forms of life, including the advent of homo sapiens.
They witness Maisha and Womuntu (Eve and Adam) among an early human community, the rebellion against God’s command not to draw water from a particular well (not a tree in this account), the dire consequences, God’s restart in Abraham, the deliverance under Moses, the hopes under David and hopes dashed and the many years until Proton in a spider web witnesses the birth of the child, God’s Son among us. Yet here as well, it appears the plan is frustrated as it ends in the Son’s death, or so it seems until, as part of Peter’s walking staff, Proton witnesses the risen Lord and the work of the apostle John on Patmos. The narrative continues up to the present and a conversation between a Christian and skeptics aboard the International Space Station. On a space walk, Proton is carried back into space, having witnessed the fulfillment of the Creator’s loving plan.
The story was written as a collaboration of a scientist, a theologian, and a children’s writer gifted in explaining scientific ideas for young readers. It offers an imaginative rendering from a proton’s perspective of the first seconds of the universe, the forming of heavier elements, the cooling and coalescing of matter into stars and planets, the incorporation of atoms into molecules that form the building blocks of life, the experience from inside a cell of cell division. It also creatively retells the biblical narratives. This pivot is set up by the conversations Proton has with other particles about the purposes of the good creator, waiting with anticipation over the eons of how the creator would fulfill his purposes in creation, and the puzzling of how God would do so when humans rebelled against God’s command.
The account draws on current understanding of the evolution of human life, setting the first couple among a community of others, but singled out to know Creator’s intention (even the biblical accounts hint at the possibility of other humans in the marriage of Cain in Genesis 4). The fall also occurs as a result of drinking from a well rather than eating fruit from a forbidden tree. Otherwise, the narrative tracks closely with the biblical accounts, as rendered through the eyes of a proton. We capture the wonder of the nativity, the opposition of an enemy, the bewilderment and dashed hopes of the crucifixion, and the unbelievable joy of the resurrection.
The book does stretch credulity that this particular proton witnesses all this, but if one can set that aside, this is an imaginative rendering that weaves into one story the sweeping stories of cosmology, evolution, and the redemptive arc of God’s work with the human beings he loves.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
May 29, 2020
Volgens Robbert Dijkgraaf past dit boek in een lange en rijke traditie waarin wetenschappers gedreven door hun geloof proberen de oorsprong en evolutie van ons heelal te duiden, maar denk niet dat er iets geduid wordt in dit boek. De auteurs hebben weinig te zeggen over de evolutie van het heelal of het ontstaan van de mens. Het is een luchtig verhaal over Pro, een proton dat bij de oerknal ontstaat en samen met zijn twee vrienden neutronen in allerlei moleculen terecht komt. Gevat in een koolstofatoom van een hek, de huid van een schaap of een stok, zien ze het boek Genesis gebeuren en geven daar commentaar op. Te weinig diepgang naar mijn smaak.
May 10, 2025
Evolutie toegankelijk uitgelegd, maar als in dezelfde adem de geschiedenis van God en mensen wordt verteld dan haak ik af. Dan wordt het mysterie van het geloof me te gewoon en zelfs ook ongeloofwaardig.
January 4, 2021
Ik moest dit boek lezen nadat ik bij iemand op bezoek in een christelijk tijdschrift een vernietigende recensie had gelezen. Het zou godslastering zijn, dat heb ik echter niet gezien.
Het idee is origineel en de eerste paar hoofstukken zijn vermakelijk. Hierna wordt het een moderne hervertelling van een aantal willekeurig gekozen bijbelverhalen en niet eens echt heel goed. Het blijft vrij op de oppervlakte en durft verder weinig stappen te zetten. Geen heel bijzonder boek, toch drie sterren voor het idee en de durf. Ik hoop dat dit misschien toch wat meer christenen aan de evolutie krijgt.
Het idee is origineel en de eerste paar hoofstukken zijn vermakelijk. Hierna wordt het een moderne hervertelling van een aantal willekeurig gekozen bijbelverhalen en niet eens echt heel goed. Het blijft vrij op de oppervlakte en durft verder weinig stappen te zetten. Geen heel bijzonder boek, toch drie sterren voor het idee en de durf. Ik hoop dat dit misschien toch wat meer christenen aan de evolutie krijgt.
February 5, 2021
Ik heb al meerdere boeken gelezen over het ontstaan van het heelal, de aarde en de mens, geschreven vanuit zowel christelijke als atheïstische uitgangspunten. Oer is in dat rijtje wel het meest basic en simpele verhaal. Bijna kinderlijk. Dit verhaal moet je niet lezen om meer te weten te komen over de natuurkundige eigenschappen van het ontstaan van leven. Hierin wordt een poging gedaan om het Bijbelse verhaal te combineren met de wetenschap, om zo tot één realiteit te komen. Hoewel er mooie passages in stonden, vond ik het over het algemeen niet heel baanbrekend.
December 26, 2020
Finally, I thought I had found an explanation about how Christianity and the big bang theory would match and compliment each other. Even better, it would have been told from the view of a proton. Pretty original!
But no, just a retelling of the bible. The first twenty pages were fun, but I skipped the last twenty, so we're even.
But no, just a retelling of the bible. The first twenty pages were fun, but I skipped the last twenty, so we're even.
January 5, 2024
Leuke vorm, creatieve benadering, verdient om die reden meer dan 1 ster. Verdient minder dan 2 sterren omdat de inhoudelijke uitwerking uiteindelijk bijna kinderachtig is.
April 3, 2023
It's funny. Around the Easter season, I often find myself in the mood to read fiction related to Holy Week. I thought I wasn't going to get around to it this year, but I wound up finding a related story by accident—through this ChristFic sci-fi novel.
The authors here have made the effort to present a possible scenario illustrating how science and Christian faith connect rather than contradict each other. I'd encourage anyone trying this book to read the conversation between the three authors at the end. Hear where they're coming from.
Still, I personally didn't approach this novel looking for a theological lesson or a scientific study. I approached it as I do other novels, looking to read a story.
Given that this particular story takes place over billions and billions of years, the storytelling understandably has a rather cursory feel. There also isn't much in the way of character development. But, hey, the main character is a subatomic particle skimming over eons of history in a simple style, within a relatively short novel. So, rounding out the characters isn't the priority for this book.
I suspended belief concerning how Proton's carbon friends seem to hear more news than he does (even when they've all been traveling together as a unit) and how the friends must get all of the information they explain to Proton throughout the story. Yet, as far as the story goes, I enjoyed it. The coming and going of some of Proton's associates along the way was a little sad to me, but the characters' dialogue and adventures are also quite humorous at times and, well...pretty cute.
For instance, imagine Proton beginning to doubt whether the Creator's plan is still in effect at one point, and one of the friends tells Pro to "have a bit of patience." (I mean, yeah, it's only been millions of years since they saw the plan's last development. Not that long a time for them—especially given that these characters preexist the earthly concept and constraints of "time.") Or take one scene where Pro 'n' Company are at a dance party that lasts for millennia: I couldn't help but picture them all bopping around and going for it hard like the puppets I used to see breaking out dancing on Sesame Street.
Again, because I didn't know this story would sail so far through the Bible, coming across Holy Week and the early Church made this a bonus read for me, for the season. But aside from that, I think a lot of other readers who find the title intriguing and who can suspend belief for a blend of fiction, science, and faith can enjoy this story.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
The authors here have made the effort to present a possible scenario illustrating how science and Christian faith connect rather than contradict each other. I'd encourage anyone trying this book to read the conversation between the three authors at the end. Hear where they're coming from.
Still, I personally didn't approach this novel looking for a theological lesson or a scientific study. I approached it as I do other novels, looking to read a story.
Given that this particular story takes place over billions and billions of years, the storytelling understandably has a rather cursory feel. There also isn't much in the way of character development. But, hey, the main character is a subatomic particle skimming over eons of history in a simple style, within a relatively short novel. So, rounding out the characters isn't the priority for this book.
I suspended belief concerning how Proton's carbon friends seem to hear more news than he does (even when they've all been traveling together as a unit) and how the friends must get all of the information they explain to Proton throughout the story. Yet, as far as the story goes, I enjoyed it. The coming and going of some of Proton's associates along the way was a little sad to me, but the characters' dialogue and adventures are also quite humorous at times and, well...pretty cute.
For instance, imagine Proton beginning to doubt whether the Creator's plan is still in effect at one point, and one of the friends tells Pro to "have a bit of patience." (I mean, yeah, it's only been millions of years since they saw the plan's last development. Not that long a time for them—especially given that these characters preexist the earthly concept and constraints of "time.") Or take one scene where Pro 'n' Company are at a dance party that lasts for millennia: I couldn't help but picture them all bopping around and going for it hard like the puppets I used to see breaking out dancing on Sesame Street.
Again, because I didn't know this story would sail so far through the Bible, coming across Holy Week and the early Church made this a bonus read for me, for the season. But aside from that, I think a lot of other readers who find the title intriguing and who can suspend belief for a blend of fiction, science, and faith can enjoy this story.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
August 28, 2024
Leuke en speelse roman over De Schepping van God en de oerknal zoals in de wetenschap beschreven.
Het boek combineert de hoogte punten in de geschiedenis van het christendom in combinatie met moderne wetenschap. De twee kunnen samen gaan en nog een betekenisvol verhaal vertellen.
Het boek combineert de hoogte punten in de geschiedenis van het christendom in combinatie met moderne wetenschap. De twee kunnen samen gaan en nog een betekenisvol verhaal vertellen.
July 30, 2023
Really delightful.
June 19, 2023
Dit blijft een mooi boek, wat beschrijft dat wetenschap en geloof elkaar niet uitsluiten. Het zorgde ervoor dat ik anders naar de aarde ging kijken met alle prachtige natuur om ons heen. Het is verteld vanuit Proton, een deeltje dat al sinds de oerknal beschrijft hoe hij de aarde heeft zien ontstaan. Mooi verteld op een originele en toegankelijke manier, zonder dat het droge en saaie stof wordt.
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November 21, 2020Apart. Eerder dit jaar recenseerde ik een boek over het ontstaan van het heelal dat Genesis heette, maar niets met de Bijbel van doen had. En nu gaat het over een boek over hetzelfde onderwerp met de oerdegelijke titel Oer – dat dan weer wel een niet te missen christelijke insteek heeft. Verantwoordelijk is een team bestaand uit kinderboekenschrijver Corien Oranje, theoloog Gijsbert van den Brink en nanowetenschapper Cees Dekker.
Aan het begin van het boek blijft het religieuze aspect nog op de achtergrond. De verschillende periodes die volgden op de oerknal worden beschreven vanuit het perspectief van een proton. Inderdaad: de hoofdpersoon van dit boek is een deeltje, dat de hele geschiedenis van het universum doormaakt (oké, op het allereerste begin na dan). Een originele aanpak die prima werkt dankzij de inhoudelijke kennis van Dekker en de vlotte pen van Oranje.
Wel moet de atheïstische lezer af en toe een korte verwijzing naar de Schepper op de koop toe nemen, die een Plan heeft met dit alles. Maar overduidelijk is dat de auteurs de wetenschappelijke visie op het ontstaan van het heelal volledig omarmen – en zo laten zien dat die wat hen betreft niet op gespannen voet staat met een christelijke levensbeschouwing.
Gaandeweg verandert het boek echter. Ja, Adam en Eva krijgen nieuwe Afrikaanse namen – de moderne mens is immers uit dit werelddeel afkomstig – en de slang ontbreekt. Voor de rest lijkt hun verhaal echter behoorlijk op dat in de Bijbel. En vanaf het moment waarop Jezus geboren wordt, is er helemaal weinig ruimte meer voor een genuanceerde, wetenschappelijke kijk op zaken. Alles wat in het evangelie staat, is blijkbaar gewoon echt gebeurd – inclusief de wonderen.
Goed, af en toe komt er nog even een snippertje wetenschap om de hoek kijken; zo worden de schriftgeleerden die Jezus afwijzen vergeleken met witte bloedlichaampjes die een virus bestrijden. Maar dat zijn niet meer dan ietwat geforceerde toevoegingen aan een boek dat op dit punt in feite een kinderbijbel is geworden.
Daardoor slaagt Oer er uiteindelijk niet in de door veel mensen gevoelde spanning tussen wetenschap en geloof weg te nemen. Blijkbaar mag, althans in de ogen van Dekker, Van den Brink en Oranje, de schepping van de aarde in zeven dagen best plaatsmaken voor de oerknaltheorie. Maar de wederwaardigheden van Jezus staan kennelijk te centraal in het christelijke gedachtegoed om ze dezelfde behandeling te kunnen geven.
Deze recensie is ook te lezen op de site van New Scientist.
Aan het begin van het boek blijft het religieuze aspect nog op de achtergrond. De verschillende periodes die volgden op de oerknal worden beschreven vanuit het perspectief van een proton. Inderdaad: de hoofdpersoon van dit boek is een deeltje, dat de hele geschiedenis van het universum doormaakt (oké, op het allereerste begin na dan). Een originele aanpak die prima werkt dankzij de inhoudelijke kennis van Dekker en de vlotte pen van Oranje.
Wel moet de atheïstische lezer af en toe een korte verwijzing naar de Schepper op de koop toe nemen, die een Plan heeft met dit alles. Maar overduidelijk is dat de auteurs de wetenschappelijke visie op het ontstaan van het heelal volledig omarmen – en zo laten zien dat die wat hen betreft niet op gespannen voet staat met een christelijke levensbeschouwing.
Gaandeweg verandert het boek echter. Ja, Adam en Eva krijgen nieuwe Afrikaanse namen – de moderne mens is immers uit dit werelddeel afkomstig – en de slang ontbreekt. Voor de rest lijkt hun verhaal echter behoorlijk op dat in de Bijbel. En vanaf het moment waarop Jezus geboren wordt, is er helemaal weinig ruimte meer voor een genuanceerde, wetenschappelijke kijk op zaken. Alles wat in het evangelie staat, is blijkbaar gewoon echt gebeurd – inclusief de wonderen.
Goed, af en toe komt er nog even een snippertje wetenschap om de hoek kijken; zo worden de schriftgeleerden die Jezus afwijzen vergeleken met witte bloedlichaampjes die een virus bestrijden. Maar dat zijn niet meer dan ietwat geforceerde toevoegingen aan een boek dat op dit punt in feite een kinderbijbel is geworden.
Daardoor slaagt Oer er uiteindelijk niet in de door veel mensen gevoelde spanning tussen wetenschap en geloof weg te nemen. Blijkbaar mag, althans in de ogen van Dekker, Van den Brink en Oranje, de schepping van de aarde in zeven dagen best plaatsmaken voor de oerknaltheorie. Maar de wederwaardigheden van Jezus staan kennelijk te centraal in het christelijke gedachtegoed om ze dezelfde behandeling te kunnen geven.
Deze recensie is ook te lezen op de site van New Scientist.
September 20, 2022
Such an intriguing, quirky concept for a story, telling the history of the universe from the point of creation to the present day, from the point of view of a proton.
As every proton was there from just after the big bang to witness it all, it offers a unique insight into the creation story.
The proton starts as an innocent, naïve “being”, not understanding much of what is happening, but as time passes it develops and matures in wisdom, observing the history of all time. It works well as a way of explaining some complex scientific concepts in unscientific language.
Right from the point of the Big Bang, the balance that exists amongst the enormous forces of nature exposes the guiding hand of a Creator. Initially at the subatomic and atomic level, then planetary, as the guiding hand of creation works over millions of years. Finally, that hand guides biological creation.
It may not sit comfortably with some Christian’s views of the creation story, but it does combine the wealth of scientific discoveries with the Biblical creative process, showing a tight continuity between what are sometimes seen as opposing narratives, but can in fact be seen as complementary...
Read the full review at https://www.robseabrook.com/dawn-cees...
As every proton was there from just after the big bang to witness it all, it offers a unique insight into the creation story.
The proton starts as an innocent, naïve “being”, not understanding much of what is happening, but as time passes it develops and matures in wisdom, observing the history of all time. It works well as a way of explaining some complex scientific concepts in unscientific language.
Right from the point of the Big Bang, the balance that exists amongst the enormous forces of nature exposes the guiding hand of a Creator. Initially at the subatomic and atomic level, then planetary, as the guiding hand of creation works over millions of years. Finally, that hand guides biological creation.
It may not sit comfortably with some Christian’s views of the creation story, but it does combine the wealth of scientific discoveries with the Biblical creative process, showing a tight continuity between what are sometimes seen as opposing narratives, but can in fact be seen as complementary...
Read the full review at https://www.robseabrook.com/dawn-cees...
July 1, 2020
Leuk boek met originele insteek: het volgt een proton vanaf de oerknal tot aan nu. De grote verdienste is dat het heel makkelijk leest hoewel het - zeker in het eerste deel - over complexe zaken gaat. De schrijvers slagen er ook in om de werelden van wetenschap en grote verhalen aan elkaar te verbinden, al zit de romanstijl dat soms wel een beetje in de weg.
Apart is ook dat de meeste verhalen in het tweede deel direct teruggrijpen op de Bijbel, terwijl juist het verhaal van oermensen Adam en Eva met veel dichterlijke vrijheid is herverteld. Dat mag, maar het voelt wat inconsequent.
Apart is ook dat de meeste verhalen in het tweede deel direct teruggrijpen op de Bijbel, terwijl juist het verhaal van oermensen Adam en Eva met veel dichterlijke vrijheid is herverteld. Dat mag, maar het voelt wat inconsequent.
July 30, 2020
Ik wist niet dat het eigenlijk een kinderboek was. De eerste 50 bladzijden waren wetenschappelijk gefundeerd al was de taal wat simplistisch. Toen de mens verscheen werd het echter ineens een sprookje. Niet slecht verteld, zeker, maar toch niet wat ik had verwacht. De Schepper wordt in 143 pagina`s 231 maal genoemd, wat ik lichtelijk irritant vond. Het lijkt mij een verhaal voor kinderen van protestantse huize die op deze manier toch wel een beetje geandries- kneveld worden.
September 19, 2020
Leuk verhaal, creatief in elkaar gezet. Het blijft wel een verhaal. Verwacht geen bijbelse onderbouwing of wetenschappelijke argumenten. Ik waardeer het initiatief om de rechtlijnigheid over de Bijbel en evolutieleer wat te doorbrekenen, maar met meer onbekenden dan bekenden in de vergelijking moet het het gesprek nog zeker worden voortgezet. De vraag is of er ooit een antwoord gaat komen?
August 26, 2020
Vanaf de eerste bladzijde een intrigerend boek. Originele verteltrant vanuit de optiek van een proton. Leest makkelijk en vlot. Het ontbreekt wat aan diepgang en het tweede gedeelte wordt soms wat voorspelbaar; een hervertelling van verhalen uit de bijbel.
August 2, 2021
Een Christelijke verklaring van de oerknal. Erg christelijk ja.
September 6, 2022
Is the universe the product of evolution? Is it the result of an act of a Creator? Some insist that it's an either/or issue. Others, like myself, believe it's a both/and situation. I did go through a "young earth" phase, but I abandoned that a long time ago. While I fully embrace evolution, I also believe that God is involved. You can find my thoughts on the matter in my book Worshiping with Charles Darwin. Besides my book there are many resources that explore the relationship between science and religion, finding the two to be compatible.
There are different ways of exploring these possibilities. There are major works by scientists who are religiously inclined -- see the books by John Polkinghorne -- and by theologians such as Philip Clayton. There are more popular books (see mine). Then there is this book: "Dawn: A Proton's Tale of All That Came to Be."
Authored by Cees Dekker, Corien Oranje, and Gijsbert Van Den Brink, it's a fictional tale that seeks to integrate the scientific story of evolution with the biblical story, taking us from the Big Bang to the Second Coming of Jesus and beyond. Thus, it does have an eschatological element to it.
While the basic plot line is fairly straightforward, I should offer a spoiler alert here. If you don't want to know the ins and outs of the story but are intrigued go order a copy (it is due to be published on September 20, 2022).
The story features a central character, a proton named Pro who gets created in the midst of the Big Bang. While initially alone, over time this proton becomes connected to another proton named Solon (the wise one), a couple of neutrons and electrons, ultimately forming a carbon molecule. Over time they become integrated with different things from a sheep's intestine to a stick. In the course of time, as they experience the evolutionary reality they observe the biblical story. At times the characters are reworked, such that we don't have first humans in a garden, from which all humans evolve, but two humans whom God speaks with and imparts the initial commandments, essentially offering the spark of spiritual life. Instead of being named Adam and Eve, they are Womuntu and Maisha, giving a nod to the fact that the first humans emerged out of Africa. Of course, there is a fall (rebellion) that is imaged not as a fruit but as a well that is off-limits. As you might expect, if you know the Genesis 2-3 story, everyone decides to use the forbidden well, which leads to disaster, and then a movement through time toward redemption. We meet Abraham and Sarah, Moses, and of course Jesus. We don't get a full rendition of the biblical story, but enough to keep us moving forward toward the present and to an as-yet experienced future that includes the Second coming of Jesus.
This is an IVP book, which is geared toward a moderately evangelical audience, one that is open to evolutionary theory but also envisions the need for redemption in Christ and a future return of Jesus. At the close of the book the three authors, a group that includes a Dutch physicist (Cees Dekker), a Dutch professor of theology and science (Gijsbert van den Brink), and the author of children's books (Corien Oranje). They are part of a group of theologians, scientists, and authors, who have gathered for conversations about the interrelationship of religion and science. This book is the product of that conversation. It is Oranje, an experienced writer of fiction, who serves as the primary author with the other two providing the scientific and theological expertise.
I enjoyed reading the book, which came to me as an advanced reader's copy from the publisher. There are parts of the story, because of the nature of the effort, that I might quibble with. This is especially true when we get to Jesus, as the authors integrate elements from all four gospels. I should note that while they speak of Jesus' second coming they keep the millennialist dimensions to a minimum. In fact, I would suggest that they offer an amillennialist perspective. That makes sense since the authors have a Reformed background.
I must say that having a proton as the narrator, telling a first-person story, is a creative way of sharing the story.
There are different ways of exploring these possibilities. There are major works by scientists who are religiously inclined -- see the books by John Polkinghorne -- and by theologians such as Philip Clayton. There are more popular books (see mine). Then there is this book: "Dawn: A Proton's Tale of All That Came to Be."
Authored by Cees Dekker, Corien Oranje, and Gijsbert Van Den Brink, it's a fictional tale that seeks to integrate the scientific story of evolution with the biblical story, taking us from the Big Bang to the Second Coming of Jesus and beyond. Thus, it does have an eschatological element to it.
While the basic plot line is fairly straightforward, I should offer a spoiler alert here. If you don't want to know the ins and outs of the story but are intrigued go order a copy (it is due to be published on September 20, 2022).
The story features a central character, a proton named Pro who gets created in the midst of the Big Bang. While initially alone, over time this proton becomes connected to another proton named Solon (the wise one), a couple of neutrons and electrons, ultimately forming a carbon molecule. Over time they become integrated with different things from a sheep's intestine to a stick. In the course of time, as they experience the evolutionary reality they observe the biblical story. At times the characters are reworked, such that we don't have first humans in a garden, from which all humans evolve, but two humans whom God speaks with and imparts the initial commandments, essentially offering the spark of spiritual life. Instead of being named Adam and Eve, they are Womuntu and Maisha, giving a nod to the fact that the first humans emerged out of Africa. Of course, there is a fall (rebellion) that is imaged not as a fruit but as a well that is off-limits. As you might expect, if you know the Genesis 2-3 story, everyone decides to use the forbidden well, which leads to disaster, and then a movement through time toward redemption. We meet Abraham and Sarah, Moses, and of course Jesus. We don't get a full rendition of the biblical story, but enough to keep us moving forward toward the present and to an as-yet experienced future that includes the Second coming of Jesus.
This is an IVP book, which is geared toward a moderately evangelical audience, one that is open to evolutionary theory but also envisions the need for redemption in Christ and a future return of Jesus. At the close of the book the three authors, a group that includes a Dutch physicist (Cees Dekker), a Dutch professor of theology and science (Gijsbert van den Brink), and the author of children's books (Corien Oranje). They are part of a group of theologians, scientists, and authors, who have gathered for conversations about the interrelationship of religion and science. This book is the product of that conversation. It is Oranje, an experienced writer of fiction, who serves as the primary author with the other two providing the scientific and theological expertise.
I enjoyed reading the book, which came to me as an advanced reader's copy from the publisher. There are parts of the story, because of the nature of the effort, that I might quibble with. This is especially true when we get to Jesus, as the authors integrate elements from all four gospels. I should note that while they speak of Jesus' second coming they keep the millennialist dimensions to a minimum. In fact, I would suggest that they offer an amillennialist perspective. That makes sense since the authors have a Reformed background.
I must say that having a proton as the narrator, telling a first-person story, is a creative way of sharing the story.
April 5, 2025
Accessible, imaginative, and full of big questions—Dawn: A Proton’s Tale is a creative entry point into the conversation between science and faith. Written as a narrative dialogue between “Pro” the proton and the other subatomic particles in his carbon atom, this book uses an unusual storytelling vehicle to unpack themes like the fine-tuning of the universe, the origin of life, and the nature of God.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. The language is clear and well-suited for late elementary to middle-grade readers, making it a valuable tool for introducing weighty concepts to younger audiences. The narrative format—almost exclusively dialogue—keeps the pace moving quickly, though at the expense of deeper descriptive or reflective passages. The book reads more like a philosophical play than a traditional novel, and while that may not appeal to all readers, it serves the authors’ purpose well.
Science Meets Theology
The story introduces several key ideas from both cosmology and biology, including the Big Bang, the fine-tuning of the universe, the role of Jupiter in protecting Earth from meteors, and the remarkable interdependence of cellular structures. These topics are framed as evidence of intentional design, supporting the book’s underlying argument that faith and science are not at odds.
Of particular note is the metaphor for the incarnation: the authors describe it as the “reverse of the Big Bang.” Just as the universe began as a tiny, infinitely dense point that exploded outward into all creation, so too did Jesus—the sustainer of the universe—compress himself into the frail form of a human being. It’s a powerful and poetic image, reminiscent of C.S. Lewis’s vision of Christ’s descent into the world.
Tensions Around Creation
While the book affirms a Creator, it clearly leans toward an old earth interpretation of Scripture, attempting to reconcile the theory of evolution with the biblical narrative. For readers who hold to a literal or young earth perspective, this may present a challenge. In particular, the retelling of the Adam and Eve story feels strained. While the symbolic, poetic interpretation of Genesis 1–3 is not uncommon—paralleling how Revelation is often read—the book's suggestion that mankind evolved like any other species risks minimizing the unique theological significance of humanity being made in the image of God. Although the authors try to recover this uniqueness by asserting that God chose humans specifically to relate to, the idea felt arbitrary and, at times, uncomfortable.
Similarly, replacing the biblical Tree of Life with a “Well of Life” felt like an unnecessary creative liberty. A symbol for a symbol—without much added clarity or meaning—can distract rather than deepen understanding.
A Misstep in the Final Chapter
Unfortunately, the book falters in its closing chapter, where the tone shifts and the narrative veers into more overt political and cultural commentary. Topics like COVID, slavery, and poverty are introduced in a way that feels abrupt and somewhat disconnected from the rest of the book. The messaging leans heavily left, and while some readers may resonate with that, others might feel the book is trying too hard to force Christianity into a particular ideological mold. This section detracted from the otherwise thoughtful and balanced tone of the book.
Final Thoughts
Take out the final chapter, and Thoughts on Dawn is an intriguing and creative book that thoughtfully explores the intersection of science and Christian faith. Its unique approach, age-appropriate depth, and poetic metaphors make it a worthwhile read—especially for younger audiences wrestling with big questions. Though it won’t align with every theological perspective, it’s a valuable conversation starter and a fresh voice in the ongoing dialogue between belief and scientific wonder.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. The language is clear and well-suited for late elementary to middle-grade readers, making it a valuable tool for introducing weighty concepts to younger audiences. The narrative format—almost exclusively dialogue—keeps the pace moving quickly, though at the expense of deeper descriptive or reflective passages. The book reads more like a philosophical play than a traditional novel, and while that may not appeal to all readers, it serves the authors’ purpose well.
Science Meets Theology
The story introduces several key ideas from both cosmology and biology, including the Big Bang, the fine-tuning of the universe, the role of Jupiter in protecting Earth from meteors, and the remarkable interdependence of cellular structures. These topics are framed as evidence of intentional design, supporting the book’s underlying argument that faith and science are not at odds.
Of particular note is the metaphor for the incarnation: the authors describe it as the “reverse of the Big Bang.” Just as the universe began as a tiny, infinitely dense point that exploded outward into all creation, so too did Jesus—the sustainer of the universe—compress himself into the frail form of a human being. It’s a powerful and poetic image, reminiscent of C.S. Lewis’s vision of Christ’s descent into the world.
Tensions Around Creation
While the book affirms a Creator, it clearly leans toward an old earth interpretation of Scripture, attempting to reconcile the theory of evolution with the biblical narrative. For readers who hold to a literal or young earth perspective, this may present a challenge. In particular, the retelling of the Adam and Eve story feels strained. While the symbolic, poetic interpretation of Genesis 1–3 is not uncommon—paralleling how Revelation is often read—the book's suggestion that mankind evolved like any other species risks minimizing the unique theological significance of humanity being made in the image of God. Although the authors try to recover this uniqueness by asserting that God chose humans specifically to relate to, the idea felt arbitrary and, at times, uncomfortable.
Similarly, replacing the biblical Tree of Life with a “Well of Life” felt like an unnecessary creative liberty. A symbol for a symbol—without much added clarity or meaning—can distract rather than deepen understanding.
A Misstep in the Final Chapter
Unfortunately, the book falters in its closing chapter, where the tone shifts and the narrative veers into more overt political and cultural commentary. Topics like COVID, slavery, and poverty are introduced in a way that feels abrupt and somewhat disconnected from the rest of the book. The messaging leans heavily left, and while some readers may resonate with that, others might feel the book is trying too hard to force Christianity into a particular ideological mold. This section detracted from the otherwise thoughtful and balanced tone of the book.
Final Thoughts
Take out the final chapter, and Thoughts on Dawn is an intriguing and creative book that thoughtfully explores the intersection of science and Christian faith. Its unique approach, age-appropriate depth, and poetic metaphors make it a worthwhile read—especially for younger audiences wrestling with big questions. Though it won’t align with every theological perspective, it’s a valuable conversation starter and a fresh voice in the ongoing dialogue between belief and scientific wonder.
June 14, 2020
Een knap en goed leesbaar, vanuit theïstisch-evolutionaire standpunt, verteld verhaal waarin de oorsprong van de wereld door de Schepper wordt verbonden met de heilshistorie van de Bijbel. Ofwel: een poging in verhaalvorm om het academische verhaal te verbinden met het geloofsverhaal. Je zou het de kinderbijbelvariant van het boek van Gijsbert van de Brink 'En de aarde bracht voort' kunnen noemen (en van het daarop voortbouwende boek van verschillende auteurs: 'En God zag dat het goed was'). Vooropgesteld: het enthousiasme van de auteurs over de Schepper spat van de bladzijden af. Idem hun pleidooi dat het wetenschappelijke verhaal en het geloofsverhaal elkaar niet uitsluiten, maar zelfs verrijken. Voor dat verlangen en voor die poging kun je alleen maar respect voor opbrengen. Toch blijft er ook wat ongemak, met name over de wijze waarop in Oer de eerste hoofdstukken van Genesis voor het oog ontdaan worden van hun direct-historische betekenis (al zullen de auteurs dat waarschijnlijk zelf ontkennen). Door MJ Paul ('Oorspronkelijk') en WJ Ouweneel ('Adam, waar ben je?') zijn m.i. fundamentele vragen bij gesteld, met name ook voor de exegese van passages uit Genesis door Paulus in bijvoorbeeld de Romeinenbrief, die zeker nog verdere doordenking en uitwerking vragen. Ook de overkoepelende vraag of een wetenschappelijk paradigma (de evolutietheorie) sowieso leidend zou moeten zijn voor de wijze waarop de eerste hoofdstukken van Genesis worden uitgelegd, vraagt om een antwoord. Immers, wetenschappelijke paradigmata kunnen fundamenteel veranderen (Thomas Kuhn). Maar dit overstijgt de bedoeling van het boekje Oer, dat feitelijk vertrekt vanuit het standpunt dat een verhaal veel beter in staat is het geheimenisvolle van de Schepping te vertolken dan welk academisch (biologisch, theologisch, etc.) verhaal ook.
April 6, 2023
*Thank you to IVP Publishers for this free copy of the book*
Dawn is a short book with an expansive story that goes all the way back to the beginning. It tells the story of our beginnings from the point of view of a proton named Pro. Meshing the theology of Creationism and Evolution together into a story that follows our human origin and the story of love and redemption from God. I could read the power and love from the point of view of something so small looking up at a Creator who loves and cares for his creation. Reading it from the point of view of a proton reminded me of the verse, “Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples.’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out (Luke 19:39-40).’” Every part of creation sings out in praise for the Creator and this book is a good reminder of that. My only complaint with it is that I wished there was more science and explanation behind it. If we are from the point of view of a proton, the microbiology and chemistry game should be loud and proud. It reads more like a young adult or children’s book, very diluted for a general audience to understand, but I think the science would have been more appealing to me and given it a bit more of a grown up feel. Great little story!
Dawn is a short book with an expansive story that goes all the way back to the beginning. It tells the story of our beginnings from the point of view of a proton named Pro. Meshing the theology of Creationism and Evolution together into a story that follows our human origin and the story of love and redemption from God. I could read the power and love from the point of view of something so small looking up at a Creator who loves and cares for his creation. Reading it from the point of view of a proton reminded me of the verse, “Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples.’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out (Luke 19:39-40).’” Every part of creation sings out in praise for the Creator and this book is a good reminder of that. My only complaint with it is that I wished there was more science and explanation behind it. If we are from the point of view of a proton, the microbiology and chemistry game should be loud and proud. It reads more like a young adult or children’s book, very diluted for a general audience to understand, but I think the science would have been more appealing to me and given it a bit more of a grown up feel. Great little story!
May 26, 2022
Begint wel aardig, maar wordt na het ontstaan van mensen al snel erg christocentrisch met de opvoering van allerlei bijbelse figuren (maar waarom Adam en Eva dan weer als enigen andere namen hebben gekregen. Wat ik niet zozeer artistieke vrijheid vind als verenstekerij). Ergerde me vooral aan het feit dat Proton en de zijnen Abram opeens zonder enige uitleg Abraham noemen, en Jezus gelijkstellen aan de Schepper (terwijl de mensen hem tot dan enkel Zoon van God noemen), alsof de deeltjes inherent christelijk zijn, terwijl ze verder in het verhaal alleen dat weten wat hen verteld wordt of gezegd of gedaan wordt in hun directe nabijheid. Maar tegen het einde ontdoet dit opzich niet verkeerde schrijfwerk zich van zijn schaapskleren en wordt duidelijk dat het om een ordinair evangelistisch pamflet gaat. Niet "het grote verhaal van nul tot nu", maar "het grote christelijke verhaal van nul tot Jezus en we negeren even alle andere duizenden geloven en religies, want het christendom is uiteraard het enige ware". Kots.
February 8, 2023
I was awarded this book as Goodreads Giveaway. I expected science/ science fiction, with , yes, some connection to Christianity. Much too much religiosity for this reader. I admit my reaction against this book was made even stronger in the contex t of current events . With the abuse of our secular areas being inundated with cries of “ MY personal religious beliefs” tell me to hate you, discriminate against you, prevent you from exercising your civil rights, I really disliked this book’s quoting bible passages at me. I must have missed the focus on Christian beliefs in the Giveaway blurb, as I would not have bothered entering. Def not a book for me. Science Overly saturated with Bible.
September 13, 2020
De combinatie van natuurwetenschappen en christelijk geloof is voor veel mensen moeizaam en dit boek brengt ze op creatieve en vrolijke wijze samen. Het leest lekker weg en vertaalt ingewikkelde informatie naar eenvoudige zinnen. Zelf vond ik het vertelperspectief wat kinderachtig en ongeloofwaardig op den duur. De romanvorm smeert belangrijke keuzes en complexiteit ook wat dicht. Nu snap ik dat het vermoeiend is om overal ‘waarschijnlijk’ of ‘bijvoorbeeld’ bij te zetten, maar toch. Verder had er ook wel een bijbelwetenschapper mee mogen lezen. Natuurwetenschappelijk is het bij de tijd, maar bijbels niet. Dat is toch raar voor een boek uit bijbelgetrouwe en orthodoxe hoek.
December 17, 2022
Torn about the book as the quality of the story is not really up there where it should be for a fiction book, but the general idea of telling the story of the universe in a way that doesn't compromise neither on theology or modern science is something I wholeheartedly support. I want to see more books like this, and some better ones too.
Maybe it's a book for kids after all. I don't think it's advertised as such, but it's probably a better fit for 6 - 10 graders than for the general public. I hope my kids read it in a few years. Or I might just read it to them now.
Maybe it's a book for kids after all. I don't think it's advertised as such, but it's probably a better fit for 6 - 10 graders than for the general public. I hope my kids read it in a few years. Or I might just read it to them now.
January 29, 2023
Intelligent design at it's best. After years of avoiding the theory due to poor arguments and explanations, this book has solidified it in my mind as a valid idea. At first, I thought the writing was oversimplified and maybe even a bit childish in places, but then I realized that Scripture is written much the same way. Initially, I gave it 3 stars based on that, but then I reread Genesis and saw the validity and strengths of the ideas of Dawn. I revised to 4 stars and may just revise to 5 over time.
September 6, 2020
Really interesting book with a combination of the whole scientific narrative from big bang till now, but as a layer on top the whole Christian narrative. I thought the start was really interesting, but towards the end I felt I was reading something I already knew too well. The look to the future mentioning Corona was a bit freaky, because as we know this became reality in 2020, until I realised this book was released only after the pandemic started.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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