Here I Am!

by Russell Stannard, Jonathan Pugh (Illustrator)

Sam starts to get strange messages through his new computer from a hacker who calls himself "I Am" and who says he is everywhere and knows everything. By exploring Old and New Testament teaching in relation to modern scientific theory, the author encourages young people to consider religious faith.

Genres: Religion, Childrens

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Russell Stannard is a retired high-energy particle physicist, who was born in London, England, on 24 December 1931. He currently holds the position of Professor Emeritus of Physics at the Open University. In 1986, he was awarded the Templeton UK Project Award for ‘significant contributions to the field of spiritual values; in particular for contributions to greater understanding of science and religion’. He was awarded the OBE for ‘contributions to physics, the Open University, and the popularisation of science’ (1998) and the Bragg Medal and Prize of the Institute of Physics for ‘distinguished contributions to the teaching of physics’ (1999). He was admitted as a Fellow of University College London in 2000.

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no doubt I bought this while working in a Catholic school, thinking it would be useful for answering some of the objections made by teenagers dragged unwillingly to Mass. I've recently had a call for religious books and thought I'd give it a quick re-read before registering it on Bookcrossing.

God talking to Sam through his computer might have been rather cool when it was published, but certain aspects of the interface have moved on and it is now a little dated, as is the tone of the narrative and God's explanations. They are rather C.S. Lewisy - a little patronising. Even so, the problems of evil and suffering and the relationship between religious and scientific explanations of the world are dealt with concisely and clearly, albeit without a huge amount of arguing back from Sam and a perspective that is almost entirely limited to the Christian, in spite of the blurb and occasional mention of the validity of other religions. Overall, a reasonable primer for apologetics and moral theology, if you can cope with the framing narrative.

[Michael Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the kind of book about science and faith that I wish I'd given my children.

Very well written and thought provoking.