Finding God in the Universe

by Guy Consolmagno

How does a scientist find God in the universe? Finding God in the Universe is the personal reflection of a Jesuit brother and astronomer, the director of the Vatican Observatory. Br. Guy Consolmagno, SJ, insists that science is more than observing the universe; it's learning how to pay attention, how to concentrate on one aspect while setting aside, at least momentarily, all the other interesting aspects that can distract us from a deeper knowledge of the universe--or of God. In his telling, joy is our compass, truth is our goal, and imagination weaves the story where we situate the joy that leads us to truth. Most importantly, both science and theology are done within a community of fellow seekers, where we share the stories that teach us how to explore, and with whom we can try to make sense of what we think we have found.



In the My Theology series, the world's leading Christian thinkers explain some of the principal tenets of their theological beliefs in concise, pocket-sized books.

89 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2022

About the author

American research astronomer and planetary scientist at the Vatican Observatory.

B.A. and M.A. at MIT, Ph.D. at the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, all in planetary science. After postdoctoral research and teaching at Harvard College Observatory and MIT, in 1983 he joined the US Peace Corps to serve in Kenya for two years, teaching astronomy and physics. After his return he took a position as Assistant Professor at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.

In 1989 he entered the Society of Jesus, and took vows as a brother in 1991. On entry into the order, he was assigned as an astronomer to the Vatican Observatory, where he also serves as curator of the Vatican Meteorite collection, positions he has held since then. In addition to his continuing professional work in planetary science, he has also studied philosophy and theology. (source: Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Teagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ended up in my Amazon order somehow so I read it on the plane… and I really enjoyed it! Written by an astronomer turned priest, Consolmagno writes about the parallels between his passion for stargazing and his faith. A good reminder that you need community around you, that science and religion are more similar than you think, and that everyone needs to start paying more attention to the phases of the moon.

The Vatican has a telescope in Tuscan that is so cool!

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Jesuit brother's ideally trained as a scientist before he entered the Society. He offers three chapters reflecting on the titular issue. But he's mainly looking over his life and the associations between his path and his thoughts. It's more of an inspirational message than an academic treatment. I expected the latter, but found the latter instead.
The comparisons between faith and research are clear, as in the analogy he makes between both a believer and a scientist needing to get out of their isolation and join a community, to test and refine their discoveries. A quick read to be sure, but those looking for a non-scholarly book by a scholar who knows the realms of religion and astrophysics may appreciate this choice.

[Cara (Wilde Book Garden) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars