Book Description
Since the Enlightenment, science and religion have had an adversarial relationship. Some scientists now see the two converging as they try to persuade people that the latest science discoveries prove the truth of their religion. Physicist Victor J. Stenger does not agree. Focusing on such diverse subjects as recent advances in cosmology, reports of psychic phenomena, and the purported benefits of prayer and alternative medicine, he reaches some startling conclusions.
Customer Reviews:
Has Science Found God?.......2007-07-08
Did you notice how the truth jumps out at you when reading? It is almost like the words are shouting at you in bold print. That is what I found in reading Victor J. Stenger "Has Science Found God?" a honest insight into reality. Chet Zaremba, Fort Lauderdale ,Fl
God= explanation of Gaps in Science.......2007-01-30
The most important point, in my opinion, is that the book established that is not the science responsibility to verify the existence of God but of the God believers. So far, according to Stenger, religions have tried to hold the existence of God in certain facts that science has not been able to explain. For example -as another reviewer mentioned- consciousness, but even that in the future should be probed as a natural phenomenon. As an example, among many others that the gap have been completed before, he mentioned how in the antiquity they explained by mean of the willing of god the movement of the planets and stars and now it is recognized as a well-known physical phenomenon.
In the matter of the Parapsychology investigation, besides the issues of the methods and techniques employed by this pseudoscience, he clearly established that nothing has been able to be probed in a systematic and repeatable way by independents researchers. And that is absolutely necessary to be considered valid science.
At last a point against the book or at least about its incompleteness, it would have been interesting to know in detail about the probability for life and evolution: How it was calculated, what factors were considered, etc. According to the book it can be explained as a natural phenomenon and in any case, again according to the book: we are here, so it is possible. Nevertheless I missed the explanation. For example when one considers the size of the DNA in a chromosome how many mutations are necessary to find one positive mutation? Taking into account that a series of positives mutation must be accumulative I suppose it is important to consider the time necessary to be in fertile state to try the next possible mutation; and additionally, the total number of individuals in a population as well as the total number of siblings per birth (naissance). As these there are many interesting issues that a reader like me very probably will not know and would have liked to learn. I recommend the books Endless Forms Most Beautiful: The New Science of Evo Devo and The Plausibility of Life: Resolving Darwin's Dilemma. These books seem to settle down many of the question mentioned above.
In the end, I liked the book and I think it deserves to be read.
No surprise, Victor Stenger did not find God .......2006-09-22
This is worth reading, but more slowly than regular nonfiction. Neither Dr. Stenger nor science found a deity of any sort, and this is not surprising. Unlike many current writers, this author argues "the case of god" from the area of his expertise. This is why the book reads so well, and why it is an excellent choice for serious reading.
Midway through the book is a passage that well summarizes Victor Stenger's rationale against attempts to shift science from its primary place. He says, "electromagnetism is as material as breath [p. 275]," an example which pretty much explains the impossibility of mixing science and mysticism of any sort.
A notable gem in this book, page 268, is the statement, "Reductionism is not about a universe of isolated objects." Amen, if that can be said.
keep your minds open.......2006-04-06
This guy did the best an atheist can but I suggest anyone reading keep their minds open and read alternative views eg: the wonder of the world by varghese. Although brave attempts are made to explain for eg why there is something rather than nothing you would find upon further study an eternal non intelligence is as unexplainable as an eternal intelligence as the ultimate source of anything. Even so there are many many things about reality you would find as you look deeper from alternative views that require that the ultimate source of everything be intelligent. By the way can Mr Stenger create anything that somehow just occured ultimately without cause which is what you must believe if you are an atheist?
The Breath of God vs The Breath of Stenger..........2005-08-19
book review:
Well, I just want to warn the possible readers of this book of some problems with some of the "information" that Stenger conveys...
One good thing in this book is the fact that it fights the notion (the wrong and dangerous notion) that science HAS ALREADY proved the existance of God. The bad thing is that Stenger decided to transcend the boundaries of rationality, and ended up concluding that science HAS ALREADY proved that God does not exist! This is pseudoscience from him. (The very last thing that he says, on page 349, is: "The universe is not populated by mysterious forces, beyond our comprehension, that control our lives and destinies for some unseen purpose. Rather, thanks to science, humanity is in control and defines its own purpose.").
Chapter ten is by far the worst. It is entitled "The Breath of God", and in it Stenger decided to give an "informed" criticism about parapsychological research... I was amazed to see that Stenger didn't even read the very abstract of an article that he cited, about micro-PK and human influence on random event generators (Correlations of Random Binary Sequences with Pre-Stated Operator Intention: A Review of a 12-Year Program - PEAR, 1997). He says: ..."they find no difference between their data taken with (presumably) true random numbers generated by quantum noise and pseudorandom numbers generated by computer algorithms.". Actually, the authors claim, at the very abstract, precisely the opposite!
Also amazing, and disrespectful, is the careless way in which he comments on the book by parapsychological researcher Dean Radin, "The Conscious Universe" (1997). Stenger says that Dean Radin performed the metanalysis wrong in this book (which implies statistical incompetence from Radin and severly undermines all the arguments advanced in Radin's book); but actually, even the source for this information (renowned statistitian I. J. Good, writing in the journal Nature) withdrew this charge as back as 1998!
Further, Stenger clearly only read the abstract (!) of the article by Sam Parnia et al (journal Resuscitation, 2001), about their prospective study on Near-Death experiences in cardiac arrest patients, and as a result he ended up stating precisely the opposite of what the researchers actually claimed (again...).
There are many passages where Stenger strays from the truth:
1- He says that parapsychological research is not made with high-tech equipment (untrue).
2- He says that "No cognitive data or theories currently require the introduction of either supernatural forces or immaterial substances such as 'spirit" (untrue or misleading: consciousness is still the major weak point of the materialistic framework of science, which has prompted many "weird" theories or viewpoints from highly respected thinkers, like Erwin Schroedinger, Roger Penrose, Stan Franklin, David Chalmers, Benjamin Libet, etc).
3- He says that "No scientific field except parapsychology has experienced over 150 years of exclusively negative results without being dismissed as a lost cause.". Untrue: parapsychology is actually less than 150 years old, and, yes, it may be described as having mostly INCONCLUSIVE results (despite its many positive results, even by skeptic researchers like Stanley Jeffers in 2003 - Journal of Scientific Exploration), but it cannot be described as having exclusively NEGATIVE results.
4- He propagandizes that Susan Blackmore "has managed to maintain her good name", but actually Rick Berger caught her in serious fraudulent conduct ("A Critical Examination of the Blackmore Psi Experiments", year 1989, available on the internet), and Stenger quotes her "trustworthy conclusions" that "Just a few years of careful experiments changed all that. I found no psychic phenomena only wishful thinking, self-deception, experimental error and, occasionally, fraud. I became a sceptic..." (Blackmore words in year 2001!). But actually, in her response to Rick Berger (Journal of the Society for Psychical Research, vol 83, April 1989), Blackmore admitted that no conclusion should be drawn from her "Just a few years of careful experiments". She said then: "Nevertheless, I am glad to be able to agree with his final conclusion-'that drawing ANY conclusions, positive or negative, about the reality of psi that are based on the Blackmore psi experiments must be considered unwarranted'". If her experiments had indeed been "careful", we could draw negative conclusions from them. ( I carefully contrasted her response of 1989 with Berger's exposé in the same journal. Blackmore frauded indeed...)
With so much sloppy reading and faulty reporting in Stenger's work, I end up not being able to tell the difference between Stenger and the New Age Crackpots or the Intelligent Design Wedge Movement folks. And it makes me highly wary about the rest of the book, the parts about which I do not have the expertise to spot problems in...
As a matter of fact, Stenger seems to be engaged in some sort of Jihad-Materialism War against spiritualism. To me, it is clear that he is driven not by reason, but by blind emotion. The worst in it all is that he calls it science, when actually it is not...
I presented this criticism to him, in his email discussion group avoid-L. His feedback was very meager, to say the least (his actual words were: "I will check out the one or two items that are matters of fact. The rest is simply your opinions with nothing to back them up.". That is how Stenger evaluates pieces of evidence that he does not like...). I will post a page about it in the near future, in my site "Criticizing Skepticism" (page entitled: Criticizing Victor Stenger).
Julio Siqueira - microbiologist
juliocbsiqueira at terra dot com dot br
Book Description
Discover Your Passion is a concise, easy-to-read book for readers who are looking for personally-satisfying work. No matter if the reader is 17 or 97, this book will be of help. Recent graduates, those dissatisfied with their jobs, those about to return to the job market or retire from it, and those who are already retired will benefit from reading this book and completing the exercises.
After teaching this course for almost a decade, Gail Cassidy has successfully formulated a self-inventory that will lead readers to discover four things: 1. what they most enjoy doing; 2. who they most enjoy doing it with; 3. how others will benefit from what they do; and 4. how they will personally benefit. Responses to questions are gathered in one location so friends and/or family can study the answers, then intuitively respond with their recommendations.
The next lesson is learning the steps needed to achieve this passion. Recommendations are given on how to set up success teams in order for readers to get where they need to go and/or how to guarantee success by hiring a personal coach. The last section of the book contains blank charts for daily use and motivating quotes to help keep the reader inspired.
Customer Reviews:
The Passion is in the Discovery.......2000-01-23
I am always searching for ways to improve myself. Ms. Cassidy really has develop a system that can be utilized not only today but tomorrow and whenever. It is easy and fun to do, but more importantly the content can really probe into who you are and what you can be! The book deals with positive aspects of our character and properly places the negative or dark side in its proper perspective. I enjoyed each chapter, especially for example, the first chapter which deals with writing our own epitaph.( She truly has a funny bone!) As you continue on this adventure, you will find that each chapter helps you deal with the large wall that you keep blaming is in the way. There are truly no walls when you finish this book. It is a keepsake that goes on and on, to be used whenever the need arises. It's always complimenting the human spirit and reminding us that we are always in search for our passion, most of all the Discovery of It! .
Book Description
The "twenty-something" years of young adulthood are increasingly recognized as critical but puzzling. Building on the foundation she established in her classic work, The Critical Years, Sharon Parks urges thoughtful adults to assume responsibility for providing strategic mentorship during this important decade in life. She reveals also, however, the ways young adults are influenced not only by individual mentors but also by mentoring environments.
To read Young Adulthood in a Changing World, an excerpt from this book, click here.
Customer Reviews:
Powerfully Motivating.......2005-04-09
If it seems vague or overly theoretical, you may not be paying attention; and that's fine, if it's not what you need to be reading.
But to me it is always inspirational and powerfully motivating. It literally moves me to tears with some regularity - I see so many real people in these pages. After a little focused time with this book I consistently feel she is one of the few writers for whom every sentence and every paragraph are seriously written and contentful. Highly recommended.
Doesn't deliver on the expectations.......2003-07-25
I read this book because it was highly recommended to those who work in Campus Ministry at an Institute I attended. I snatched up the book in anticipation of being able to help those young adults that I work with. But instead of finding helpful and meaninful nuggets of psychology and analysis of the mentoring relationship, I found the book very unhelpful.
Parks uses developmental psychological analysis to try and examine what role a mentor should play while interacting with young adults. She fails to adequately address how to build relationship and how to mentor but rather stays in the "ivory tower" and doesn't come down to the ground to help mentors in the trenches. I highly disagree with another reviewer that she doesn't get caught up in the academic over-psychologizing and prose. It seems that the author was trying to please those in her field rather than those that might need a work of this kind even more. There is little "hands-on" practical advice, but rather developmental theory takes over.
She also likes to only talk about "spirituality" in vague terms and in a way the cements a relativistic approach to God and a world-view. If this sounds like your cup-o-tea, then jump in like I did. If not, don't make the same mistake I did.
A Captivating Read for Mentors.......2001-03-06
In Big Questions Worthy Dreams, Sharon Parks affirms the purpose, promise and possibility of mentoring for mentor and mentee. She recognizes the critical role of "meaning making" in the mentoring journey. The reader is at once (and always) aware of the awesome responsibility of the mentor in supporting "meaning making"at each stage of the mentee's developmental journey. Parks solidly anchors mentoring in the rich dynamic of developmental theory. At the same time, she challenges the reader to heightened levels of accountability. The examples she offers, documented from her own experience, and those of others, inspire the reader to create stimulating mentoring environments that foster growth and development. This thoughtful and well-crafted book hooks the reader from the very start raising big questions and worthy dreams for mentor and mentee alike. A mentoring must-read!
Inspiring and Thoughtful Advice for Helping Today's Youth.......2000-12-27
"Big Questions, Worthy Dreams" is a stunning book that delivers even more than it promises. I was expecting another philosophical/psychological tome on the intellectual and emotional development of young adults. I was also expecting yet another alarmist treatise on the lack of morality in today's youth--"and here's what we adults should do about it." Instead, I stumbled upon a wonderfully insightful book that weaves together developmental theory and inspirational stories, but--thankfully!--without the academic gobbledegook jargon that clogs up the prose of so many other books. But what I like best about this book is the hopeful, even inspiring, message of the book. Parks offers a clear picture of the challenges facing those of us who wish to be mentors to young people, and shows us why it's necessary--and rewarding--to take an active interest in the lives of others. This is truly an excellent book! I'm recommending it to all my colleagues.
Product Description
Part One of a two part book sert that includes How To catch a Roadrunner.
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- A Woman's Journey
- The Jo I didn't know
- Our Generation
- A book that touched my heart
- Lessons on taking a journey.
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The Dandelions of Woodlawn Avenue: "A woman's search for meaning and purpose in life"
Jo Singel
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
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ASIN: 0595360920 |
Book Description
Everyone has an intimate view of his or her own life. At times people are truthful with what they reveal about themselves. But more often than not, a person's innermost thoughts, desires, and dilemmas remain hidden from others—including close family and friends.
People rarely reveal their past mistakes, but in The Dandelions of Woodlawn Avenue, author Jo Singel shares her unsent letters and her journal and diary entries with the world. If you have ever felt alone—emotionally in the dark, afraid and with no one to turn to—her story will connect you, soul-to-soul, with the everyday struggles, discoveries, joys, and challenges of an ordinary woman who wants to free herself of the imposed restrictions of society, culture, family, relationships and work demands.
Jo's world is inhabited by disturbing portraits of people and relationships that go beyond the surface and explore the basic emotions of love, fear, anger, shame, and denial. The Dandelions of Woodlawn Avenue examines life and looks at what happens, what doesn't happen, and what might have been.
Customer Reviews:
A Woman's Journey.......2006-11-16
Having perceived Jo to be confident, successful and
calm, I was completely surprised to find in her book
the doubts, search and struggles Jo had gone through
to reach the stage of peacefulness. She was
courageous to reveal the secret of her life and the
deepest emotions. By doing so, she not only helped
herself to reconcile with her past, but also helped
many who may be in the middle of the struggle. I
appreciate her candidness and reflection on life in
this book.
The Jo I didn't know.......2006-10-01
I have formed many business friendships over the last 30 years but none have been more honest or insightful than the one I have with Jo. I met Jo in the late 1980's, not knowing anything about her upbringing, knowing only her reputation as an excellent businesswoman, motivator and teacher.
After reading about her Mom, Dad, the "hood" in Philadelphia, her first marraige, and then the journey to restart her life, I was in awe. These experiences were the DNA of her wisdom and they are powerful and moving.
For those of us boomers, who survived the 60's and our upbringing, Jo brings us candidness and honesty, letting us revisit all the testing, trumoil, and love of finding oneself.
Our Generation.......2006-04-25
A generation of women will relate to Jo's situation as a woman in the 1960's who was ready to fly but got no clear signal from the air traffic controller. Jo's powers of description enable you to feel what it was really like to grow up in the Philadelphia of the 50's and to be raised by a Mother whose dreams for her resulted in mixed signals and a Father who liberated her...yet kept her back at the same time.
Jo takes you through a panoply of life shaping experiences and many will recognize their own feelings and fears as she describes the dragons that have shown up on her path.
Her experience as a New Yorker who went through 9/11...on site...as it was happening...was the fork in the road that left her unable to go on without facing the choices she can and must make. The only thing lacking in this touching work is...the sequel.
A book that touched my heart.......2006-04-20
what a wonderful gift this book is to anyone who reads it. I am in awe of Jo's willingness to share so much with her readers...to allow herself to be so vulnerable. In doing so she allows her readers to connect with her in a soul to soul way that is very rare in books or in life. Her description of her " diving moments" reminds of my own - and how critical it is to be conscious and present in my life.
Lessons on taking a journey........2006-04-03
Everyone's life journey is unique. Reading about pivotal moments and life choices of others can provide insights into our own choices and choice points. To read the unsent letters and journal entries that provide glimpses into most private thoughts was amazing. Thank you for sharing these intimate details so that others can learn. Your journey is an inspiration and I look forward to reading about the next evolution in your journey.
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Finding Josie: One Woman's Generational Search for Purpose
Wendy Bilen
Manufacturer: Wisconsin Historical Society Press
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0870203916 |
Book Description
One woman plumbs her family history in search of meaning and wisdom in her own life. With a focus squarely on the Midwest, Bilen pieces together the history of her grandmother, Josie Broadhead, born in 1911 and raised on the North Dakota prairie. When Josie married a Wisconsin farmer, she moved to a large dairy farm outside La Crosse and began taking in people in need of a home along the way. Breathing life into Josie and her family, friends and neighbors, the author evokes a powerful sense of place--of small towns, farms and prairies--that feel both fresh and satisfyingly familiar.
Book Description
Containing Communism was the primary goal of American foreign policy for four decades, allowing generations of political leaders to build consensus atop a universally accepted foundation. From Berlin to Baghdad dissects numerous attempts, after communism's collapse, to devise a new grand strategy that could match containment's moral clarity and political efficacy.
In the 1990s, the Bush and Clinton administrations eventually acknowledged that they could not reduce America's multifaceted post-Cold War objectives to a single fundamental precept. After 9/11, George W. Bush promoted the war on terror as America's new global mission, but this potential successor to containment lost much of its strength as conflicts in the Middle East weakened public morale. From Berlin to Baghdad sheds new light on America's search for purpose in the politically volatile new world of the twenty-first century.
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Set of Titles as above.
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Managing Services Marketing: Text and Readings (Dryden Press Series in Marketing)
John E.G. Bateson
Manufacturer: South-Western College Pub
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ASIN: 0030225191 |
Books:
- How People Negotiate: Resolving Disputes in Different Cultures (Advances in Group Decision and Negotiation)
- I Promise!! This Won't Hurt a Bit "?": More Than You Ever Wanted To Know About Health Care Ethics But Not As Much As You Need To!!
- Implementing Tpm: The North American Experience (Step-By-Step Approach to TPM Implementation) (Step-By-Step Approach to TPM Implementation)
- Industrializing Malaysia: Policy, Performance, Prospects
- Introduction to Law (West Legal Studies Series)
- Jing: King of Bandits, Book 5
- Kellogg on Technology and Innovation
- Knock Your Socks Off Prospecting: How To Cold Call, Get Qualified Leads And Make More Money (Knock Your Socks Off Series)
- Librarianship and Human Rights: A Twenty-First Century Guide
- Linking Visions: Feminist Bioethics, Human Rights, and the Developing World (Studies in Social, Political, and Legal Philosophy)
Books Index
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