Quantum Theology, Revised Edition: Spiritual Implications of the New Physics

Quantum Theology, Revised Edition: Spiritual Implications of the New Physics

Thought Provoking but Hard to Connect the Dots

Very stimulating book but also hard to follow. Maybe that's because I don't have much of a background in quantum physics, but then again, he doesn't either. Not much new from his first edition. The best thing about the book to me was that it really made me think. It took me in different directions I think than the author intended, but gave me a lot to consider. From my philosophy and theology background I had to wonder how he connected the dots between naturalism and supernaturalism. His metaphors were particularly cumbersome. Just because a quark can't be divided doesn't necessarily mean it relates somehow to the Trinity. Correlations doesn't automatically mean causation or connection. Still I enjoyed the book very much and as I said, it really gives the reader a lot to think about. Terry Bell (The author of "The Love Ethic.")

tough read worth the wading

admittedly a tough read, and i can see why the empircally linearly minded have great difficulty with it. It is after all theology which tends to be difficult to get through when scholarly. What O'Murchu offers is another lens to look at the world and the cosmos that every bit as valid as those more rigid sources. What i dont like about it is that for theology, it lacks foundation . . .is a bit wishy washy. But i gave it five stars because of its audacity and unique approach. We are living in a transitional time of paradigm shifting . . . many disciplines attest to that . . . we need the fresh insights that can be gleaned from those scholars who think and write outside the box. Thank you O'Murchu.

Vacuous Speculations

Quantum Theology is a book that claims to be consistent with Christianity but is clearly at odds with it. The subtitle is "Spiritual Implications of the New Physics," but this is just marketing drivel. The author obviously knows nothing about physics, except for the fact that quantum theory introduces an element of uncertainty into physics. He uses this idea to cast doubt on centuries of Christian tradition, and replace it with his own vacuous speculations. There are some ideas in the book that are worthwhile, but these are carried to ridiculous extremes. For example: 1. "Seek meaning in the journey rather than the destination." That's fine, but then the book goes on to say that the journey does not even have a destination. Enjoying the journey is fine, but just the same I would prefer to have a destination in mind. 2. "God supercedes traditional theology." Of course God is bigger than theology, but then the book goes on to denigrate 2000 years of Christian tradition and hold itself up as the new paradigm. Some of the claims in the book that are at odds with the Bible are: 1. The notion of "God" is a human construct "that may limit rather than enhance our understanding of life's ultimate source and meaning." 2. "The dilemma of pantheism is resolved." 3. The idea of "original sin" is a human construct. 4. Quantum theology seeks to outgrow the quaint dualism of good vs. evil. 5. The major sin of our time is speciesism. (I don't know about you, but I can think of plenty of sin in this world that is worse than speciesism!) 6. "We live in a world without beginning or end." (This contradicts both the Bible and physics.) 7. It is only systems, rather than individuals, that can be guilty of sin. (So much for individual responsibility.) 8. "Resurrection and reincarnation are not facts." (I agree with half of that statement, but Christianity without resurrection is like a building without a foundation.) Having criticized the book, I don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater. There's plenty of dirty bathwater in this book, but some ideas of value include: 1. "No one source of knowledge ... can provide a complete description of reality." This emphasizes the Biblical concept of general revelation, which is ignored by too many evangelicals. 2. "Redemption is not just about personal salvation; it also concerns ... planetary and universal life." This idea, which is typically missed by evangelicals, is clearly consistent with the Bible. In summary, this book provides some food for thought, but it contains far more junk food than nutrition.

Update Review

This is one of the most important books for Catholics and Christians to read. O'Murchu is a brilliant and wise writer, and his update with the most current information coming to us today about the Divine Mystery and how we can experience it in our own lives. He brings faith and much more, spirituality, into today's world. This is a must read. Barbara Mayer

A New Approach Toward Spirituality

I recommend this book to all men and women, young or old, who are searching for an understanding of the sacred and their own spirituality. It was an eye-opener to meet people whose spiritual life is at a crossroads. They find no comfort or consolation in their current church and are searching to find a way to deepen their spiritual life. This is a book for them. It is an opportunity to discover new perspectives on the sense of the sacred through a better appreciation of the cosmos, the universe.

Keyword : quantum+physic