Star Struck: Seeing the Creator in the Wonders of Our Cosmos

Description

The heavens are beckoning us, telling us that this wonderful, mind-boggling cosmic display is indeed the work of the creator. And now, using rovers and satellites, we're venturing further out into the vastness of space than ever before. In Star Struck, Christian astronomer David Bradstreet and writer Steve Rabey take readers on a guided tour of the biggest story ever, offering both intriguing science lessons and powerful spiritual insights: * As we discover more about cosmos, we understand more about the character of our Creator; * The more we see the vastness and complexity of the universe, the more we experience awe, wonder, praise, gratitude and humility; * Hundreds of Christian astronomers blaze the way into deep exploration of the universe today, discovering and proving God's work in the heavens. Combining a respect and admiration for mainstream astronomy with a zeal for uncovering new details about God's celestial handiwork at its core, this book about stars, planets, asteroids, nebula, comets, dark matter, and the other fingerprints of God will tell you that all of the worlds around you are God's and this world is his home for you.

David H. Bradstreet is an award-winning professor, author and astronomy "rock star" who has been teaching students of all ages about the heavens since 1976 at Eastern University, where he serves as Professor and Chair of the Astronomy and Physics Department and Director of the David H. Bradstreet Observatory and Julia Fowler Planetarium. Dave earned a M.S. and Ph. D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics from the University of Pennsylvania and has worked with NASA, the National Science Foundation and the International Astronomical Union. He co-authored the Binary Maker 3.0 software program that helps astronomical researchers worldwide calculate the characteristics of binary stars. In 2014 the International Astronomical Union named the asteroid 5826 Bradstreet in honor of Dave's work in binary stars and for his innovative digital planetarium curriculum. Dave has been happily married to his best friend, Colleen, for 39 years.

Astronomy elicits awe and wonder from those who gaze into the vastness of the universe. Religion elicits even greater awe and wonder of the infinite Creator of such vastness. This book beautifully balances both experiences of wonder. * -John Michael Talbot, bestselling musician and author * This book is an engaging and personal tour of the universe from a respected astronomer who also loves the Bible. Come along for the ride! * -Deborah Haarsma, astronomer and president of BioLogos * This book declares the glory of God and invites us to see in the heavens his handiwork. This is a great resource for anyone who wants to help young people see that science and faith can share the same space! * -Dr. Duffy Robbins, professor of youth ministry, Eastern University * A sweeping account of how the heavens and heaven go hand in hand. Even if you don't completely accept the authors' theological worldview, you will encounter many intriguing insights you won't find expressed so clearly elsewhere. * -Owen Gingerich, professor emeritus of astronomy and of the history of science, Harvard University * A close read of this inviting book will open your mind to see the amazing work of God in an amazingly massive universe. You'll be dually awed by the majesty of creation and the action of the Creator. * -Andrew Root, Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry, Luther Seminary * Too many people see science and faith in conflict. Leading astronomer David Bradstreet explodes that myth in this outstanding, highly readable book that shows how science has enriched his faith and how Christian faith has enriched science. * -David Wilkinson, author and professor of theology and religion, Durham University * This book combines an engaging and informed romp through the cosmos with a deep conviction that the heavens declare the glory of God. Bradstreet and Rabey make the case that we live on a privileged planet in a remarkably designed universe. * -Karl Giberson, scholar-in-residence in science and religion, Stonehill College * We live in a time when cosmologist Sean Carroll claims that "the evidence is pretty incontrovertible" for atheism. This book reminds us that for those who ask why there's any beauty in the universe, the heavens still declare the glory of God. * -Douglas LeBlanc, author, Tithing: Test Me in This * This book will capture the imagination of all who hunger to see God's majesty, creativity, power, and love with fresh eyes. Read this book and you'll never see the heavens the same way. * -Terry Linhart, author and professor of Christian ministries, Bethel College * This book is a celebration of wonder. In plain, accessible language, Bradstreet and Rabey show us how beautiful and mysterious the universe is. This book helps us love the artistry of our great cosmic canvas. * -Dean Nelson, coauthor, Quantum Leap: How John Polkinghorne Found God in Science and Religion * This book is a primer on the current best science on the universe. It illumines our thinking, helps us grasp our Creator's comets, stars, and meteors, and shows us how we may better love God, the scientific enterprise, and the detailed wonders of the heavens and earth that this enterprise reveals. * -Robert G. Duffett, president, Eastern University * I've always looked forward to the "new earth." This enjoyable book makes me look forward to the "new heavens" more than ever. For this I'm deeply thankful! * -Kevin Flannery, senior pastor, Church of the Saviour *