Starting Science from God: Rational Scientific Theories from Theism

Thompson invites his readers into an adventurous romp through historical theology, philosophy of nature, contemporary physics and (Swedenborgian) theosophy along the way towards an interpretation of modern physics that more than accommodates visionary spirituality. Even though Starting Science from God often enters the abstractions basic both to philosophy of nature and of God, the book is written in a clear and comprehensible style. In its 300 pages one encounters dozens of important thinkers from Plato and Aristotle to the Enlightenment theosopher Swedenborg to such modern titans Alfred North Whitehead, Roger Penrose, and Nicholas Saunders. He creates a theological manifesto driven by a core postulate that proposes love as the fundamental substance and propensity of all that is. Since theology is primarily concerned with the nature of human life as it relates to God, Thompson also incorporates modern psychology as a critical element in a picture framing both modern science and good theology. In nuce, Thompson argues that from known properties of physical materials and their dispositions one can quite plausibly project a multi-level structure of reality held together by a divine love that involves a human consciousness contemplating questions of meaning and purpose and evolving upwardly into creative participation of that love. A daring thesis for an esteemed physicist, and for that reason an important contribution to the current "science and theology" conversation.

This is a work of surpassing genius in which Thompson gives us new insights into the theological, metaphysical and physical aspects of creation. Using his knowledge of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, in combination with the doctrines of discrete degrees, dispositions, propensities along with ends, causes and effects, a remarkably plausible ontological system is offered in a clear and convincing way. As an advocate and pioneer in theistic science Dr. Thompson shows how Divine Love and Wisdom proceed through multiple discrete levels to create the spiritual world, the mental world and the ultimately the physical world we know through our senses in the milieu of time and space.Some prior knowledge of at least the basics of quantum physics would be helpful in fully understanding the text but is by no means essential. This is a book best read through at least twice to best grasp the profound principles elucidated by the author, a theoretical physicist who has spent years forging them into a system with profound religious consequences.

Ian Thompson has made a significant contribution to a true and comprehensive "Theory of Everything" by bringing together a deep scientific and philosophical background with powerful theological insights. This is a brilliant but challenging work that moves past the sterile debates about science versus religion and takes the conversation into a fundamentally new framework - how do we integrate a knowledge of God with a knowledge of the world.

Hard read but fascinating and definitely worth it. Now you would not want to read it if it were not a serious book anyway.

Western civilization has been looking for rational, scientific support for religious faith since the Middle Ages. Finally, here is a book that builds the case for belief in a clear and understandable way.

Good book , I would recommend it

not interesting enough

Here is a scientist who begins by assuming God exists and develops his scientific ideas from that point of view. He has a unique idea that is fascinating. I loved reading this, even though it takes concentration to follow. The discussion combines philosophy, quantum physics, and religion. It reminded me of the Tao of Physics, only more modern and more Christian.