Preface for Exploring the Gap between Science and Religion

Preface to Exploring the Gap

This book has undergone several title changes. Originally, the title was “Crucifying Galileo."

Portrait of Galileo by Giusto Sustermans

That title so eloquently drew attention to the central topic of this book: the conflict between Christianity and scientific thought. It also encapsulated the struggle that people of faith in the modern and post-modern era, where science, culture, and philosophy seem to wage war against spiritual thought and values.

Then a few years ago while on vacation at Holden Village, I volunteered to facilitate a discussion on the topic of "The Impact of Quantum Physics on Religion". Afterwards, many reported to me that the discussion had touched them and challenged their thinking.

So, for a while the title was “The Impact of Quantum Physics to Religion”.

Werner Heisenberg,
author of quantum physics' "Uncertainty Prinicple"

But a friend pointed out that the title would really turn a lot of readers away. He observed, based on our discussion of the topic, that it seemed like I was exploring a gap between science and religion. He was right on!

My background My youth was spent within the protective confines of a conservative Christian denomination and associated school. Until I graduated from high school, everyone around me thought, looked, and acted just like I did.

After I graduated from high school I attended a "secular", state-supported college. There I was drawn to philosophy. That’s when I began wrestling with God.

The two warring viewpoints sent my young mind and heart and soul into turmoil. For two years I weighed the arguments, debating issues over Faith and God versus our modern culture’s definition of knowledge and truth.

I finally said to myself, “If Christianity isn’t true, and God doesn’t exist, I do not want continue to believe them.” Then late one night, while I walked the rounds my night watchman job, I screamed, “God, why won’t you tell me whether you exist?” The turbulent storm raging in my mind and soul was silenced.

Rembrandt's painting of Jesus calming the sea has become
a symbol of the temptest quieted that night so long ago.
Then a few years ago, I came across a passage stating that Abraham believed in multiple gods at that the time God called him. As I read this, a voice within my head said, “You have taken the right path.” With that statement came a feeling that my years of alienation from the church was a part of the role I was meant to play. I had a deep and abiding confidence that someday I would tell the world.

This book is the fulfillment of that prophecy.