The Hand Of God: A Collection of Thoughts and Images Reflecting the Spirit of the Universe - Hardcover

Lionheart Books, Ltd

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0740703234 ISBN 13: 9780740703232

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 1999

Synopsis

An assortment of images taken of deep space, some from the Hubble space telescope, present an awe-inspiring look at the universe and the handiwork of God.

About this title

Review

The idea behind this magnificent book is to pair stunning images from outer space alongside meaningful spiritual quotes from here on earth. Ultimately, the two work well together, suggesting the presence of a divine hand, or at least a divine order in the universe. Editor Michael Reagan deserves much praise for his keen visual eye, as well as his selection of quotes from the likes of Albert Einstein, Jane Goodall, Stephen Hawking, Dr. Seuss, Theodore Roethke, Carl Sagan, Mark Twain, and Annie Dillard.

Many of the photos were taken from the Hubble Space Telescope, offering fascinating glimpses into distant black holes and galaxies. Some images are vivid and romantic like a Renaissance painting. Some (such as the Voyager I photo of Jupiter) seem to suggest that Vincent van Gogh had a hand in painting the universe. Each photo has a concrete caption and clearly explains what is happening and where the image comes from.

With a hint of irony, Reagan placed the following quote beside the explosive, womb web photo of "Star Birth Region NGC 604": "Stars are like animals in the wild. We may see the young but never the actual birth, which is a veiled and secret event." - Heinz Pagels, Perfect Symmetry

It is quotes such as these that make readers feel especially blessed. If not yet true voyagers, we can at least become voyeurs into space and spirituality--the far reaches of our final frontiers. --Gail Hudson

Edition details

• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0740703234
• ISBN 13: 9780740703232
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 160