Let There Be Light: Modern Cosmology and Kabbalah: A New Conversation Between Science and Religion

by Howard Smith

Book Overview

In Let There Be Light, Howard Smith, a research astrophysicist and traditionally observant Jew, explores how modern scientific understandings of the cosmos complement Judaism's ancient mystical theology, the Kabbalah. He argues that science and religion are not only compatible, but that a healthy, productive dialogue between the two sheds light on ethics, free will, and the nature of life, while at the same time rejecting fundamentalist misinterpretation...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1577315480
• ISBN13: 9781577315483
• Release Date: October 2006
• Publisher: New World Library
• Length: 280 Pages
• Weight: 0.13 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Amazing - A "Must-Read"

Absolutely great! Howard Smith, senior astrophysicist and former head of the Smithsonian Museum's astrophysics department, smoothly and harmoniously combines astrophysics and Kabbalah to provide an interesting perfective of the mysteries of the cosmos. "Let There be Light" approaches complicated topics such as quantum mechanics, relativity and cosmic acceleration with amazing simplicity, easily comprehensible for anyone with no science background. In this book, Smith masters the complex task of communicating technical material to the general public. It is a must read if for anyone interested in science, religion or both.

Spiritually Uplifting

I've always loved science and have recently become more religious. This book is a great fusion of Kabbalah and Physics. I found that after reading the book my meditations and prayers were much richer.

An inviting dialogue perfect for science-minded yet religious readers.

Author Howard A. Smith, Ph.D. is a senior astrophysist and former chair of the Smithsonian Museum's astronomy department - so why isn't his LET THERE BE LIGHT: MODERN COSMOLOGY AND KABBALAH reviewed in our science section? Because it's packed with interactions between ancient Kabbalah and modern astronomy and thus forms an important bridge between the two. Learn how science and religion interact harmoniously and how an understanding of the two can bring better understanding of Kabbalah in an inviting dialogue perfect for science-minded yet religious readers. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

God and the Big Bang

"Let There Be Light" provides a sophisticated and lucid account of the physics that underlies scientists' current understanding of the origins of the universe. Indeed, Smith's discussion of cosmology is the best I have ever encountered in the popular science literature. For this reason alone, the book merits a place at the top any thoughtful individual's reading list. However, this book is much more than a soon-to-be-acclaimed popular science classic. For beyond the physics and cosmology, Smith introduces topics from Kabbalah/religion and, with the skill of a poet, weaves together concepts from these oft-opposing disciplines (i.e., science and religion). From the complex tapestry that emerges from these efforts, Smith demonstrates how the perspectives and analyses of each of these disciplines can in fact complement, illuminate, and shed light upon the other. The result is nothing less than an intellectually and spiritually uplifting experience. It will leave you trembling.