Synopses & Reviews
Responding to contemporary popular atheism, Robert J. Spitzer's New Proofs for the Existence of God examines the considerable evidence for God and creation that has come to light from physics and philosophy during the last forty years. An expert in diverse areas, including theology, physics, metaphysics, and ethics, Spitzer offers in this text the most contemporary, complete, and integrated approach to rational theism currently available.
"Skepticism about the possibility of proving the existence of God often relies on data from modern science. In this splendid new book Father Robert Spitzer explores the implications of the latest discoveries in big bang cosmology, string theory, quantum physics, and the ontology of time to craft a series of convincing philosophical arguments. To paraphrase a popular commercial, this is not your father's old 'natural theology' textbook it's a gripping and compelling account of the best current arguments for theism."Joseph W. Koterski, S.J., Foidham University
"A most original and insightful case for the existence of God.... Fr. Spitzer's new proofs pose a serious and compelling challenge to the unconscious hegemony of naturalism in the worlds of both philosophy and the sciences."Francis J. Beckwith, Baylor University
"Rare is the theologian who keeps abreast of the latest developments in fundamental physics, and even rarer the one who can discuss them with the theological and philosophical sophistication that Fr. Spitzer displays in this book. A challenging and original work."Stephen M. Barr, University of Delaware, author of Modern Physics and Ancient Faith
Synopsis
With the incredible popularity of recent books championing agnosticism or atheism, many people might never know that such books almost completely ignore the considerable evidence for theism uncovered in both physics and philosophy over the past four decades. New Proofs for the Existence of God responds to these glaring omissions. / From universal space-time asymmetry to cosmic coincidences to the intelligibility of reality, Robert Spitzer tackles a wealth of evidence. He considers string theory, quantum cosmology, mathematical thoughts on infinity, and much more. / This fascinating and stunning collection of evidence provides solid grounding for reasonable and responsible belief in a super-intelligent, transcendent, creative power standing at the origins of our universe.
About the Author
Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., former president of Gonzaga University, is founder and president of the Magis Institute for Faith and Reason, Irvine, California, and host of a popular series on FWTN. His other books include Healing the Culture, The Spirit of Leadership, and Five Pillars of the Spiritual Life.
Table of Contents
Pt. 1. Indications of creation and supernatural design in contemporary Big Bang cosmology -- Indications of creation in Big Bang cosmology -- Indications of supernatural design in contemporary Big Bang cosmology -- Inflationary cosmology and the string multiverse / by Bruce L. Gordon -- Pt. 2. Three philosophical proofs for the existence of God -- Methodological presuppositions of philosophical proof : reasonable and responsible belief -- A metaphysical argument for God's existence -- A Lonerganian proof for God's existence -- Proof of a creator of past time -- Methodological considerations and the impossibility of disproving God -- Pt. 3. The transcendentals : the divine and human mysteries -- The divine mystery : five transcendentals -- The human mystery : five yearnings for the ultimate -- Conclusion: Five questions toward the unconditional love of God.