[MGR]≫ [PDF] Why This Universe? God, Cosmology, Consciousness, and Free-Will 1, Matthew Rapaport -

Why This Universe? God, Cosmology, Consciousness, and Free-Will 1, Matthew Rapaport -

Download As PDF : Why This Universe? God, Cosmology, Consciousness, and Free-Will 1, Matthew Rapaport -

An exploration of the implications of an infinite God for modern science and theology. Having set out a theistic theory of what a truly infinite God might be like in relation to the physical world, the book then takes up such subjects as the origin of consciousness, the reconciliation of quantum mechanics and relativity, cosmology from the Big Bang to the end of the universe, metaphysical ontology including the reality and origin of human free-will, alternate universes and computer simulations, biological and social evolution, and the problem of evil.

Rather than disparaging science, the book takes scientific discoveries in physics, cosmology, and biology at face value. It also takes the fundamental difficulties science finds when trying to fathom consciousness and free-will at face value and shows how a proper grasp of the implications of God's infinity reconcile them both. Science and causal closure in the universe is accepted, and an explanation for the emergence of of consciousness is given. All of these subjects are examined not so much from the "how" of them, though that is addressed, as from the "why". Why should our universe be just the way it is? How what science discovers and theology infers from an appreciation of infinity can be brought together to explain everything we experience within ourselves is the subject of this book.

Why This Universe? God, Cosmology, Consciousness, and Free-Will 1, Matthew Rapaport -

Product details File Size 789 KB Print Length 235 pages Simultaneous Device Usage Unlimited Publisher Matthew Rapaport; 1 edition (June 1, 2014) Publication Date June 1, 2014 Sold by  Digital Services LLC Language English ASIN B00KPI2N5W

Tags : Why This Universe?: God, Cosmology, Consciousness, and Free-Will - Kindle edition by Matthew Rapaport. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Why This Universe?: God, Cosmology, Consciousness, and Free-Will.,ebook,Matthew Rapaport,Why This Universe?: God, Cosmology, Consciousness, and Free-Will,Matthew Rapaport,PHILOSOPHY Metaphysics,SCIENCE Cosmology

Why This Universe? God, Cosmology, Consciousness, and Free-Will 1, Matthew Rapaport - Reviews

I could go into great detail as to the concepts presented in this book! However, I find that when people try to combine science and religion, things get really crazy! If people want to believe in a God, that's their right, but when they enter into the science area, well, that's when things get nutty! To try and use writings from books that were written by people that were one step away from living in caves, is obscene! When people try to make science match ancient writing, that's where religious beliefs enter the picture, and also voodoo science! This nonsense has been trying to enter our school system for years, and everytime, when brought to court, have been shown be non-science - fiction! We as a species, need to get beyond this nonsense and make sure our children understand the difference between Science and religious beliefs! People will just about believe anything - and often do! Down through time, people have added and subtracted various Gods for various reasons! Don't try to make it Science! When people present there credentials as PHD's - well, it makes me wonder what college is teaching this nonsense, because, it only serves to confuse not educate the young mind! Book of garbage!
Why this Universe
by Matthew Rapaport
A Review
by
Robert G. Kraft, PhD
The very title of this book tells readers they are trekking into the high country of
the mind. This exploration is taken in company with a troop of writers whose
names may not show up on bestseller lists but are known to readers who are
attracted to cosmology, philosophy, theology, and metaphysics.
I am amateur on this kind of trek. So perhaps I can give some minimal guidance
to readers not yet comfortable in this high country. The subtitle of this book, God,
Cosmology, Consciousness, and Free-Will, tells readers that this is not science,
although the author is well grounded in fundamentals of science.
The mention of God, consciousness, and free-will tells readers they are in highly
controversial territory. What's not apparent is that Rapaport takes such inquiry
into greater depth and breadth than few readers have ever considered. And he can
be logically rigorous and quite convincing.
The author lays out necessary premises in the beginning. “I begin by accepting
there is a God.” The initial portrait of God is drawn from The Urantia Book.
Readers who have not heard of this underground classic, published in 1955, now
available in 17 languages, may be in for a startling revelation. It's not within the
scope of this review to describe this work, as a reader can easily do a Google
search. Only to say that this God is defined as the infinite Source outside timespace
reality. And thus cannot be “proven” within definitions of proof which
science relies on.
The author calls this reality “Cosmic Mind,” in which we mortals participate
through our own consciousness. Thus our consciousness too is outside the matterenergy
realm of science. Thus science is unable to explain consciousness in any
convincing way, or even describe it, beyond some simple reductions as, “firing
neurons in the brain”—explanations which even scientists know are hopelessly
inadequate.
For readers intimidated by such forays into this high country, Rapaport is kind to
you with straight-forward definitions of his major terms and discussions of his
“Premises and Corollaries.” He continues his discussion into “Values and
Humanity,” especially the fundamental values of “Truth, Beauty, and Goodness”
identified as Forces of universal appeal to us mortals. In this way Rapaport comes
to terms with our own everyday lives.
Other more directly personal topics of interest “Religious Experience, “Life and
Evolution,” “The Limitations of Free Will, Moral Choice, and the Problem of
Evil.”
Much of the content of this book, while always challenging, is surprising and
compelling. Well worth the trip.