The Quantum Genesis: The creation of the universe according to a quantum reading of the Bible
Synopsis "The Quantum Genesis: The creation of the universe according to a quantum reading of the Bible"
Is quantum science able to help us understand the creation of the universe and shed light on the narrative presented by the book of Genesis? If Hamlet lived in our century, he would say that there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of not only in our philosophy, but also in our science. This may be felt today because the Newtonian paradigm that frames our experiences and our common sense is being challenged by the more complex paradigms of relativity and quantum, field and superstring theories. As a consequence, our world views and religious frameworks are also invited to evolve accordingly. "The Quantum Genesis: the creation of the universe according to a quantum reading of the Bible" is an attempt to contribute to a new dialogue between religion and science. It proposes an innovative look at the first verses of Genesis according to the post-Newtonian paradigm, which embraces quantum field and string theories. Its chapters offer a new reading of the following narratives: 1) "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth"; 2) And God said, "Let there be light"; 3) "Let there be the firmament"; 4) "Let the Earth bring forth the living creature"; 5) "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness"; 6) "And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good". Indeed, scientific breakthroughs have rushed into fields previously monopolized by religion and philosophy. Paradigm shifts have moved science away from the tangible and concrete, drawing it to the conceptual, the subtle. Religious mysteries like eternity, omnipresence, interpenetration between energy and matter, conscious power over reality and unity of beings may find compatibilities with quantum theory. Features previously considered antiscientific heresies or mysticism now form a part of an explanatory framework of a more sophisticated science that shakes the pillars of materialism, determinism, mechanicism and the objectivism of classical science. The 21st century may witness the convergence between science and religion, between reason and faith, taking into account the advancements of the first toward more subtle, intangible and complex accomplishments that challenge common sense and daily experiences, and the growing tolerance and open mindedness of the latter. Divergences between science and religion may be put together in two dilemmas: theism versus naturalism and materialism versus spiritualism. The book argues that both dilemmas are false, and that everything is intertwined within the framework of the "intelligent design" thesis. Open-minded physics have been stressing the convergence between quantum theory - particularly cosmic interconnection and unity - and aspects of Taoism, Hinduism and Brahmanism. Nevertheless, this convergence has not been deeply studied in Christianity and Judaism, in spite of the broad possibilities of links with the Holy Scriptures. That is what this book tries to accomplish, exploring bridges with the quantum fields of energy ("heavens", "earth" and "heavenly waters"), from before the Big Bang itself all the way to the making of man, while also considering the creation of light and of life itself. It may be of interest of not only religious readers, but also of scientists, atheists, agnostics and the general public.
