Science and Spirituality

A Sense of the Cosmos: Scientific Knowledge and Spiritual Truth

by Jacob Needleman

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"With this one compact statement, Jacob Needleman has forced the discussion of both science and religion in our time into a new, more mature and discriminating phase. . . . It is a way station where those who are seriously exploring the transformation of consciousness will have to stop, take thought, and perhaps re-plot their course."-Theodore Roszak"I want to strongly recommend it to every reader seriously interested in our present cultural situation."-Fritjof Capra"Needleman is unique; he is really on to something. . . . A fine book"-Harvey Cox Western science has operated for centuries on the assumption that we can understand the universe without understanding ourselves. We are just now seeking to make the necessary connection between the general laws of nature to those of our own (inner) nature. But the job won't be done with "massive injections of the new consciousness"; we cannot democratize the sacred by cheapening its demands. "My aim in this book therefore" says Needleman, "has not been to speak of the convergence of science and spirituality, but of their separation. As in nature itself, organic unity is a reciprocal relationship between separate but interdependent entities. In human life as well, there can be no real unity except through the awareness of real divisions. One may then hope to experience the magic power of sustained awareness by itself to bring the harmony that we have until now fruitlessly attempted to impose on ourselves and on our endangered civilization." Jacob Needleman is a professor of philosophy at San Francisco State University and the author of many books, including Money and the Meaning of Life, and The American Soul. In addition to his teaching and writing, he serves as a consultant in the fields of psychology, education, medical ethics, philanthropy, and business, and has been featured on Bill Moyers's acclaimed PBS series A World of Ideas.

Publisher: Monkfish Book Publishing | More reviews: amazon.com

Nature's Open Secret : Introductions to Goethe's Scientific Writings (Classics in Anthroposophy)

by Rudolf Steiner

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The holistic paradigm, Gaia, deep ecology, new alchemy, all have a hidden ancestor: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832). At the young age of twenty-one, Rudolf Steiner was chosen to edit Goethe’s scientific writings for a new collection of Goethe’s complete works. Goethe’s literary genius was already universally acknowledged; it was Steiner’s task to understand and comment on Goethe’s unique scientific achievement. Rudolf Steiner recognized the compelling power of Goethe’s work with nature and developed Goethe’s theory of knowledge in remarkable and far-reaching ways. Here, in fact, began Steiner’s own training in epistemology and spiritual science. Natural science had created a powerful tool for understanding the inorganic world, but failed to comprehend the phenomenon of life. Goethe discovered how thinking could be applied to organic nature, and he understood that this experience requires not just rational concepts but a whole new way of perceiving. This volume, Steiner’s introduction to Goethe, is nothing less than a re-visioning of what it means to know the world. In an age when science and technology have been linked to great catastrophes, many are seeking a different way to address nature. With a fundamental declaration of the interpenetration of our consciousness and the world, Rudolf Steiner shows in Nature’s Open Secret how Goethe’s approach points the way to a more compassionate, intimate involvement with nature.

Publisher: Steiner Books | More reviews: amazon.com

Our Invisible Bodies: Scientific Evidence for Subtle Bodies

by Jay Alfred

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"The first few pages are worth the price of this book. The author gives a masterful presentation of astronomical evidence for massive and invisible "dark matter" structures on a galactic scale, everyone will learn something new here, tantalizingly juxtaposed to the subject of our own invisible (energy) bodies. According to this evidence, more than 90% of the mass of our universe is invisible, i.e. cannot be directly seen by current technology, the unseen mass exposed only by the gravitional influences it has upon visible galactic objects. How many of you knew that? If the rest of the book is as good as this, it will have all the makings of an historic and eye opening classic."

Publisher: Trafford Publishing | More reviews: amazon.com

Apocalypse 2012: A Scientific Investigation into Civilization's End

by Lawrence E. Joseph

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"Never have I been so aware of an author's shortcomings - both in terms of knowledge and writing - while reading a book. With Apocalypse 2012, Joseph has pieced together one of the odder literary offerings I've ever come across.

For starters, the book jumps frenetically from one topic to another with nary a transition to be found. The first 20 pages are so disorienting that you wonder whether a Ritalin prescription isn't in order for Mr. Joseph. Our friendly author also can't help throwing in personal experiences that - while presumably cathartic for him - have nothing to do with the book. So we hear about his divorce, his parents' divorce and his dad's subsequent death, his own financial and writing woes from time to time for no apparent reason.

Then there's the topic... that the world will endure some massive transitional (and death-filled) moment on 12/21/2012. This is accoring to Mayan astrological study. Joseph doesn't seem to know whether to mock the hypothesis or take it seriously for most of the book, which incidentally comes off as a faux-science scary bedtime story. After discussing global warming, human threats, the transit of our solar system through a rough galactic patch, super-volcanoes, terrorism and religion, Joseph seems to decide that something big is indeed in the works and that our best bet to prepare is to: 1. Pray; 2. Smash Volkswagon Phaetons (I'm serious); 3. Build underground cities with the money we'd otherwise spend experimenting with nuclear fusion.

So why even three stars? Because the book does manage to capture your imagination in plenty of places and gets you thinking some big existential thoughts and that's an acomplishment in its own right.

A goofy, disjointed ride that might just be worth your time if you like scary bedtime stories."

Publisher: Morgan Road Books | More reviews: amazon.com

Alternative Science: Challenging the Myths of the Scientific Establishment

by Richard Milton

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"Many readers are shocked to learn that there exists an orthodoxy within the scientific community that viciously attacks theories outside the mainstream, as well as those scientists daring to research "heretical" ideas. The objectivity inherent in the scientific method cannot control human biases and machinations, however. Science has its share of fanatical, dogmatic defenders of "accepted truth" whose inquisitorial skills are neatly disguised through technical jargon and reductionist logic. Richard Milton succinctly exposes this world and deflates the popular myth that all science is conducted objectively.This excellent book reveals how theories once summarily (and often cruelly) dismissed by the scientific establishment were later definitively proven through experimentation, demonstration, and replication (i.e., the scientific method). The author also presents many currently heretical theories that, despite repeated experimental validation, remain condemned by the scientific orthodoxy. Lovers of open-minded investigations will appreciate this book's reminder to search for ulterior motives when evaluating criticisms of someone's research. Fairness and objectivity, the author suggests, are essential in evaluating any theories. Be alert, though, when subjectivity taints the scientific ideal."

Publisher: Park Street Press | More reviews: amazon.com

The Scientific Basis of Astrology: Tuning to the Music of the Planets

by Percy Seymour

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Offering evidence for the validity of astrology in everyday life, a prominent astronomer presents a new theory on the relationship between science and astrology, demonstrating a conclusive connection between the cosmos and the mysteries of human personalities.

Publisher: St Martins Pr | More reviews: amazon.com

Secrets of the Soil: A Fascinating Account of Recent Breakthroughs-Scientific and Spiritual-That Can Save Your Garden or Farm

by Peter Tompkins

Publisher: Harpercollins | More reviews: amazon.com

Paranormal Investigation: Ghost Hunting Using Scientific Methods

by J. Atencio

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"I was expecting something with a little more "meat" - this book is described as having 162 pages. Please be aware this is a tiny pocketbook and the text could easily fit on 40 regular-size pages. The amount of content is not worth the price of the book. In all seriousness, I've found more valuable information for free on the Internet."

Publisher: BookSurge Publishing | More reviews: amazon.com

Ufo's: A Scientific Debate (The Norton library, N739)

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"For those of you trying to find information on UFO sightings, I would recommend UFO: The Complete Sightings. This book, which is good in its own right, delves deeply into the scientific basis behind UFO's, and some chapters involve some pretty heavy math. Of course, if you're into that sort of thing then by all means buy this book."

Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc | More reviews: amazon.com

Cosmic Explorers: Scientific Remote Viewing, Extraterrestrials, and a Message for Mankind

by Courtney Brown

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"I haven't read "Cosmic Explorers" yet, just "Cosmic Voyage" so far, but I just needed to say something to these extremely educated reviewers down below. I'm sure you are all very intelligent, and have worked extremely hard (and spent a great deal of money) to get your degrees and titles. Please remember one thing, however: hundreds of years ago, people with educational backgrounds similar to yours insisted that the Earth was the center of the universe, it was flat, and that monsters rested just beyond the edge of the horizon. This was scientific fact back then, and there was apparently a great amount of scientific "proof" establishing it. Scientific Fact: the larger the mind is, the more difficult it is to open.Thank you."

Publisher: Signet | More reviews: amazon.com